Rankings / By State

Best Psychology Colleges in Arkansas

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 15 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$47,267

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

52%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$18,006

Avg. Net Price

Find Your Program

Explore Accredited Programs in This Field

Find accredited programs in this field accepting applicants.

✓ Accredited programs ✓ 100% free ✓ No obligation

Choosing the right psychology program in Arkansas can be a pivotal decision for students and families. With 15 schools offering unique opportunities, it's essential to consider which programs lead to strong outcomes in areas like earnings and graduation rates. On average, psychology graduates in the state earn $47,267 shortly after finishing their degrees.

What sets the top schools apart is not just their program offerings but their results. Factors like earnings potential, graduation rates, and student debt weigh heavily in this decision-making process. The schools listed below reflect a balance of these outcomes, allowing prospective students to make informed choices based on what matters most to them.

For example, John Brown University graduates earn an average of $53,907, while Arkansas State University graduates earn significantly less at $42,617. However, Arkansas State has a lower net price, which could appeal to students concerned about debt. These differences highlight the trade-offs students must consider as they navigate their options.

Key Findings

John Brown University graduates earn $53,907, while Central Baptist College graduates earn $46,789.

Hendrix College has a 71% graduation rate, surpassing Central Baptist College's 35%.

The average debt for graduates across these schools is $20,400.

University of Arkansas graduates earn $58,191, making it the highest earner on this list.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 15

Avg. earnings at 10yr $47,267

Avg. graduation rate 52%

Avg. net price $18,006

Avg. median debt $21,951

How We Ranked

Psychology programs in Arkansas ranked by outcomes and program concentration

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Top 3

John Brown University

Siloam Springs, AR

Graduation69%

Earnings$53,907

Net Price$20,397

View full profile →

Hendrix College

Conway, AR

Graduation71%

Earnings$60,376

Net Price$24,149

View full profile →

University of the Ozarks

Clarksville, AR

Graduation52%

Earnings$44,384

Net Price$17,360

View full profile →

Featured Programs From Accredited Schools

Accredited schools accepting applicants in this field.

Full Rankings

John Brown University

Siloam Springs, AR · 1,471 students · Private nonprofit

With a solid graduation rate of 69%, John Brown University in Siloam Springs, AR, provides a supportive environment for its 1,471 students. The average earnings of graduates reach $53,907 a decade after completing their degrees, suggesting that many find fulfilling careers after graduation.

76% accepted 69% graduate $53,907 earnings

Hendrix College

Conway, AR · 1,100 students · Private nonprofit

Located in Conway, AR, Hendrix College offers a personalized education to its 1,100 students, which is reflected in its graduation rate of 71%. Graduates see median earnings of $60,376 within a decade, suggesting that students are well-prepared for the workforce and often find rewarding careers.

56% accepted 71% graduate $60,376 earnings

Hendrix's full profile

University of the Ozarks

Clarksville, AR · 767 students · Private nonprofit

Located in beautiful Clarksville, the University of the Ozarks is a smaller private nonprofit school with a community feel. With 767 students, the tight-knit environment encourages close relationships between peers and professors, fostering a personalized learning experience that can be particularly beneficial for those who thrive in smaller settings.

60% accepted 52% graduate $44,384 earnings

University's full profile

Arkansas State University

Jonesboro, AR · 9,110 students · Public

With over 9,000 students, Arkansas State University is a significant player in higher education in Jonesboro. The school's welcoming acceptance rate of 82% reflects its commitment to accessibility, making it an appealing option for many students seeking a supportive environment to pursue their degrees.

82% accepted 55% graduate $42,617 earnings

Arkansas's full profile

Williams Baptist University

Walnut Ridge, AR · 478 students · Private nonprofit

With a welcoming acceptance rate of 83%, Williams Baptist University in Walnut Ridge is an inviting option for students seeking a supportive environment. The small campus, home to just 478 students, fosters close-knit relationships between peers and faculty, enhancing the overall college experience.

83% accepted 31% graduate $38,484 earnings

Williams's full profile

University of Central Arkansas

Conway, AR · 7,762 students · Public

The University of Central Arkansas in Conway has much to offer with a diverse student body of about 7,762 individuals. The school’s strong acceptance rate of 89% mirrors its inclusive approach, making it a welcoming choice for students from various backgrounds looking to further their education.

89% accepted 53% graduate $45,938 earnings

University's full profile

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR · 28,677 students · Public

The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville serves a large student body of nearly 29,000, with a graduation rate of 70%. Its graduates earn a median income of $58,191 ten years post-graduation, reflecting the university's strong connection to career opportunities in the region and beyond.

74% accepted 70% graduate $58,191 earnings

University's full profile

Ouachita Baptist University

Arkadelphia, AR · 1,602 students · Private nonprofit

Nestled in Arkadelphia, Ouachita Baptist University is a private nonprofit institution with a strong graduation rate of 66%. The personal attention students receive from faculty and the emphasis on a well-rounded education make this school an appealing option for those seeking both academic and personal growth.

68% accepted 66% graduate $51,673 earnings

Ouachita's full profile

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Little Rock, AR · 4,949 students · Public

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock, home to nearly 5,000 students, stands out as a public institution that prioritizes accessibility and diversity. With a 42% graduation rate, the school is working to enhance student outcomes while providing various resources to help students thrive during their academic careers.

59% accepted 42% graduate $45,265 earnings

University's full profile

#10

Harding University

Searcy, AR · 3,382 students · Private nonprofit

Harding University in Searcy is a larger private institution with a strong graduation rate of 70%. With 3,382 students, it emphasizes a blend of academic rigor and a values-centered education, appealing to students looking for a holistic college experience.

71% accepted 70% graduate $52,876 earnings

Harding's full profile

#11

Central Baptist College

Conway, AR · 484 students · Private nonprofit

Central Baptist College in Conway, AR, offers a unique environment with a smaller student population of 484 and a graduation rate of 35%. Although the median earnings for graduates stand at $46,789 after ten years, the college emphasizes a strong community focus that might appeal to students looking for a tight-knit atmosphere.

63% accepted 35% graduate $46,789 earnings

Central's full profile

#12

Philander Smith University

Little Rock, AR · 751 students · Private nonprofit

Philander Smith University in Little Rock offers a unique educational experience, especially for students looking to engage in a smaller, private setting. With a student population of 751 and a focus on community, the university fosters a supportive atmosphere that encourages personal growth and academic achievement. However, the graduation rate stands at 31%, signaling potential challenges for some students navigating their college careers.

31% graduate $38,427 earnings

Philander's full profile

#13

Henderson State University

Arkadelphia, AR · 1,456 students · Public

Henderson State University, located in Arkadelphia, attracts students not just for its beautiful campus but also for its strong community spirit. With a student body of 1,456, the university offers a more intimate educational experience, which can be especially appealing for those who thrive in close-knit environments. Although the graduation rate is 38%, the opportunity for personal attention from faculty and peers can make a significant difference in a student’s journey.

38% graduate $43,459 earnings

Henderson's full profile

#14

Lyon College

Batesville, AR · 648 students · Private nonprofit

Located in Batesville, Lyon College offers a unique private education experience with a focus on liberal arts. With a graduation rate of 51%, the college encourages students to explore their interests and develop critical thinking skills in a tight-knit community of 648 students.

63% accepted 51% graduate $44,232 earnings

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus

Magnolia, AR · 2,708 students · Public

With a graduation rate of 48%, Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia presents a solid opportunity for students seeking a welcoming environment to pursue their education. The campus community, with about 2,708 students, fosters a sense of belonging and support that can be crucial for success in college and beyond. This is especially true for the 48% of students who are Pell Grant recipients, indicating a commitment to supporting those from lower-income backgrounds.

75% accepted 48% graduate $42,386 earnings

Southern's full profile

When comparing schools like Hendrix College and Central Baptist College, the differences in graduation rates and earnings stand out. Hendrix boasts a 71% graduation rate and an average earning of $60,376, while Central Baptist College's graduation rate sits at just 35%, with graduates earning $46,789. This disparity suggests that students at Hendrix may be better positioned for post-graduation success.

As you sift through these options, think about how each school's strengths align with your personal priorities. Consider location, program fit, campus culture, and financial implications alongside the numbers. For instance, if minimizing debt is crucial for you, Central Baptist’s lower net price might be appealing, despite its lower graduation rate. Find a balance that reflects your values and aspirations.

This data illustrates the crucial role of college choice in shaping future stability. A degree in psychology can open doors to various careers, but outcomes vary significantly by school. One student's decision could lead to a fulfilling career or a struggle with debt. It's essential to weigh these factors carefully, as the right choice today can shape your path for years to come.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

Related Rankings

All Rankings Methodology Best Colleges Social Mobility Highest Mobility