19 Biology, General Programs
| # | School | Net Price | In-State Tuition | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
Fort Smith, Arkansas
|
$10,097 | $6,906 | 37.0% | |
| 2 |
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Pine Bluff, Arkansas
|
$11,679 | $9,019 | 39.7% | 69.3% |
| 3 |
Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, Arkansas
|
$12,171 | $8,508 | 48.7% | 94.4% |
| 4 |
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, Arkansas
|
$13,085 | $7,754 | 55.1% | 69.5% |
| 5 |
University of the Ozarks
Clarksville, Arkansas
|
$13,630 | $25,950 | 51.8% | 60.1% |
| 6 |
University of Arkansas at Monticello
Monticello, Arkansas
|
$14,013 | $8,868 | 43.3% | |
| 7 |
Philander Smith University
Little Rock, Arkansas
|
$15,360 | $13,014 | 32.3% | |
| 8 |
Williams Baptist University
Walnut Ridge, Arkansas
|
$15,875 | $20,330 | 35.9% | 59.3% |
| 9 |
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus
Magnolia, Arkansas
|
$15,944 | $9,820 | 46.5% | 63.6% |
| 10 |
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Little Rock, Arkansas
|
$16,136 | $8,455 | 41.4% | 61.5% |
| 11 |
Central Baptist College
Conway, Arkansas
|
$16,664 | $19,680 | 35.3% | 63.9% |
| 12 |
University of Central Arkansas
Conway, Arkansas
|
$16,775 | $10,118 | 53.3% | 91.2% |
| 13 |
Henderson State University
Arkadelphia, Arkansas
|
$16,929 | $7,885 | 38.0% | 70.7% |
| 14 |
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, Arkansas
|
$17,525 | $9,748 | 70.0% | 78.9% |
| 15 |
Harding University
Searcy, Arkansas
|
$20,579 | $24,888 | 70.9% | 45.1% |
| 16 |
John Brown University
Siloam Springs, Arkansas
|
$21,144 | $30,832 | 66.8% | 56.6% |
| 17 |
Ouachita Baptist University
Arkadelphia, Arkansas
|
$22,355 | $32,480 | 70.3% | 72.3% |
| 18 |
Lyon College
Batesville, Arkansas
|
$22,670 | $31,000 | 55.9% | 59.8% |
| 19 |
Hendrix College
Conway, Arkansas
|
$23,409 | $36,650 | 69.2% | 60.3% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes University of Arkansas-Fort Smith the most affordable biology program?
The university achieves its $10,097 net price through a combination of low in-state tuition at $6,906 and substantial financial aid. However, students should consider the 37% graduation rate when weighing affordability against outcomes. The program provides access to biology education at nearly half the cost of most alternatives in the state.
How do public and private biology programs compare in Arkansas?
Public universities dominate the affordable end, with eight of the ten cheapest programs. The least expensive public option costs $10,097 while the cheapest private program runs $13,630 at University of the Ozarks. Private schools like Harding University command $20,579 but deliver higher graduation rates at 70.9% compared to most public alternatives.
Does Arkansas Tech University justify its higher cost among budget options?
At $12,171 net price, Arkansas Tech costs more than the two cheapest options but delivers significantly better outcomes. Graduates earn $31,851 annually, among the highest in the state, while maintaining a reasonable debt load of $16,780. The 48.7% graduation rate also exceeds many lower-cost alternatives.
Where do biology graduates find the best earning potential in Arkansas?
University of Arkansas at Little Rock produces the highest-earning graduates at $32,391 annually, despite a moderate $16,136 net price. Arkansas Tech follows closely at $31,851 in earnings. The state's major employers like Tyson Foods and agricultural research facilities provide career paths that value biological sciences training and research capabilities.
More Biology, General Rankings
Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.