# Best Education Colleges in Arkansas

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 17 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-education-arkansas

## Methodology

Education programs in Arkansas ranked by outcomes and program concentration

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

Choosing the right education college is a significant decision for many students and their families. In Arkansas, 17 colleges stand out for their education programs, each with unique offerings and outcomes that can shape a student's career. With average earnings of $44,611 for graduates in this field, it’s clear that the right choice can set the stage for future success.

The strongest schools on this list are distinguished by critical outcomes: graduation rates, average earnings, and manageable debt levels. A higher graduation rate is often correlated with better job prospects and, ultimately, higher earnings. For instance, the top school, the University of Arkansas, boasts a 70% graduation rate and average earnings of $58,191, while one of the lower-ranked options, Williams Baptist University, has only a 31% graduation rate and significantly lower earnings at $38,484.

When comparing specific schools, the University of Arkansas and John Brown University present a fascinating contrast. While both have impressive graduation rates of 70% and 69% respectively, the earnings gap is notable: the University of Arkansas graduates earn about $4,284 more annually than those from John Brown University. This difference in earnings can impact long-term financial stability and quality of life, making it essential for students to weigh these factors carefully as they consider their options.

## Key Findings

- The University of Arkansas graduates earn an average of $58,191 annually.
- John Brown University has a graduation rate of 69%, just behind the top school.
- Williams Baptist University has a graduation rate of only 31%.
- Graduates from the top five education colleges in Arkansas have an average debt of $21,140.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Williams Baptist University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/williams-baptist-university) | Walnut Ridge, AR | 31% | $38,484 | $15,745 | $21,820 | 0.57x |
| 2 | [Harding University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/harding-university) | Searcy, AR | 70% | $52,876 | $22,130 | $26,500 | 0.5x |
| 3 | [Ouachita Baptist University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/ouachita-baptist-university) | Arkadelphia, AR | 66% | $51,673 | $22,409 | $21,050 | 0.41x |
| 4 | [John Brown University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/john-brown-university) | Siloam Springs, AR | 69% | $53,907 | $20,397 | $21,250 | 0.39x |
| 5 | [University of the Ozarks](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-the-ozarks) | Clarksville, AR | 52% | $44,384 | $17,360 | $20,875 | 0.47x |
| 6 | [University of Central Arkansas](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-central-arkansas) | Conway, AR | 53% | $45,938 | $16,511 | $20,346 | 0.44x |
| 7 | [Arkansas State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/arkansas-state-university) | Jonesboro, AR | 55% | $42,617 | $12,366 | $20,500 | 0.48x |
| 8 | [University of Arkansas](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-arkansas) | Fayetteville, AR | 70% | $58,191 | $18,209 | $21,500 | 0.37x |
| 9 | [Arkansas Tech University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/arkansas-tech-university) | Russellville, AR | 49% | $41,766 | $12,970 | $21,000 | 0.5x |
| 10 | [University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-arkansas-at-pine-bluff) | Pine Bluff, AR | 40% | $35,550 | $12,653 | $24,202 | 0.68x |
| 11 | [Henderson State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/henderson-state-university) | Arkadelphia, AR | 38% | $43,459 | $23,405 | $19,500 | 0.45x |
| 12 | [Philander Smith University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/philander-smith-university) | Little Rock, AR | 31% | $38,427 | $14,224 | $24,736 | 0.64x |
| 13 | [Southern Arkansas University Main Campus](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/southern-arkansas-university-main-campus) | Magnolia, AR | 48% | $42,386 | $14,027 | $18,750 | 0.44x |
| 14 | [Central Baptist College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/central-baptist-college) | Conway, AR | 35% | $46,789 | $12,287 | $22,250 | 0.48x |
| 15 | [University of Arkansas-Fort Smith](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-arkansas-fort-smith) | Fort Smith, AR | 37% | $41,102 | $10,574 | $18,250 | 0.44x |
| 16 | [Lyon College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lyon-college) | Batesville, AR | 51% | $44,232 | $19,616 | $21,500 | 0.49x |
| 17 | [Arkansas State University-Beebe](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/arkansas-state-university-beebe) | Beebe, AR | 40% | $36,603 | $11,698 | $8,093 | 0.22x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Education Colleges in Arkansas." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-education-arkansas

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.