# Best Master's Programs in Arkansas

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 20 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-arkansas

## Methodology

Master's programs in Arkansas ranked by graduate outcomes

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

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.

## Key Findings

- University of Arkansas graduates earn an average of $58,191.
- John Brown University has a graduation rate of 69%, closely trailing the top performer.
- Arkansas Tech University has the lowest graduation rate at 49%.
- The average debt for graduates across these programs is $21,000.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [John Brown University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/john-brown-university) | Siloam Springs, AR | 69% | $53,907 | $20,397 | $21,250 | 0.39x |
| 2 | [Arkansas State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/arkansas-state-university) | Jonesboro, AR | 55% | $42,617 | $12,366 | $20,500 | 0.48x |
| 3 | [Hendrix College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/hendrix-college) | Conway, AR | 71% | $60,376 | $24,149 | $26,688 | 0.44x |
| 4 | [Arkansas Tech University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/arkansas-tech-university) | Russellville, AR | 49% | $41,766 | $12,970 | $21,000 | 0.5x |
| 5 | [University of Arkansas](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-arkansas) | Fayetteville, AR | 70% | $58,191 | $18,209 | $21,500 | 0.37x |
| 6 | [Ouachita Baptist University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/ouachita-baptist-university) | Arkadelphia, AR | 66% | $51,673 | $22,409 | $21,050 | 0.41x |
| 7 | [University of Central Arkansas](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-central-arkansas) | Conway, AR | 53% | $45,938 | $16,511 | $20,346 | 0.44x |
| 8 | [University of the Ozarks](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-the-ozarks) | Clarksville, AR | 52% | $44,384 | $17,360 | $20,875 | 0.47x |
| 9 | [University of Arkansas at Little Rock](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-arkansas-at-little-rock) | Little Rock, AR | 42% | $45,265 | $17,248 | $22,000 | 0.49x |
| 10 | [Harding University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/harding-university) | Searcy, AR | 70% | $52,876 | $22,130 | $26,500 | 0.5x |
| 11 | [Williams Baptist University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/williams-baptist-university) | Walnut Ridge, AR | 31% | $38,484 | $15,745 | $21,820 | 0.57x |
| 12 | [University of Arkansas at Monticello](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-arkansas-at-monticello) | Monticello, AR | 46% | $36,902 | $14,287 | $19,971 | 0.54x |
| 13 | [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 |
| 14 | [Henderson State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/henderson-state-university) | Arkadelphia, AR | 38% | $43,459 | $23,405 | $19,500 | 0.45x |
| 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 | [Philander Smith University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/philander-smith-university) | Little Rock, AR | 31% | $38,427 | $14,224 | $24,736 | 0.64x |
| 17 | [Lyon College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lyon-college) | Batesville, AR | 51% | $44,232 | $19,616 | $21,500 | 0.49x |
| 18 | [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 |
| 19 | [Central Baptist College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/central-baptist-college) | Conway, AR | 35% | $46,789 | $12,287 | $22,250 | 0.48x |
| 20 | [University of Arkansas Grantham](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-arkansas-grantham) | LIttle Rock, AR | 32% | $63,496 | $8,370 | $21,956 | 0.35x |

## 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 Master's Programs in Arkansas." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-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/.