Best Colleges in Arkansas
Arkansas has a humid, subtropical climate and is typically divided into two regions: the highlands and the lowlands. This Southern state has a diverse economy, primarily relying on its service industry, aircraft, poultry, tourism, cotton, and rice trades. On top of that, Arkansas is one of the most affordable states to live in. Colleges in Arkansas range from public to private, for- and non-profit, and confer baccalaureate as well as masters degrees. The largest institution in the state is the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, and the most prestigious is considered the University of the Ozarks. Top tourism locations in Arkansas include the Little Rock Central High School (where desegregation began), the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, and Hot Springs National Park.
How Were the Top Schools in Arkansas Chosen?
Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.
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Ouachita Baptist University is a private, Christian, liberal arts college established in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. OBU students are required to complete two classes in religion and seven credits of chapel throughout their academic career in order to...
The professors at Ouachita are incredible. They are brilliant in their subjects and have a passion for teaching!
” – Tiffani from The Colony, TX
Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is a private liberal arts institution based in Conway, Arkansas. Hendrix College is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and provides weekly chapel service, Bible study, and fellowship meals. Hendrix is rated...
As a Secondary Education student I feel like Hendrix is preparing me to be the best teacher I can be. My classes are challenging, engaging, and just plain incredible. They require a lot of work and thought, but that's what I came here for, to learn!
” – Paige from Eureka Springs, AR
John Brown University is an independent Christian institution focused on liberal arts, sciences, and professional skills. JBU is based in the rural town of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, and is rated as having “more selective” admissions. JBU operates an...
JBU is amazing from what I have read, saw on virtual tour, and heard. the people there are from all over the country. It is a religious school, so (as at all schools) I am sure there will be SOME drinking, but when you go there, you sign an agreement...
” – Crystal from W. MIDDLESEX, PA
Situated on a hilltop overlooking the Ozark Mountains, the University of Arkansas is the flagship campus of the UA system and the largest university in the state. Arkansas is home to six colleges and schools hosting undergraduate degree-granting...
I am an International Business student in the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas. Throughout my time at the University of Arkansas I have learned more than I ever imagined. My business classes were focused and interactive...
” – April from Fort Smith, ARFormed by the merger of two junior college, Harding University is a 4-year Christian liberal arts college in northern Arkansas. Affiliated with the Churches of Christ, Harding confers bachelor’s degrees in more than 100 academic majors and minors. As...
Harding offers such a wonderful variety of classes to choose from, and the teaching is exceptional. The teachers are extremely caring and understanding to the students' needs at all times. They take their time to go through all of the material...
” – Kristin from Miami, FLThe University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is a public institution and historically black university. It is a land-grant research university and member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. UAPB operates Research and Extension offices around the state...
UAPB is in a small town but, if you are involved in campus activities there is plenty to do.
” – Kenya from Memphis, TN
Founded in 1872, Lyon College is a 4-year liberal arts college in northern Arkansas and one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the state. Lyon confers bachelor’s degrees in 15 academic disciplines. In addition, Lyon houses a Scottish...
Lyon College provides a very aggressive academic program, their classes are invigorating, challenging, interesting and provide interaction with an amazing faculty. The homework helps to make the information in class concrete within the memory. And...
” – Karisala from O Fallon, IL
Arkansas State University is a 4-year public school in northeast Arkansas and the second largest university in the state. Arkansas State is home to eight academic colleges awarding bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral level degrees in over 150 academic...
the teachers really help you out if you need any extra help and love their job.
” – chelsea from Jonesboro, AR
University of the Ozarks is a Presbyterian-affiliated, liberal arts university that was founded in 1834. Located in Clarksville, Arkansas, at the base of the Ozark Mountains, the university is the oldest in the state and offers 59 majors and minors...
The campus is really small and simple. I like that about it. I went to a campus day and met so many great people!
” – Kaitlin from Lincoln, AR
Arkansas Tech University is a public institution based in the Arkansas River Valley. ATU also operates a satellite campus in the Ozarks that offers two-year associate degrees and certifications. Admissions to ATU are selective. A majority of students...
Even though I've only been a student here for a few weeks, I'm already very impressed with the classwork and the professors in general!
” – Jacqueline from Alma, AR
Henderson State University is one of only 10 public schools in the state and has the alma mater “The School with a Heart.” Rated as having “selective” admissions, HSU offers the only bachelor’s degree in aviation in the state. The Reynolds...
I have taken several classes, and almost every one of them I have learned a lot of new information from. There were only a couple classes that I didn't really retain much, because they seemed to be a review from the college prep classes from high...
” – Brittany from Malvern, ARWilliams Baptist University is a 4-year Christian liberal arts institution operated by the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. Williams offers majors in more than 25 academic disciplines and all courses are founded upon a Judeo-Christian worldview. In...
Williams Baptist College is a friendly Christian atmosphere. The location is cozy and very homely. The professors are all very nice and helpful.
” – Ally from HARRISBURG, ARThe University of Arkansas at Monticello is a public liberal arts college based in Monticello, AR, and is administered by the University of Arkansas System. U of A operates two technology colleges at separate locations, in Crossett and McGehee. Most...
I previously went to Henderson State University, and attending class, but didn't really learn anything, and had no incentive to, as the professors didn't really care whether or not I succeeded at their establishment. Professors at UAM, however, are...
” – Mykel from Rison, AREstablished in 1928, the University of Arkansas Fort Smith is a public, 4-year institution in the University of Arkansas System. UAFS offers over 90 undergraduate degree and certificate programs, as well as a master-level program in Healthcare...
I love my classes. Most of my instructors have been really great so far!
” – Jordey from Fort Smith, ARSouthern Arkansas University is a 4-year institution with a main campus in Magnolia. SAU offers a variety of majors, including the only computer game and animation design program in the state, and also features an Honors College for enhanced academic...
This is the most helpful place I have ever been. Wether I am getting good news, or bad news SAU is always there to answer any question I may have. There are no waiting lists and no phone wait tone. I love being a student at Southern Arkansas...
” – No name woman
Philander Smith College is a private, historically black institution established in Little Rock, Arkansas. Philander is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and holds chapel on a weekly basis, which freshmen are required to attend. The college...
Not only are you driven to learn in the classroom, but outside as well. We are advocates for social justice and we know that we all will graduate to help change the world.
” – Michelle from Raytown, MO
Founded in 1907, the University of Central Arkansas is a 4-year public school and one of the oldest universities in the state. UCA awards undergraduate degrees in 86 academic programs and is one of the largest producers of teachers in Arkansas. For...
I am a second semester freshman. In the classes i have taken so far, I have learned so much! The science department here is a really great one. If you are struggling in any of your classes there are people, including your professors that are here and...
” – Megan from Sherwood, AR
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a public research institution in the University of Arkansas System. UA Little Rock is a state-funded university and space-grant institution. It is a designated military-friendly campus and National Center...
Obviously not an Ivy League school, but virtually all of my teachers were very helpful, and almost none of them would simply pass someone for giving a half-hearted effort.
”Originally opened as Arkansas’ second vocational school, the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton is a 2-year institution in the central part of the state. In addition to its degree and certificate programs, UACCM’s workforce...
The teachers are very insightful and really care about you and your grades.
” – Stephanie from Springfield , ARCombining a liberal arts education with a Christian foundation, Central Baptist College is a private school just outside of Little Rock, Arkansas. CBC awards both associate and bachelor’s degrees within four academic divisions, Professional Studies...
Central Baptist College is a great college to go to if you want to have one on one time with the teacher and don't want big classrooms. The teachers are Christians and show that through their teaching. There's a lot of people who attend but in my...
” – Kate