Cheapest Design and Applied Arts Colleges in Arkansas

Arkansas design programs reveal a striking $12,258 cost gap between the most affordable public option and priciest private school. University of Arkansas-Fort Smith leads affordability at $10,097 net cost while graduates across the state earn $25,194 to $38,289 annually. The state's corporate design needs from Walmart's retail empire and Tyson Foods' packaging operations create steady demand for visual communicators and product designers.

Programs

$10,097 – $22,355

Net Price Range

$31,699

Avg. Program Earnings

57.6%

Avg. Graduation Rate

9 Design and Applied Arts Programs

Program rankings
#	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	Arkansas Tech University Russellville, Arkansas	$12,171	$8,508	48.7%	94.4%
3	Arkansas State University Jonesboro, Arkansas	$13,085	$7,754	55.1%	69.5%
4	Southern Arkansas University Main Campus Magnolia, Arkansas	$15,944	$9,820	46.5%	63.6%
5	University of Central Arkansas Conway, Arkansas	$16,775	$10,118	53.3%	91.2%
6	University of Arkansas Fayetteville, Arkansas	$17,525	$9,748	70.0%	78.9%
7	Harding University Searcy, Arkansas	$20,579	$24,888	70.9%	45.1%
8	John Brown University Siloam Springs, Arkansas	$21,144	$30,832	66.8%	56.6%
9	Ouachita Baptist University Arkadelphia, Arkansas	$22,355	$32,480	70.3%	72.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes private design programs worth the extra cost in Arkansas?

Private schools like Harding University charge $22,355 but deliver graduates earning $38,289 annually, nearly $12,000 more than Arkansas Tech graduates. John Brown University students graduate with just $19,500 in debt despite the higher sticker price.

How do graduation rates vary between affordable design programs?

University of Arkansas-Fort Smith has the lowest net cost at $10,097 but only a 37% graduation rate. Arkansas State University costs $3,000 more annually but graduates 55% of students, while University of Arkansas reaches 70% completion.

Where do design graduates find the best earning potential in Arkansas?

Private nonprofit graduates consistently out-earn public school alumni by $8,000 to $13,000 annually. Harding University leads at $38,289 average earnings, followed by John Brown at $37,748 and Ouachita Baptist at $37,208.

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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.