Skip to main content
Arkansas offers biology programs at remarkably low costs, with University of Arkansas-Fort Smith leading at just $10,097 net price. The state's 19 biology programs span a wide range, from this ultra-affordable option to Harding University at $20,579. Public universities dominate the lower cost tiers, with seven schools under $16,000. Arkansas Tech University stands out among affordable options with notably strong earnings at $31,851, well above the state average. The University of Arkansas flagship program costs $17,525 but delivers a 70% graduation rate. Biology graduates find opportunities with Arkansas-based companies like Tyson Foods, which requires extensive research and quality control expertise. The state's low cost of living means education dollars stretch further, while major employers provide pathways for science graduates across food production, retail logistics, and agricultural research sectors.
19
Programs
$10,097 – $23,409
Net Price Range
$27,395
Avg. Program Earnings
50.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

19 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,097 $6,906 37.0%
2 $11,679 $9,019 39.7% 69.3%
3 $12,171 $8,508 48.7% 94.4%
4 $13,085 $7,754 55.1% 69.5%
5 $13,630 $25,950 51.8% 60.1%
6 $14,013 $8,868 43.3%
7 $15,360 $13,014 32.3%
8 $15,875 $20,330 35.9% 59.3%
9 $15,944 $9,820 46.5% 63.6%
10 $16,136 $8,455 41.4% 61.5%
11 $16,664 $19,680 35.3% 63.9%
12 $16,775 $10,118 53.3% 91.2%
13 $16,929 $7,885 38.0% 70.7%
14 $17,525 $9,748 70.0% 78.9%
15 $20,579 $24,888 70.9% 45.1%
16 $21,144 $30,832 66.8% 56.6%
17 $22,355 $32,480 70.3% 72.3%
18 $22,670 $31,000 55.9% 59.8%
19 $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.

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