Best Value Accounting and Related Services Colleges in Arkansas

University of Arkansas-Fort Smith delivers the strongest return on investment for accounting students in Arkansas, with graduates earning $51,392 annually after paying just $10,097 in net costs. This strong value proposition stands out in a state where accounting program costs range from $9,325 to $23,409, yet earnings potential varies dramatically from $28,055 to $57,047. Arkansas's retail and logistics economy, anchored by Walmart's Bentonville headquarters, creates substantial demand for accounting professionals who can navigate complex supply chain financing and inventory management. The state's 20 accounting programs show a clear divide between public institutions offering affordable pathways and private colleges commanding premium prices. Harding University tops the earnings chart at $57,047 but requires nearly double the investment at $20,579 in net costs. Meanwhile, public options like Arkansas Tech University provide solid career preparation at $12,171 with graduates earning $43,798. The presence of major corporations like Tyson Foods and Dillard's department stores means accounting graduates find opportunities across industries, from agricultural finance to retail operations management.

Programs

$9,325 – $23,409

Net Price Range

$42,252

Avg. Program Earnings

47.6%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Accounting and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Fort Smith, Arkansas	$10,097	$51,392	$6,906	37.0%
2	Arkansas Tech University Russellville, Arkansas	$12,171	$43,798	$8,508	48.7%	94.4%
3	University of Arkansas at Little Rock Little Rock, Arkansas	$16,136	$48,667	$8,455	41.4%	61.5%
4	University of Arkansas Fayetteville, Arkansas	$17,525	$50,606	$9,748	70.0%	78.9%
5	Harding University Searcy, Arkansas	$20,579	$57,047	$24,888	70.9%	45.1%
6	University of Arkansas at Monticello Monticello, Arkansas	$14,013	$38,829	$8,868	43.3%
7	Arkansas State University Jonesboro, Arkansas	$13,085	$35,772	$7,754	55.1%	69.5%
8	University of Central Arkansas Conway, Arkansas	$16,775	$45,305	$10,118	53.3%	91.2%
9	University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Pine Bluff, Arkansas	$11,679	$28,055	$9,019	39.7%	69.3%
10	Southern Arkansas University Main Campus Magnolia, Arkansas	$15,944	$33,993	$9,820	46.5%	63.6%
11	Henderson State University Arkadelphia, Arkansas	$16,929	$31,305	$7,885	38.0%	70.7%
12	Crowley's Ridge College Paragould, Arkansas	$17,236		$16,440	26.1%
13	University of Arkansas Grantham LIttle Rock, Arkansas	$9,325		$8,280	24.3%
14	University of the Ozarks Clarksville, Arkansas	$13,630		$25,950	51.8%	60.1%
15	Ouachita Baptist University Arkadelphia, Arkansas	$22,355		$32,480	70.3%	72.3%
16	John Brown University Siloam Springs, Arkansas	$21,144		$30,832	66.8%	56.6%
17	Hendrix College Conway, Arkansas	$23,409		$36,650	69.2%	60.3%
18	Central Baptist College Conway, Arkansas	$16,664		$19,680	35.3%	63.9%
19	Lyon College Batesville, Arkansas	$22,670		$31,000	55.9%	59.8%
20	Arkansas Baptist College Little Rock, Arkansas	$11,139		$8,760	8.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Arkansas-Fort Smith the best value for accounting students?

Students pay just $10,097 in net costs while graduates earn $51,392 annually, creating one of the strongest cost-to-earnings ratios in the state. The program's 37% graduation rate reflects its accessibility to working students and career changers. Fort Smith's location near major distribution centers provides internship opportunities with logistics companies that rely heavily on accounting expertise.

How do public university costs compare to private colleges for accounting programs?

Public institutions charge between $9,325 and $17,525 in net costs, while private colleges range from $13,630 to $22,355. University of Arkansas-Fort Smith and Arkansas Tech University offer the most affordable public options at $10,097 and $12,171 respectively. Private schools like Harding University cost nearly twice as much but deliver the highest graduate earnings at $57,047.

Does graduating from University of Arkansas in Fayetteville justify the higher cost?

The flagship campus charges $17,525 in net costs but maintains a 70% graduation rate and produces graduates earning $50,606 annually. Students carry an average debt load of $24,625, which is manageable given the earning potential. The university's strong alumni network throughout Arkansas's business community provides valuable career connections.

Where do Arkansas accounting graduates find the best job opportunities?

Walmart's Bentonville headquarters creates significant demand for corporate accountants, financial analysts, and audit specialists. Tyson Foods offers opportunities in agricultural accounting and cost management for food processing operations. Little Rock's financial services sector and the state's growing logistics industry provide additional career paths for accounting professionals.

Is the wide range in graduate earnings typical for accounting programs?

Arkansas shows an unusually large earnings spread from $28,055 to $57,047, reflecting both program quality differences and regional job market variations. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff's graduates earn just $28,055, while Harding University alumni command $57,047. This $29,000 difference highlights how program choice significantly impacts career trajectory and starting salaries.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.