20 Best Affordable Schools in Arkansas for Bachelor’s Degree 2020

Whether you are looking for a faith-based program or one that emphasizes the latest trends in science and technology, there are many affordable bachelor's degrees in Arkansas that fit the bill. Institutions of higher learning in Arkansas generally fall into one of two categories: large state universities and small Christian, mostly Baptist colleges with a sprinkling of secular liberal arts institutions. These schools offer a sprawling list of technical degrees, majors, and minors that will interest every type of student. To find the right institution for your academic needs and professional goals, you will need to consider financial aid and education costs as well as the academic programs themselves and a number of other factors in each of the schools you are considering. To help, we have ranked the top 20 most affordable bachelor's degrees in the Natural State.

Arkansas is the birth state of singers Glen Campbell and Johnny Cash, Walmart founder Sam Walton, and former President Bill Clinton. Arkansas also offers many opportunities for students interested in:

• exploring cultural events

• participating in outdoor activities

• playing sports

• enjoying a low-key lifestyle

Arkansas has a rich culture, beautiful countryside, and down-to-earth attitude. It also has colleges and universities that boast excellent academic programs and exciting student experiences.

Methodology

We strived to capture this balance and identify the top universities and colleges in Arkansas by scoring schools based on three core metrics related to:

• student success

• class size

• affordability

Conducting a search for the term "colleges in Arkansas" using the College Navigator tool at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), we were able to compile a list of schools across the state. In order to provide our readers with the most current and accurate information, we cross-referenced our NCES data with program specifics found on each school's website.

Average Cost of Attendance

Arguably one of the most important factors that prospective students consider when choosing a college is the average cost of attendance. It can ultimately make or break your decision. After all, a program could offer everything you are looking for in your college experience but be financially out of reach at the same time. On the other hand, try to avoid basing your decision on tuition alone. Think about the quality of the program as well. For the purpose of this list, we ranked tuition rates based on how much in-state students pay for one year of tuition taking 15 hours per semester. We also provided out-of-state tuition rates for your reference but did not use these figures for the purpose of ranking schools.

Student/Faculty Ratio

Student/faculty ratios give us a better understanding of the size of any given school. When thinking about whether you have any preference one way or the other, consider your own academic background, learning style, and priorities. In other words, do you need to be held more accountable for your work, something that a small school is more likely to do? Do you prefer the hustle-and-bustle of large universities that offer countless organizations and student-run clubs? Are you looking for mentoring, individualized studies, or the opportunity to develop close relationships with your peers and professors? Although large universities have much to offer their students, for the purpose of this list, we decided that schools with the lowest student/faculty ratios would receive the most points.

Graduation Rate

Looking at a school's graduation rate is an effective way of determining student satisfaction and, ultimately, whether that college or university will be a good fit. After all, the goal is to enroll at a college or university, choose a major and take the appropriate courses, and graduate with a degree that will prepare you for a position in your field. Although admission rates can help to determine the selectivity of a school, it is just as important to look at what happens after you are admitted. How many students leave the program? In most cases, we can safely assume that colleges and universities with the highest graduation rates offer:

• academic support from professors and departments

• affordable degrees and financial aid options,

• experienced faculty members who are leaders in their respective fields

Therefore, the schools on our list with the highest graduation rates were also awarded the most points.

Ranking Top 20 Best Affordable Bachelor's Degree Colleges in Arkansas

20. Ecclesia College

Springdale, Arkansas

Ecclesia College emphasizes flexible education opportunities, Christian outreach, and community service.

Points: 4School Website

Ecclesia College is a four-year Christian school that emphasizes:

• flexible education opportunities

• Christian outreach

• community service

Ecclesia is also home to the only work-learning program in that state. This allows students to gain hands-on experience in the field while receiving reduced tuition rates. The school offers affordable bachelor's degrees in biblical studies and Christian leadership. It also offers Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Bachelor of Science degrees in:

• sport management

• business administration

• psychology and counseling

Several of these programs are also offered via distance learning, as well. Students complete asynchronous courses in eight-week terms. Online classes cost about 50 percent less than on-campus programs.

19. Arkansas Baptist College

Little Rock, Arkansas

Arkansas Baptist College is a private HBCU.

Points: 4School Website

Founded as the Minister's Institute in 1884, Arkansas Baptist College is a private HBCU. It enrolls fewer than 1,000 undergraduate students per year. It is the only historically black Baptist school west of the Mississippi River and home to one of the oldest surviving academic buildings in the state. ABC offers associate and bachelor's degrees through its departments of:

• religious studies

• social and behavioral studies

• public administration

• fine and performing arts

• general studies

• business administration

Students may choose from low-cost Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Administration programs.

18. Williams Baptist University

Walnut Ridge, Arkansas

Williams Baptist University was founded in 1941.

Points: 5School Website

Founded in 1941 as a two-year school, Williams Baptist University is a private university. It offers inexpensive undergraduate and graduate degrees. WBC is devoted to Christ-centric education and allows students to explore their spirituality and interests from a biblical worldview. The school offers bachelor's degrees in fields such as:

• psychology

• natural sciences

• music

• liberal arts

• history

• English

• education

• communication arts

• business

• art

• Christian ministries

• criminal justice

Criminal justice is also available online. WBC provides financial assistance for its already competitive tuition through dozens of need-based, religious, regional, performance-based, and academic scholarships. The scholarships range from several thousand dollars each semester to full compensation for tuition, room, and board.

17. Southern Arkansas University

Magnolia, Arkansas

Southern Arkansas University enrolls more than 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students each year.

Points: 5School Website

Founded as the Third District Agriculture School in 1909,Southern Arkansas University is a public four-year institution. It enrolls more than 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students each year. With high rankings for both quality and affordability, SAU has a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1. It has unique interdisciplinary options like game and animation design. Students can choose from more than 80 affordable bachelor's degrees through its:

• College of Business

• College of Education

• College of Liberal and Performing Arts

• College of Science & Engineering

• Honors College

It features the only engineering program in southern Arkansas. It also offers several unique programs in:

• agricultural business

• plant science

• animal science

• agricultural education.

16. University of Central Arkansas

Conway, Arkansas

The University of Central Arkansas is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the state.

Points: 5School Website

The University of Central Arkansas was founded in 1907 as the Arkansas State Normal School. It's one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the state. UCA is noted for its nationally recognized programs in:

• psychology

• business

• physical therapy

• education

• nursing

• the performing arts

With student enrollment numbers hovering around 12,000, UCA provides more than 80 majors to suit every career trajectory and interest. Low-cost online bachelor's degrees are available in:

• insurance and risk management

• general business

• nursing studies

• professional studies in safety and health

• addiction studies.

15. Arkansas State University

Jonesboro, Arkansas

Arkansas State University was founded in 1909.

Points: 5School Website

Arkansas State University is a public research university. It's the flagship campus of the Arkansas State University System. Founded in 1909 as the First District Agricultural School, ASU is the second largest institution of higher learning in the state. It has 700 faculty members, a student population of more than 14,000, and 11 colleges representing all major academic disciplines. ASU is a global center of learning for new sciences and emerging technologies that are shaping the future. With more than 100 affordable degrees, ASU provides programs in popular areas of study such as:

• agriculture

• liberal arts and communication

• education and behavioral science

• science and mathematics

• business,

• nursing and the health professions

In addition, theHonors College goes above and beyond the traditional college experience by providing:

• advanced coursework

• smaller class sizes

• $2,000 grants for independent projects and research funding.

14. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Little Rock, Arkansas

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences enrolls more than 2,700 students each year.

Points: 5School Website

Established in 1870, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is a branch of the University of Arkansas System. It enrolls more than 2,700 students each year in their low-cost programs. UAMS is the only academic medical center in Arkansas. It's comprised of five colleges, including a graduate school, as well as a statewide network of community educational centers. It has seven institutes and the UAMS Medical Center. The school is known for its research, particularly in the areas of:

• spine treatment

• vision

• geriatrics,

• myeloma

Students looking to further their education may pursue degree programs from:

• College of Public Health

• College of Health Professions

• College of Nursing

• College of Pharmacy

• College of Medicine.

13. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Pine Bluff, Arkansas

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is part of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

Points: 5School Website

Founded in 1873 as a normal, mechanical, and agricultural college, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is a public HBCU. It's a member of the University of Arkansas System and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. UAPB has expanded its curriculum to include liberal arts, natural sciences, and business management programs. It maintains an impressive 15:1 student/faculty ratio and takes an experiential approach to learning. UAPB is comprised of:

• the University College

• School of Arts & Sciences

• School of Business and Management

• School of Education

• School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences

Collectively, the schools offer nearly 40 affordable bachelor's degrees, plus concentration areas and specializations.

12. Lyon College

Batesville, Arkansas

Lyon College is the oldest independent college in the state.

Points: 6School Website

Founded in 1872, Lyon College is a liberal arts college. It's also the oldest independent college in the state. Enrolling fewer than 700 students, the school is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church and offers low-cost Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees in:

• 15 majors

• 21 minors

• seven concentrations

Students also have the opportunity to pursue an individualized major or complete a pre-professional program. All students must complete Educating Productive Involved Citizens (EPIC), a core curriculum designed to teach students how to become stewards of integrity and responsibility. Ninety-nine percent of professors hold terminal degrees. Students benefit from a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio that allows close mentoring, personalized studies, and academic advising.

11. Ouachita Baptist University

Arkadelphia, Arkansas

Ouachita Baptist University is a private, Baptist liberal arts college.

Points: 6School Website

Ouachita Baptist University is a private, Baptist liberal arts college. It's named after the Ouachita River, which borders the eastern side of campus. Serving more than 1,500 students, OBU is affiliated with the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. It offers a comprehensive range of 60 bachelor's programs in seven academic schools. The programs are fortified with regular chapel services and a rigorous core curriculum. Students may also take advantage of the DISCOVER program if they are undecided about their major. The program uses a liberal arts approach to learn about a variety of careers. The student/faculty ratio is 12:1. Students benefit from personal connections with professors who are committed to investing in their future.

10. University of the Ozarks

Clarksville, Arkansas

The University of the Ozarks enrolls fewer than 900 students per year.

Points: 6School Website

The University of the Ozarks is a four-year, private liberal arts university that enrolls fewer than 900 students per year. Established in 1834, the school ranked as the third-best college in the Southern Region for the third consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report. Students can choose from:

• 23 affordable majors

• 36 minors,

• five pre-professional programs

They may join the Learning Environment for New Synthesis (LENS) program in which they graduate with one major and two minors. Through the LENS program, students attain excellence in three "lenses" or academic areas:

• the natural sciences

• social sciences

• humanities

Students have the opportunity to choose their own courses and academic path within a structure designed to encourage excellence in a specific field.

9. Harding University

Searcy, Arkansas

Harding University was established in 1924.

Points: 6School Website

Harding University is the largest private university in the state. It is associated with the Churches of Christ. Established in 1924, the school is the flagship institution of several faith-driven schools of higher education worldwide. It's ranked among the top regional universities in the South. Harding combines spiritual standards and stringent education that produce faith- and thought-leaders each year. It has zero-tolerance alcohol, tobacco, and drug policies combined. The mandatory Bible and chapel courses and a formal dress code support an affordable academic experience. Students can pursue a diverse range of interests in areas such as:

• broadcast journalism

• pharmacology

• dietetics and nutrition

• interior design.

8. Crowley's Ridge College

Paragould, Arkansas

Crowley's Ridge College enrolls around 200 students each year.

Points: 6School Website

Established in 1964, Crowley's Ridge College is a four-year, private Christian liberal arts college. Although the school is affiliated with the Churches of Christ, students of all backgrounds and denominations are accepted. CRC enrolls around 200 students and has a 10:1 student/faculty ratio. This means individualized learning and close relationships between students and professors. Low-cost bachelor's degrees are available in areas of study such as:

• biblical studies

• accounting

• general studies

• youth and family ministry

• business administration

• Christian leadership and management

• marketing, management

• sports management.

CRC students also enjoy an intercollegiate sports program, extracurricular activities, and a variety of leadership opportunities.

7. Philander Smith College

Little Rock, Arkansas

Philander Smith College is a private HBCU.

Points: 6School Website

Founded in 1877 as Walden Seminary, Philander Smith College is a private HBCU. It's a founding member of the United Negro College Fund and affiliated with the United Methodist Church. PSC has a reputation for producing leaders in areas such as:

• business

• sports

• public service

• ministry

• education

Inexpensive academic programs and divisions offer an integrated and innovative liberal arts curriculum that emphasizes:

• study abroad opportunities,

• experiential learning

• undergraduate research

Students can choose from 20 undergraduate majors across five core academic divisions in:

• the natural and physical sciences

• business administration

• general education

• education

• arts and humanities

• social sciences

A 4+1 dual degree in public health and a 3+2 degree in engineering are also available through collaborations with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the University of Arkansas Fayetteville, respectively.

6. University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Little Rock, Arkansas

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock was established in 1927.

Points: 6School Website

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a metropolitan public research university. It was established in 1927 as Little Rock Junior College. UA Little Rock is the only institution of its kind in the state. The school offers a quality education with one-of-a-kind connections in Arkansas' thriving capital. It has a dynamic learning environment in which students immerse themselves in the traditional college experience. The school offers several types of affordable bachelor's degrees, including programs in:

• social work

• nursing

• education

• professional studies

• music

• fine arts,

• business

Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Applied Science degrees are also available. Students gain real-world experience through many research opportunities and internships at facilities such as the Center for Integrative Nanotechnology Sciences.

5. University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, Arkansas

The University of Arkansas was founded in 1871.

Points: 6School Website

The University of Arkansas is the flagship institution of the University of Arkansas System. It's not to be confused with the Arkansas State University System. It was founded in 1871 as Arkansas Industrial University. The school is the best-known institution of higher learning in the state. U of A enrolls 22,000 students. It is most noted for its affordable programs in:

• Middle Eastern studies

• law

• history

• creative writing

• communication disorders

• business, architecture

• agriculture, mainly in the areas of poultry science and animal science.

U of A is also considered a leader in sustainability with a goal to attain carbon neutrality by 2040.

4. Henderson State University

Arkadelphia, Arkansas

Henderson State University offers 40 bachelor's degree programs.

Points: 6School Website

Henderson State University was founded as Arkadelphia Methodist College in 1890. It is a public liberal arts university and the state's only member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges. HSU offers 40 bachelor's degree programs that span:

• the sciences

• arts

• business

All students must complete a core curriculum that is comprised of various liberal arts classes outside of their specialization areas. Outside of academics, HSU is best-known for its Showband of Arkansas, the school's 150+-piece student marching band. It's one of the highest ranked college music groups in the U.S.

3. University of Arkansas at Monticello

Monticello, Arkansas

The University of Arkansas at Monticello is a four-year liberal arts university.

Points: 6School Website

The University of Arkansas at Monticello is a four-year liberal arts university. It's a member of the University of Arkansas System, which also includes campuses in Pine Bluff and Fort Smith. Established in 1910, it is home to the state's only School of Forest Resources. UAM offers affordable undergraduate and graduate degrees through 13 colleges, schools, and divisions at its Monticello location. It also has two Colleges of Technology in Crossett and McGehee. Students can choose from:

• Bachelor of Arts

• Bachelor of Applied Science

• Bachelor of Business Administration

• Bachelor of Music Education

• Bachelor of Science

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

• Bachelor of Social Work programs

The school offers in-state tuition rates to residents of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.

2. Arkansas Tech University

Russellville, Arkansas

Arkansas Tech University enrolls around 10,000 students each year.

Points: 6School Website

Arkansas Tech University is a public university that offers programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. I enrolls about 10,000 students each year. With a competitive tuition rate that is generally only offered by public institutions, Arkansas Tech is one of the most affordable institutions of higher learning in the state. The school is comprised of:

• College of Applied Sciences

• College of Arts & Humanities

• College of Business

• College of Natural & Health Sciences

• College of Education, and College of Professional Studies and Community Outreach

Among its programs are:

• behavioral sciences

• mechanical or electrical engineering

• information technology and computer science

• physical science

• agriculture

1. University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

Fort Smith, Arkansas

The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith enrolls more than 6,500 students per year in programs.

Points: 6School Website

The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith is a four-year, public university and one of 13 campuses that make up the University of Arkansas System. UAFS is the sixth-largest institution of higher learning in the state. It enrolls more than 6,500 students per year in affordable programs in:

• applied science and technology

• health sciences

• business

• education

• social sciences

• STEM programs.

UAFS is considered the most affordable four-year university in Arkansas. It offers in-state tuition rates to Arkansas residents as well as to those from:

• Texas

• Tennessee

• Oklahoma

• Missouri

• Mississippi

• Louisiana

UAFS reports an 85% graduate school and job placement rate among graduates. The UAFS campus sits on a 168-acre, award-winning, and nationally recognized arboretum that has more than 1,100 GPS-inventoried trees that represent more than 80 species.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Most Popular Careers in Arkansas for Graduates With a Bachelor's Degree?

When you consider pursuing an undergraduate degree from a school in Arkansas, it is also important to think about how, when, and where you will work. Although it is perfectly okay to be unsure about the future, there are several popular careers throughout the state that you can train for and begin after graduating with a bachelor's degree.

For instance, Tyson Foods, Whirlpool, and Wal-Mart are all headquartered in Arkansas, providing steady employment for residents across the state. You may consider pursuing a degree in business, accounting, or a related field to develop skills that you can apply to one of these major corporations. Similarly, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences offers degrees in Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training, Health/Medical Assisting Services, or Surgical Technologist to prepare graduates for health and medical services careers focused around assistant and psychiatric positions.

Another growing field in Arkansas is that of forensics. Several top colleges and universities offer programs to help students enter this dynamic industry. If you have a bachelor's degree in networking, software development, computer science, or information systems management and operation you are well-suited for careers in information technology. Nearly every public school and technical school in the state offers degrees in this field. All-in-all, career opportunities in Arkansas extend well beyond its institutions of higher learning. According to Zippia, the 10 fastest-growing jobs in Arkansas for 2019 include:

• Physical Therapist Assistant

• Nurse Practitioner

• Physical Therapist

• Occupational Therapist

• Phlebotomist

• Medical Assistant

• Crew Member

• Speech-Language Pathologist

• Computer Numerical Controller Machinist

• Emergency Medical Technician

Not only is it interesting to see the trends that careers will take in the coming years as well as the direction in which Arkansas is heading, but it is also important to note which industries will be more secure in terms of stability and growth. In addition, this information can be particularly helpful to students who are torn between two or more possible degrees and career options as job stability and growth might help them to sway their decision in one way or another.

What Are the Highest-Paying Jobs in Arkansas?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics compiles data and statistics related to occupational employment and wage estimates for all U.S. states. Specifically, these estimates are calculated using data from employers in all industry sectors in nonmetropolitan and metropolitan areas in Arkansas. According to the BLS, as of May 2018, the annual mean wage for the entire state was $41,540, with a mean hourly wage of $19.97.

As expected, the highest-paying jobs in Arkansas are reserved for those in the health care professions such as:

• surgeons

• anesthesiologists

• family and general practitioners

• general internists, obstetricians and gynecologists

• pediatricians

However, also high on the list of careers outside of the medical field with six-figure salaries are:

• Marketing Managers: $155,020

• Psychiatrists: $153,920

• Postsecondary Health Specialties Teachers: $146,380

• Chief Executives: $126,960

• Magistrates, Magistrate Judges, and Judges: $122,840

• Engineering and Architectural Managers: $121,390

• Advertising and Promotions Managers: $120,990

• Sales Managers: $119,090

• Public Relations and Fundraising Managers: $114,450

• Natural Sciences Managers: $109,910

• Computer and Information Systems Managers: $109,890

• Computer Hardware Engineers: $109,810

• Financial Managers: $106,530

• Human Resources Managers: $105,000

• Postsecondary Education Administrators: $101,870

Many of these positions can be attained with a bachelor's degree at the entry level, and as professionals gain experience and strengthen their skills, they may have the opportunity to advance into managerial roles.

What Arkansas Colleges and Universities Offer the Best Return on Investment?

As you are considering prospective colleges and universities where you can earn your degree, it is important to think about the return on investment (ROI) for these institutions. In other words, how much money can you expect to make in relation to the money you spend on your degree? Below are five of the top colleges we listed above and the ROI that in-state students can expect to earn. We listed the schools in order from highest ROI to lowest ROI.

• 1. University of Arkansas

  - Early Career Pay: $51,400

  - Mid-Career Pay: $96,300

  - 20-Year Net ROI: $374,000

• 2. University of Arkansas at Little Rock

  - Early Career Pay: $45,400

  - Mid-Career Pay: $76,200

  - 20-Year Net ROI: $202,000

• 3. University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

  - Early Career Pay: $40,500

  - Mid-Career Pay: $61,900

  - 20-Year ROI: $191,000

• 4. Harding University

  - Early Career Pay: $48,200

  - Mid-Career Pay:$86,800

  - 20-Year Net ROI: $185,000

• 5. Arkansas Tech University

  - Early Career Pay: $45,000

  - Mid-Career Pay: $74,100

  - 20-Year Net ROI: $183,000

Whether you have an associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree, many people believe that the more your education costs, the higher your salary should be. Although it's not realistic to attempt to calculate an exact ROI, it can be useful to benchmark or gauge whether you are paying too much for your college degree. You can do this by estimating your lifetime earnings then dividing by the total cost of your degree to yield a simple ROI.

With a 20-year ROI of $374,000, the University of Arkansas has a nearly 46 percent higher ROI than the next-best school. However, earning a degree in Arkansas can prove to be a financially sound decision, as all five schools listed above report six-figure ROIs over a 20-year period.

Dominating the top spots on the above ranking list are several public Arkansas universities, particularly different campuses that make up the University of Arkansas System. Why? These institutions of higher learning are among the best value of all colleges and universities in the state. They combine high-quality programs and low, affordable tuition rates that allow students to stretch their tuition budgets.

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