Top Value Arkansas Colleges

Below you will find a list of the colleges in Arkansas that we found to provide the best value for students.  In our study, we utilized a number of data sources from the US Census Bureau to the US Department of Education coupled with student and alumni feedback to ascertain the important elements of value in a college education.  Our team collected college data and arrived at the top Arkansas colleges for you to research further.  Remember to use your best judgment and prioritize your academic goals and career aspirations to narrow down your list of top colleges.

List of Top Value Colleges in Arkansas

Salon Professional Academy-Appleton (Appleton, WI) is an institution that provides training and education to individuals who are motivated to begin careers in cosmetology. Training is provided by professional and experienced teachers. Upon completion of the programs, students are expected to be equipped with skills required in the industry. Students are prepared to pursue licensure and gainful employment. It fosters a student-centered curriculum. Scholarships and financial aids are also available.

Harding University (Searcy, AR) is a private university that fosters a liberal arts curriculum. It has offered undergraduate, graduate, and pre-professional programs since 1924. It has more than 100 majors and minors across a variety of disciplines. The university maintains its affiliation with the Churches of Christ. The university maintains satellite campuses in North Little Rock and a second in Rogers. It also has campuses in Florence and Athens. Harding offers opportunities to study abroad for a semester. Harding houses the American Studies Institute (ASI). It is a center that promotes “a complete understanding of the institutions, values, and ideas of liberty and democracy.” Students can enjoy a range of social activities including Greek communities. The university also conducts religious activities and fosters proper conduct.

Hendrix College (Conway, AR) is a private liberal college that focuses on providing undergraduate programs. It has a range of majors and minor programs, as well as professional programs, and interdisciplinary programs. It fosters a small student-teacher curriculum. It also offers specialized programs like Hendrix-Murphy Foundation Programs and Hendrix Odyssey Program. The college is affiliated with the United Methodist Church, but it fosters a secular curriculum. It also has organizations that are open for students that are part of other religious backgrounds. The college was founded as Central Institute in 1876. Hendrix College was coined in 1889. It was in the same year that the college started accepting women who are interested to earn college degrees. The college houses a variety of student organizations, but it doesn’t honor any social fraternities or sororities. On-campus housing is available. In addition, religious life is actively encouraged in Hendrix College but is strictly voluntary.

John Brown University (Siloam Springs, AK) is a private, interdenominational, Christian university founded in 1919. The university offers traditional undergraduate, graduate, online, and concurrent education programs.  It provides education to local and international students within and outside the United States. JBU also has specialized accreditation across a variety of disciplines including engineering, education, and nursing. The university also fosters small class sizes. Nursing, Psychology, Kinesiology, Mechanical Engineering, Biology are the most popular programs in the university. JBU fosters a conservative set of lifestyle choices following the Christian teachings. On-campus housing is also available.

Lyon College (Batesville, AR) is a private liberal college that was founded in 1872. It is considered as the oldest independent college in the state. The college is focused in providing undergraduate education and awarding baccalaureate degrees. The Presbyterian Church affiliation of the college is highlighted in its curriculum and activities. The college offers a Scottish Heritage Program. It provides scholarships and through this program the college celebrates the Arkansas Scottish Festival. The college fosters small class sizes, strong student-faculty interactions, and collegial atmosphere. Admission in the college is also considered as selective.

Ouachita Baptist University (Arkadelphia, AR) is a private Baptist university founded in 1886. It focuses on providing undergraduate programs in the liberal arts. The university awards Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Music (B.M.), Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.), Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) and Associate of Arts (A.A.) degrees. The university manages specific programs – business, music, nursing, dietetics, accredited by its respective accreditation bodies. It maintains a small student-teacher ratio. A large percentage of the student population are residing on-campus. OBU students also practice the Greek life through a variety of social clubs. The university also hosts campus ministries, provides international educational opportunities, and offers Multicultural Student Programs.

University of the Ozarks (Clarksville, AK) is a private university affiliated to the Presbyterian Church. It was established in 1834 as Cane Hill School making it one of the oldest higher learning institutions in the state. It also made history in 1875 as the first institution to admit women and award them degrees and further education. And in 1946, the university opened the first pharmacy school in the state. U of O offers a unique, multidisciplinary approach to higher education. It aims to provide students with intellectual, social and spiritual growth. It focuses on providing undergraduate education. Students have the freedom to access academic support resources and enjoy a small student-teacher ratio. The university also houses the Jones Learning Center. It is designed to help students with learning disabilities at the college level. It is the first of its kind in the United States.

University of Arkansas (Fayetteville, AK) is a public research university established in 1871. It was founded as the Arkansas Industrial University. The university acquired its current name in 1899. It is the flagship campus of the University of Arkansas System and the largest university in Arkansas. The university offers a variety of academic programs from undergraduate to graduate level. It also has honors coursework and distance education opportunities. The university is highly recognized for its programs in architecture, agriculture, communication disorders, creative writing, history, agricultural law, and Middle Eastern studies. UA also fosters a very high research activity. Students can practice the Greek life through a variety of organizations. It is the home of the founding chapter of Chi Omega sorority. UA also has a rich African American history.

Arkansas State University (Jonesboro, AK) is a public research university founded in 1909. It is also the flagship campus of the Arkansas State University System. The university fosters a highly active research culture. It was first established as the First District Agricultural School and got its current name in 1967. The A-State continuously improves its admission standards, maintaining a high ACT/GPA for freshman classes. A-State also manages the Dean B. Ellis Library, the largest library in the state. The university awards undergraduate and graduate degrees. It also has several programs delivered online. It is also open for international students who want to further their educational and professional careers with A-State education. A-State also offers an ROTC program which trains and develops future quality leaders for America’s Army.

Baptist Health Schools of Little Rock (Little Rock, AK) is a private Christian learning institution affiliated with the Baptist Health system. The school is focused on training and educating students to be healthcare professionals. It offers 12-month certificate programs as well as a bachelor’s degree in nursing and several associate degrees in Radiology, Medical Technology, and Occupational Therapy Assisting. The college is situated nearby a variety of hospitals and clinics allowing students many opportunities for internships and hands-on training. The college has been training students ever since 1920. BHCLR aims to help students to qualify for entry-level positions in the field. The college also offers financial assistance, career counseling, and other services to help students in getting their education.

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus (Magnolia, AK) is a public university founded in 1909. The university offers undergraduate and graduate education. It awards baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. It also has certification programs and opportunities for continuing education and courses for non-degree seekers. The university delivers courses through a traditional, online, or hybrid approach. It also operates several residence halls and apartments for students who opt to live on-campus. The university has an active Greek life. It also houses a long list of notable faculty and alumni. SAU is considered as one of the most affordable universities in the country. It offers financial aids through a variety of scholarships.

Williams Baptist College (Walnut Ridge, AK) is a private college that provides liberal arts programs. It is owned by the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. It was founded as a two-year school in 1941 and in 1991 it started awarding baccalaureate degrees and recently in 2017, it opened admissions for its master’s programs. WBC also has a criminal justice program delivered online leading to a bachelor’s degree. The college is considered by the US News & World Report as one of the Top Tier Southern Colleges & Universities. Scholarships and financial aid are available at WBC. Work-Study programs are also open for interested students.

Brewster Technical Center (Tampa, FL) is a public post-secondary technical college providing training and education for students and adults. The beginning of the center can be traced back to 1925. The center provides instructions for English language acquisition, applied academics for adult education, academic and vocational training for adults with disabilities, and technical programs. The center aims to provide employment for individuals by developing relevant skills set. Programs in technology, education, language, and allied health are available in the center.  Veterans’ benefits, and financial aid are available in BTC.

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (Pine Bluff, AK) is a public historically black university founded in 1873. It is the second public university established in the state, and the oldest and largest HBCU. The university was highly recognized for its a leading research institution in aquaculture studies. It is also the only comprehensive program in the field across the state. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Opportunities for continuing education is also available. UAPB-UA also manages the University Museum and Cultural Center. It holds historical documents that depict the lives and culture of African Americans. It also operates residential halls. In addition, the university recognizes fraternities and sororities.

University of Central Arkansas (Conway, AK) is a public university founded as Arkansas State Normal School in 1907. The university was recognized as one of the primary sources of teachers across the state. Nursing, education, physical therapy, business, performing arts, and psychology are just some of the programs UCA was noted for. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. It also offers online programs. UCA also maintains a small student-teacher ratio. Students can also have an opportunity for study abroad programs and credits earned at several foreign universities may be credited towards a degree at UCA. The school also fosters an active drama and theater arts culture. Since 1915, the university also recognizes Greek organizations.

Henderson State University (Arkadelphia, AR) is a public university that fosters liberal arts curriculum. It was founded as Arkadelphia Methodist College in 1890 and recognized as a state university in 1929. It is highly recognized by bridging liberal arts curriculum to students’ professional aspirations. The university has a long list of undergraduate majors and several graduate programs leading to a master’s degree. Graduate Assistantship positions are available for interested students. Online education is also available in the university. Henderson manages a Center for Comics Studies. It is focused on advancing the understanding and application of comics as an art form. Henderson also accepts transfer and international students.

Central Baptist College (Conway, AR) is a private liberal arts college founded in 1952 after the Central College was shut down in 1947. It focuses on providing undergraduate education in a wide range of disciplines including behavioral science, business, general education, missions, music, religion, and science. The college is affiliated with the Baptist Church and its beliefs and teachings are integrated into the curriculum and activities. Students are required to live on campus their freshman year. The college is committed to providing advanced learning, in a Christian context.

University of Arkansas Community College (Batesville, AR) is a public community college that offers training and education for students and adults. It houses career-specific training that prepares individuals to take on entry-level positions in the field. It was founded as the Gateway Technical College in 1991 and later on was absorbed by the University of Arkansas system, changing its name UACCB. It has programs leading to certificates and associate degrees. Transfer credits are also available for students who are interested to earn a bachelor’s degree. Financial aid, scholarships, tutoring and career counseling are available in the university.

Arkansas Tech University (Russellville, AK) was founded in 1909 as a Second District Agricultural School. Eventually it started expanding, offering post-secondary education and degrees, as well as upgrading facilities within the campus. The university offers a wide range of programs leading to associate, baccalaureate, master, and doctoral degrees. It also offers certificates and educational specialist programs. It fosters a small student-teacher ratio allowing more hands-on learning experience. The university manages three campuses – Career Center, Ozarks, and Russellville. The Tech University houses several buildings included in the National Registry of Historic Places. Some are residence halls, and academic buildings. Students can live on campus, and avail scholarships and financial aid. Interested students can also experience and join the Greek community.

Blue Cliff College-Alexandria (Alexandria, LA) is a for-profit technical college founded in 1987. It has several locations across the United States. It was originally established to be a top provider of massage therapy programs. Today, it offers a variety of programs – nursing, allied health, HVAC, cosmetology and others. The college also offers online programs. The aim of the college is to provide a high level of competency to students and equip them to be professionals in the field.  Financial aid is available for students.

InterCoast Colleges (Sacramento, CA) is a private university that offers associates degrees and certificate programs on allied health, business, and skilled trade industries. The training programs are designed to meet the skills and knowledge expected for an entry level employment. The college offers special programs on mental health and counseling. The college also manages online distance education. Financial support through military and veterans’ educational programs and scholarships are granted in the college. It was founded in 1989.

Arkansas Beauty School (Little Rock, AR) is focused on beauty & cosmetology training. It aims to prepare students for their licensure exam and be competent entry-level professionals in the field. Theoretical and practical courses are offered to students. The school also aids students when they start seeking employment. The school was established in 1959.

Arkansas College of Barbering and Hair Design (North Little Rock, AR) was founded in 1974. It provides training for students and adults who are interested in joining the Barbering/Hair Stylist industry. It aims to prepare students for their licensure exam and be competent entry-level professionals in the field. Theoretical and practical courses are offered to students. The school also helps students when they start seeking employment.

Additional College Research

For additional information about MatchCollege, visit our world-class college search tools or locate the top degree programs available online.  In addition, you may find it useful to start with our award-winning list of college and degree rankings for this academic year.  Be your own advocate and invest the time needed today to find the best college program for you.