Best Value History Colleges in Arkansas

Arkansas history programs show dramatic cost differences that don't always predict career outcomes. University of Arkansas-Fort Smith delivers the lowest net cost at $10,097 while University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduates earn $32,569, the highest in the state. Private schools like Lyon College charge $22,670 but match public flagship earnings at $29,685. The state's corporate headquarters culture, led by Walmart's Bentonville empire and Tyson Foods' operations, creates opportunities for history graduates in corporate communications, public relations, and archival work. Arkansas Tech University accepts 94% of applicants at just $12,171 net cost, making it accessible for students seeking affordable liberal arts education. The $22,000 spread between cheapest and most expensive programs reflects Arkansas's varied higher education market, where public universities dominate the value equation but private colleges offer competitive graduation rates approaching 70%.

Programs

$10,097 – $23,409

Net Price Range

$28,835

Avg. Program Earnings

51.6%

Avg. Graduation Rate

18 History 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	$27,669	$6,906	37.0%
2	Arkansas Tech University Russellville, Arkansas	$12,171	$26,353	$8,508	48.7%	94.4%
3	University of Arkansas at Little Rock Little Rock, Arkansas	$16,136	$32,569	$8,455	41.4%	61.5%
4	University of Arkansas Fayetteville, Arkansas	$17,525	$29,685	$9,748	70.0%	78.9%
5	University of Central Arkansas Conway, Arkansas	$16,775	$27,048	$10,118	53.3%	91.2%
6	Lyon College Batesville, Arkansas	$22,670	$29,685	$31,000	55.9%	59.8%
7	University of Arkansas at Monticello Monticello, Arkansas	$14,013		$8,868	43.3%
8	Arkansas State University Jonesboro, Arkansas	$13,085		$7,754	55.1%	69.5%
9	Central Baptist College Conway, Arkansas	$16,664		$19,680	35.3%	63.9%
10	Harding University Searcy, Arkansas	$20,579		$24,888	70.9%	45.1%
11	Henderson State University Arkadelphia, Arkansas	$16,929		$7,885	38.0%	70.7%
12	Hendrix College Conway, Arkansas	$23,409		$36,650	69.2%	60.3%
13	John Brown University Siloam Springs, Arkansas	$21,144		$30,832	66.8%	56.6%
14	Ouachita Baptist University Arkadelphia, Arkansas	$22,355		$32,480	70.3%	72.3%
15	University of the Ozarks Clarksville, Arkansas	$13,630		$25,950	51.8%	60.1%
16	Williams Baptist University Walnut Ridge, Arkansas	$15,875		$20,330	35.9%	59.3%
17	Southern Arkansas University Main Campus Magnolia, Arkansas	$15,944		$9,820	46.5%	63.6%
18	University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Pine Bluff, Arkansas	$11,679		$9,019	39.7%	69.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Arkansas-Fort Smith the cheapest history program?

The university charges just $10,097 in net costs while maintaining a focused mission on workforce development. As a regional institution, it keeps overhead low and serves local students who can live at home. The $6,906 in-state tuition reflects Arkansas's commitment to affordable public education, though the 37% graduation rate suggests students may need additional support to complete their degrees.

How do private college costs compare to earnings potential?

Private institutions like Hendrix College charge $23,409 net cost but lack recent earnings data, creating uncertainty about return on investment. Lyon College graduates earn $29,685 after paying $22,670, resulting in a reasonable payback timeline. The 59-72% acceptance rates at private schools suggest more selective admissions than public alternatives like Arkansas Tech's 94% acceptance rate.

Does University of Arkansas at Little Rock justify higher costs?

Despite charging $16,136 net cost, graduates earn $32,569, the highest among Arkansas history programs with available data. The Little Rock location provides access to state government internships and museum opportunities. However, the 41% graduation rate trails flagship University of Arkansas's 70% completion rate, suggesting academic support differences despite similar urban advantages.

Where do Arkansas history graduates find the best job prospects?

Corporate headquarters in Bentonville and Little Rock offer communications and research positions suited to history training. State government agencies and the Arkansas History Commission provide public sector opportunities. The $6,200 earnings gap between highest and lowest-earning programs reflects regional job market variations, with urban campuses typically connecting students to higher-paying corporate roles.

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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.