Rankings / By State
Best Colleges in Arkansas
- 18
- Schools
- $47,175
- Avg. Earnings
- 49%
- Avg. Graduation
- $16,760
- Avg. Net Price
- $21,871
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 18 schools run from $35,550 to $63,496, a 1.8× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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University of Arkansas Grantham delivers the most for the money: roughly $63,496 in median earnings against $8,370 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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The most affordable option, University of Arkansas Grantham ($8,370 net price), still posts $63,496 in earnings, at or above the list average. Paying more does not guarantee a better outcome.
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Hendrix College graduates 71% of its students, versus a 49% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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University of Arkansas Grantham carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.35× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 John Brown University ($53,907 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, University of Arkansas Grantham ($63,496), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- University of Arkansas Grantham costs $8,370 a year and Hendrix College costs $24,149. Yet their graduates earn $63,496 and $60,376, nowhere near the $15,779 price gap.
- Graduation rates split the field: Hendrix College finishes 71% of students while Williams Baptist University finishes 31%. Same ranking, very different odds of leaving with a degree.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these schools, begin with University of Arkansas Grantham and Hendrix College. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $45K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 John Brown University #1 overall | $53,907 ▲ +14% vs avg | $20,397 | 69% | 69 |
| 2 Hendrix College #2 overall | $60,376 ▲ +28% vs avg | $24,149 | 71% | 68 |
| 3 Arkansas State University #3 overall | $42,617 ▼ -10% vs avg | $12,366 | 55% | 68 |
| $58,191 ▲ +23% vs avg | $18,209 | 70% | 68 | |
| $51,673 ▲ +10% vs avg | $22,409 | 66% | 67 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Colleges in Arkansas
This analysis ranks 18 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $47,175 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 49% and an average net price of $16,760.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: University of Arkansas Grantham — Net Price: $8,370 | Graduation Rate: 32%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Hendrix College — 71% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: University of Arkansas Grantham — Median alumni earnings: $63,496
Research Note
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Arkansas Opportunity Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about higher education and opportunity in Arkansas?
$44,825
Median earnings (10yr)
49%
Median graduation rate
$16,880
Median net price
1.8%
Avg. mobility rate
Higher education is intensely local: most students enroll close to home and stay to work nearby, so a state's colleges are also its talent pipeline. This ranking looks at the mix of public and private institutions across Arkansas, asking who keeps graduates in-state, who delivers earnings against the local cost of living, and who moves residents up the income ladder.
Start with the medians across these 18 schools. Graduates earn a median of $44,825 ten years after enrollment. The median graduation rate is 49%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $16,880 a year with about $21,500 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 41% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 1.8%.
What we’re seeing: the schools that matter most for Arkansas pair affordability with outcomes that keep talent local. A median net price of $16,880 and median earnings of $44,825 show which institutions strengthen the regional economy rather than simply enrolling students.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
John Brown University lands at #1 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $53,907 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,397 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Hendrix College lands at #2 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $60,376 a decade after enrolling, 28% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,149 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Arkansas State University lands at #3 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (60/100). Graduates earn a median $42,617 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,366 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
University of Arkansas lands at #4 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (59/100). Graduates earn a median $58,191 a decade after enrolling, 23% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,209 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Ouachita Baptist University lands at #5 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $51,673 a decade after enrolling, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,409 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
University of Central Arkansas lands at #6 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $45,938 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,511 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
University of the Ozarks lands at #7 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $44,384 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,360 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Little Rock, AR · 59% accepted · $17,248 net
Why it ranks #8
University of Arkansas at Little Rock lands at #8 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $45,265 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,248 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Harding University lands at #9 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $52,876 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,130 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Williams Baptist University lands at #10 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (57/100). Graduates earn a median $38,484 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,745 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Pine Bluff, AR · 41% accepted · $12,653 net
Why it ranks #11
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff lands at #11 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (52/100). Graduates earn a median $35,550 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,653 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Henderson State University lands at #12 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $43,459 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,405 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Philander Smith University lands at #13 with a 60/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (54/100). Graduates earn a median $38,427 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,224 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Lyon College lands at #14 with a 57/100 composite, led by academic quality (70/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $44,232 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,616 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith lands at #15 with a 57/100 composite, led by value per dollar (72/100) and pulled down by social mobility (53/100). Graduates earn a median $41,102 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,574 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Central Baptist College lands at #16 with a 56/100 composite, led by value per dollar (63/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $46,789 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,287 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Magnolia, AR · 75% accepted · $14,027 net
Why it ranks #17
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus lands at #17 with a 55/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (61/100) and pulled down by social mobility (56/100). Graduates earn a median $42,386 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,027 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
University of Arkansas Grantham lands at #18 with a 54/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by academic quality (39/100). Graduates earn a median $63,496 a decade after enrolling, 35% above this list's average, and net price runs $8,370 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 18 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Choosing a college in Arkansas means considering a range of schools that share a commitment to student success and community engagement. With 21 schools to explore, prospective students and their families have plenty of options to weigh when it comes to finding the right fit.
The strongest institutions on this list stand out based on key metrics like earnings, graduation rates, net price, and levels of student debt. For example, the University of Arkansas boasts earnings of $58,191 and a graduation rate of 70%, setting it apart from other schools. Understanding how these factors interplay can help families make informed decisions about where to apply.
Take the University of Arkansas and Hendrix College, for instance. While both schools have solid earnings — $58,191 and $60,376, respectively — they differ significantly in net price and debt levels. Hendrix has a net price of $24,149 and debt averaging $26,688, compared to the University of Arkansas's $18,209 net price and $21,500 debt. This contrast highlights the tradeoffs families may face as they evaluate their options.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
The backbone of this ranking is social-mobility data from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, which draws on more than 30 million tax records. A school's mobility rate is the share of its students who move from the bottom income quintile to the top. Among the 13 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 1.8%. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff leads the group at 2.8%, with Henderson State University (2.4%) and Arkansas State University (2.4%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 13.9% of students start in the bottom income quintile. Philander Smith University leads at 35.3%, which signals an admissions door that is actually open to low-income students. Schools that pair high access with high mobility are the ones driving generational change.
Once low-income students enroll, their odds of reaching the top income quintile average 16.2% across this list. University of Arkansas posts the highest success rate at 32.6%. Access without completion and career momentum is an incomplete picture, and this is the number that completes it.
Social capital, measured by economic connectedness, captures the degree of cross-class friendship on campus, another dimension Opportunity Insights ties to long-run outcomes. Across these schools it averages 1.39 against a national benchmark of 1.0. Hendrix College reaches 1.70, the highest on the list.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
A closer look at the data reveals significant differences in student outcomes. For example, while both Arkansas State University and John Brown University have graduation rates below 70%, they diverge in earnings and net price. Arkansas State graduates earn an average of $42,617, while John Brown graduates earn about $53,907. However, this comes with a higher net price of $20,397 at John Brown, compared to Arkansas State's $12,366.
As you sift through the 21 options, consider how the figures relate to your priorities. Are you looking for a lower net price, or is a higher earning potential more important? Weighing personal factors like location, program fit, and financial situation against these metrics will help you pinpoint what matters most for your college experience.
Ultimately, these numbers reflect the broader landscape of college outcomes in Arkansas. Each decision can shape a student's path toward a stable life after graduation, making it essential for families to choose wisely. With the right school, students can not only graduate but also position themselves for future success in their careers.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Colleges in Arkansas: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Colleges in Arkansas ranking? +
John Brown University in Siloam Springs, AR ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Colleges in Arkansas ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $53,907 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 69% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
University of Arkansas Grantham posts the highest median earnings on this list: $63,496 ten years after enrollment, well above the $47,175 average across the 18 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, University of Arkansas Grantham leads: graduates earn a median $63,496 against net price of about $8,370 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Hendrix College has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 71%, compared with a 49% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $16,760 a year across the 18 ranked schools with cost data. University of Arkansas Grantham is among the most affordable at roughly $8,370. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Colleges in Arkansas ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 18 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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