Cheapest Business Administration Colleges in Arkansas

University of Arkansas Grantham offers the state's most affordable business administration program at just $9,325 net price, making it nearly half the cost of most private options. This online-focused public institution serves students across Arkansas while Walmart's Bentonville headquarters creates substantial demand for business management graduates throughout the region. The 20 programs in Arkansas span from $9,325 to $22,670, with public universities claiming most of the lowest-cost spots. Private nonprofit schools like University of the Ozarks at $13,630 compete closely with public options, though their sticker prices often exceed $25,000. Graduates from these programs enter a job market shaped by major retailers, food processing companies like Tyson Foods, and growing logistics networks. The earnings range from $25,194 to $55,813 reflects both entry-level management positions and senior roles in Arkansas's corporate market.

Programs

$9,325 – $24,294

Net Price Range

$38,929

Avg. Program Earnings

45.2%

Avg. Graduation Rate

21 Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Arkansas Grantham LIttle Rock, Arkansas	$9,325	$8,280	24.3%
2	University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Fort Smith, Arkansas	$10,097	$6,906	37.0%
3	Arkansas Baptist College Little Rock, Arkansas	$11,139	$8,760	8.0%
4	University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Pine Bluff, Arkansas	$11,679	$9,019	39.7%	69.3%
5	Arkansas Tech University Russellville, Arkansas	$12,171	$8,508	48.7%	94.4%
6	Arkansas State University Jonesboro, Arkansas	$13,085	$7,754	55.1%	69.5%
7	University of the Ozarks Clarksville, Arkansas	$13,630	$25,950	51.8%	60.1%
8	University of Arkansas at Monticello Monticello, Arkansas	$14,013	$8,868	43.3%
9	Philander Smith University Little Rock, Arkansas	$15,360	$13,014	32.3%
10	Williams Baptist University Walnut Ridge, Arkansas	$15,875	$20,330	35.9%	59.3%
11	Southern Arkansas University Main Campus Magnolia, Arkansas	$15,944	$9,820	46.5%	63.6%
12	University of Arkansas at Little Rock Little Rock, Arkansas	$16,136	$8,455	41.4%	61.5%
13	Central Baptist College Conway, Arkansas	$16,664	$19,680	35.3%	63.9%
14	University of Central Arkansas Conway, Arkansas	$16,775	$10,118	53.3%	91.2%
15	Crowley's Ridge College Paragould, Arkansas	$17,236	$16,440	26.1%
16	University of Arkansas Fayetteville, Arkansas	$17,525	$9,748	70.0%	78.9%
17	Harding University Searcy, Arkansas	$20,579	$24,888	70.9%	45.1%
18	John Brown University Siloam Springs, Arkansas	$21,144	$30,832	66.8%	56.6%
19	Ouachita Baptist University Arkadelphia, Arkansas	$22,355	$32,480	70.3%	72.3%
20	Lyon College Batesville, Arkansas	$22,670	$31,000	55.9%	59.8%
21	Ecclesia College Springdale, Arkansas	$24,294	$16,850	36.5%	55.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide graduation rate gap among Arkansas business programs?

Graduation rates vary dramatically from Arkansas Baptist College's 8% to Arkansas State University's 55.1%. Public universities generally show stronger completion rates, with Arkansas Tech achieving 48.7% and University of Central Arkansas reaching 53.3%. The lowest rates often appear at schools serving high-need populations or those with open admission policies.

How do earnings compare between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

University of Arkansas Grantham, the most affordable option at $9,325, produces graduates earning $45,048 annually. This actually exceeds earnings from several costlier programs, including University of Arkansas-Fort Smith graduates who earn $32,071. The data shows that program cost doesn't always correlate with earning potential in Arkansas business markets.

Is student debt manageable at Arkansas business schools?

Most programs keep debt below $27,000, with University of Arkansas-Fort Smith graduates carrying just $16,416 in debt. University of the Ozarks maintains relatively low debt at $17,321 despite being a private institution. Only University of Arkansas Grantham shows concerning debt levels at $36,763, though graduates' $45,048 earnings help offset this burden.

Does location within Arkansas affect program affordability?

Little Rock hosts both the cheapest option (Arkansas Grantham at $9,325) and mid-range programs like University of Arkansas at Little Rock ($16,136). Smaller cities often offer competitive rates, with Fort Smith at $10,097 and Monticello at $14,013. Rural locations don't necessarily translate to lower costs, as Walnut Ridge's Williams Baptist charges $15,875.

Where do Arkansas business graduates find the best job opportunities?

Northwest Arkansas around Walmart's headquarters offers the strongest corporate opportunities for management graduates. Little Rock provides government and healthcare administration roles, while statewide logistics networks create supply chain management positions. Graduates earning $44,765 from University of Arkansas at Little Rock and $45,048 from Arkansas Grantham typically secure these 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.