Rankings / By State
Best Master's Programs in Arkansas
- 20
- Schools
- $46,391
- Avg. Earnings
- 49%
- Avg. Graduation
- $16,447
- Avg. Net Price
- $21,732
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $35,550 at the low end to $63,496 at the top. That 1.8× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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University of Arkansas Grantham offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $63,496 against $8,370 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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Cost and quality are not at odds here. The most affordable school, University of Arkansas Grantham at $8,370 a year in net price, delivers earnings of $63,496, matching or exceeding the list average.
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Completion rates separate this field: Hendrix College graduates 71% of its students, well above the 49% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor University of Arkansas Grantham: graduates owe only 0.35× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to John Brown University ($53,907 earnings), not the highest earner, University of Arkansas Grantham ($63,496). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. University of Arkansas Grantham ($8,370/yr) and Hendrix College ($24,149/yr) produce graduates earning $63,496 and $60,376 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $15,779 cost difference would suggest.
- Completion is where this ranking's schools diverge most: Hendrix College graduates 71% of its students versus 31% at Williams Baptist University. Access without completion is opportunity unclaimed.
The Takeaway
The through line among the top-ranked schools is plain. They pair solid graduate earnings with affordable costs and meaningful social mobility. Prestige and selectivity matter far less than whether students end up better off.
What This Means for Students
Your shortlist should start with University of Arkansas Grantham and Hendrix College. For each school, look up the net price your family would actually pay, weigh it against typical graduate earnings, and build the decision around the return instead of the name recognition.
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 $44K 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 ▲ +16% vs avg | $20,397 | 69% | 68 |
| 2 Arkansas State University #2 overall | $42,617 ▼ -8% vs avg | $12,366 | 55% | 67 |
| 3 Hendrix College #3 overall | $60,376 ▲ +30% vs avg | $24,149 | 71% | 66 |
| $41,766 ▼ -10% vs avg | $12,970 | 49% | 66 | |
| $58,191 ▲ +25% vs avg | $18,209 | 70% | 66 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Master's Programs in Arkansas
This analysis ranks 20 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $46,391 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 49% and an average net price of $16,447.
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
Our Analysis Found
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?
$44,308
Median earnings (10yr)
48%
Median graduation rate
$16,128
Median net price
1.9%
Avg. mobility rate
Students tend to study where they live and work where they study, which makes a state's colleges its most important economic development asset. This ranking evaluates how well institutions across Arkansas serve that role: producing graduates with strong earnings, keeping talent in the regional economy, and offering affordable paths for local students.
The median graduation rate across these 20 schools is 48%. Median graduate earnings reach $44,308 ten years after enrollment. Average net price, the cost after grants, is $16,128 a year, and median federal debt at graduation is about $21,375. Some 42% of students receive Pell grants, and mobility, the share of low-income students who reach the top quintile, averages 1.9%.
For Arkansas, the institutions that combine manageable costs with strong graduate outcomes are the ones building the local workforce. With a median net price of $16,128 and graduates earning a median of $44,308, these schools sit where the talent pipeline and economic development meet.
The podium
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Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
John Brown University lands at #1 with a 68/100 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, 16% 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
Arkansas State University lands at #2 with a 67/100 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, 8% 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 #3
Hendrix College lands at #3 with a 66/100 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, 30% 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 #4
Arkansas Tech University lands at #4 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (60/100). Graduates earn a median $41,766 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,970 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 #5
University of Arkansas lands at #5 with a 66/100 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, 25% 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 #6
Ouachita Baptist University lands at #6 with a 66/100 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, 11% 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 #7
University of Central Arkansas lands at #7 with a 65/100 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, 1% 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 #8
University of the Ozarks lands at #8 with a 65/100 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, 4% 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 #9
University of Arkansas at Little Rock lands at #9 with a 65/100 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, 2% 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 #10
Harding University lands at #10 with a 64/100 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, 14% 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 #11
Williams Baptist University lands at #11 with a 63/100 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, 17% 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 carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
University of Arkansas at Monticello lands at #12 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (78/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (56/100). Graduates earn a median $36,902 a decade after enrolling, 20% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,287 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
Pine Bluff, AR · 41% accepted · $12,653 net
Why it ranks #13
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff lands at #13 with a 60/100 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, 23% 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 #14
Henderson State University lands at #14 with a 59/100 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, 6% 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 #15
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith lands at #15 with a 58/100 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, 11% 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
Philander Smith University lands at #16 with a 58/100 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, 17% 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 #17
Lyon College lands at #17 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, 5% 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
Magnolia, AR · 75% accepted · $14,027 net
Why it ranks #18
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus lands at #18 with a 56/100 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, 9% 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 #19
Central Baptist College lands at #19 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% above 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
University of Arkansas Grantham lands at #20 with a 53/100 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, 37% 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 20 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
When considering a master's program in Arkansas, prospective students will find a variety of options, each with its own strengths. These programs are designed not only to deepen knowledge in specific fields but also to enhance career prospects. For instance, the average earnings for graduates from these programs stand at $46,391, reflecting the potential return on investment for students.
What truly distinguishes the top schools in this list is their graduate outcomes. Key metrics such as earnings, graduation rates, net price, and debt play a vital role in assessing the value of a program. In this ranking, you’ll see schools that not only help students graduate but also set them up for financial success after they leave. The data below illustrates how these factors interact, giving a clearer picture of what each program offers.
Take the University of Arkansas and John Brown University, for example. The University of Arkansas graduates earn an impressive $58,191 on average, yet have a net price of $18,209. In contrast, John Brown University has a lower earning potential of $53,907, with a higher net price of $20,397. This kind of trade-off is essential as students weigh their options, highlighting the importance of both financial and educational outcomes.
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 15 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 1.9%. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff leads the group at 2.8%, with University of Arkansas at Monticello (2.7%) and Henderson State University (2.4%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 14.3% 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% 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 1.34 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 that the University of Arkansas outperforms others by a significant margin when it comes to earnings, with graduates earning $58,191 compared to Arkansas State University's $42,617. This stark difference highlights how program quality can impact financial outcomes, making the choice of school critical for future success.
As you navigate through the list of master’s programs, consider what factors matter most to you. Are you focused on financial outcomes, or is program fit and campus culture more important? Weigh the data against your personal priorities, looking at not just earnings but also the net price and graduation rates to find a program that aligns with your goals.
Ultimately, these decisions matter deeply. A master's degree can pave the way for a stable career, but the right choice depends on understanding the financial implications and outcomes associated with each program. Each family's situation is unique, but by analyzing this data, you can make an informed decision that supports a stable future for you and your loved ones.
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 Master's Programs in Arkansas: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Master's Programs in Arkansas ranking? +
John Brown University in Siloam Springs, AR ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Master's Programs 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 $46,391 average across the 20 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 $16,447 a year across the 20 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 Master's Programs 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 20 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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