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Best Value Liberal Arts and Sciences Colleges in Arkansas

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Arkansas shows a remarkable 14-fold gap between its cheapest and most expensive liberal arts programs, with NorthWest Arkansas Community College charging just $2,982 for in-state tuition while Hendrix College costs $36,650. This price spread reflects the state's commitment to accessible education in a region where critical thinking and communication skills directly support major employers like Walmart, Tyson Foods, and Dillard's corporate operations. University of Arkansas-Fort Smith delivers the strongest value proposition at $10,097 net cost, while John Brown University graduates earn the highest median income at $31,839 annually. The earnings range spans from $22,329 to $31,839, showing how different institutions prepare students for Arkansas's growing service and logistics economy. Community colleges anchor the affordable end, with four-year public universities clustering around $13,000-$16,000 in net costs. Private institutions command premium pricing but often deliver stronger graduation rates, with Harding University achieving 70.9% completion compared to the state average of 45.8% across all liberal arts programs.
23
Programs
$5,144 – $24,294
Net Price Range
$26,972
Avg. Program Earnings
44.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

23 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,097 $22,329 $6,906 37.0%
2 $11,679 $22,892 $9,019 39.7% 69.3%
3 $13,085 $25,287 $7,754 55.1% 69.5%
4 $14,013 $26,585 $8,868 43.3%
5 $16,775 $30,771 $10,118 53.3% 91.2%
6 $16,136 $28,055 $8,455 41.4% 61.5%
7 $16,929 $25,580 $7,885 38.0% 70.7%
8 $21,144 $31,839 $30,832 66.8% 56.6%
9 $20,579 $29,413 $24,888 70.9% 45.1%
10 $23,409 $36,650 69.2% 60.3%
11 $24,294 $16,850 36.5% 55.1%
12 $9,325 $8,280 24.3%
13 $5,719 $2,982 27.3%
14 $15,944 $9,820 46.5% 63.6%
15 $15,875 $20,330 35.9% 59.3%
16 $15,360 $13,014 32.3%
17 $13,630 $25,950 51.8% 60.1%
18 $22,355 $32,480 70.3% 72.3%
19 $5,144 $2,570 20.7%
20 $17,236 $16,440 26.1%
21 $16,664 $19,680 35.3% 63.9%
22 $12,171 $8,508 48.7% 94.4%
23 $22,670 $31,000 55.9% 59.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Arkansas-Fort Smith the best value for liberal arts in Arkansas?

University of Arkansas-Fort Smith combines a reasonable $10,097 net cost with direct access to the Fort Smith job market. The school maintains strong ties to regional employers in logistics and manufacturing. Students graduate with $22,938 in debt, which aligns well with starting salaries in Northwest Arkansas. The 37% graduation rate, while modest, reflects the school's focus on working students and career changers.

How do private college costs compare to public options for liberal arts majors?

Private colleges average $20,000-$24,000 in net costs compared to $10,000-$16,000 at public universities. John Brown University charges $21,144 but delivers the highest graduate earnings at $31,839 annually. Harding University costs $20,579 with a strong 70.9% graduation rate. Private institutions often provide smaller class sizes and more personalized attention, justifying the premium for many families.

Is a liberal arts degree practical for Arkansas's job market?

Liberal arts graduates earn between $22,329 and $31,839 in Arkansas, supporting careers in corporate communications, human resources, and management. Walmart's headquarters alone employs thousands in analytical and communications roles that value liberal arts skills. The state's growing logistics sector also needs professionals who can think critically and communicate effectively. Arkansas's low cost of living makes these salaries more competitive than they appear.

Does graduation rate matter more than cost for liberal arts programs?

Graduation rates vary dramatically from 24.3% at University of Arkansas Grantham to 70.9% at Harding University. Schools with rates below 40% often serve non-traditional students who may transfer or take longer to complete degrees. Higher graduation rates typically correlate with better support systems and full-time student populations. Students should weigh completion likelihood against upfront costs when choosing programs.

Where do Arkansas liberal arts graduates typically find employment?

Major employers include Walmart corporate offices, Tyson Foods management programs, and Dillard's retail operations throughout the state. Little Rock's financial services sector and Conway's growing tech scene also hire liberal arts graduates for analytical positions. Many graduates pursue additional training in education, law, or public administration. The state's low cost of living makes entry-level salaries of $22,000-$32,000 more viable for recent graduates.

More Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Rankings

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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.