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Cheapest Liberal Arts and Sciences Colleges in Arkansas

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Arkansas Northeastern College breaks the mold with a net cost of just $5,144 for Liberal Arts and Sciences programs, making it one of the most affordable options in the country. This stark contrast with private institutions like University of the Ozarks at $13,630 highlights the state's varied pricing market for general studies education. Arkansas's position as home to Walmart headquarters creates unique opportunities for liberal arts graduates in corporate communications, human resources, and business operations roles. The state's 15 featured programs range from community colleges serving local markets to full universities preparing students for Arkansas's growing logistics and retail sectors. Graduation rates vary significantly, from Arkansas Northeastern's 20.70% to University of Central Arkansas's 53.30%, reflecting different institutional missions and student populations. With major employers like Tyson Foods and Dillard's requiring strong communication and analytical skills, these general studies programs provide foundational knowledge applicable across Arkansas's key industries. The low cost of living throughout the state means education dollars stretch further, allowing students to focus on building critical thinking and communication abilities essential for today's workplace.
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 In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $5,144 $2,570 20.7%
2 $5,719 $2,982 27.3%
3 $9,325 $8,280 24.3%
4 $10,097 $6,906 37.0%
5 $11,679 $9,019 39.7% 69.3%
6 $12,171 $8,508 48.7% 94.4%
7 $13,085 $7,754 55.1% 69.5%
8 $13,630 $25,950 51.8% 60.1%
9 $14,013 $8,868 43.3%
10 $15,360 $13,014 32.3%
11 $15,875 $20,330 35.9% 59.3%
12 $15,944 $9,820 46.5% 63.6%
13 $16,136 $8,455 41.4% 61.5%
14 $16,664 $19,680 35.3% 63.9%
15 $16,775 $10,118 53.3% 91.2%
16 $16,929 $7,885 38.0% 70.7%
17 $17,236 $16,440 26.1%
18 $20,579 $24,888 70.9% 45.1%
19 $21,144 $30,832 66.8% 56.6%
20 $22,355 $32,480 70.3% 72.3%
21 $22,670 $31,000 55.9% 59.8%
22 $23,409 $36,650 69.2% 60.3%
23 $24,294 $16,850 36.5% 55.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the dramatic cost differences between Arkansas liberal arts programs?

Public institutions dominate the affordable end, with Arkansas Northeastern College at $5,144 and NorthWest Arkansas Community College at $5,719 leading the way. Private colleges like University of the Ozarks cost $13,630, reflecting smaller class sizes and additional campus resources. Community colleges focus on transfer preparation and workforce development, while four-year institutions offer complete degree programs with research opportunities.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Arkansas?

Higher-priced programs generally show better completion rates, with University of Central Arkansas ($16,775) achieving 53.30% graduation compared to Arkansas Northeastern College's 20.70% at $5,144. Arkansas Tech University offers strong value with 48.70% graduation at $12,171 net cost. Community colleges typically have lower rates due to part-time enrollment and transfer patterns rather than program quality issues.

Where do Arkansas liberal arts graduates find employment opportunities?

Walmart's Bentonville headquarters employs thousands in communications, training, and management roles suited for liberal arts backgrounds. University of Arkansas-Fort Smith graduates earn $22,329 annually, while University of Central Arkansas alumni average $30,771, reflecting different regional job markets. Tyson Foods and Arkansas's growing healthcare sector also recruit graduates for administrative and customer service positions.

Does student debt burden vary significantly across Arkansas programs?

Debt levels range from University of Arkansas at Monticello's manageable $14,236 to University of Arkansas at Little Rock's $26,350 average. Williams Baptist University keeps debt at $18,242 despite being private, while Southern Arkansas University graduates carry $24,125. Public institutions generally produce lower debt loads, though individual circumstances and financial aid packages create variation.

What makes Arkansas community colleges particularly attractive for liberal arts study?

Arkansas Northeastern College and NorthWest Arkansas Community College offer transfer pathways at under $6,000 annual cost, making four-year degrees more accessible. These programs maintain small class sizes typical of expensive private colleges while charging public rates. Students can complete general education requirements affordably before transferring to complete bachelor's degrees at state universities.

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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.