Cheapest Social Work Colleges in Arkansas

Arkansas State University's Social Work program offers a net price of $13,085 while maintaining the highest graduation rate among affordable options at 55.10%. The state's retail and logistics economy, anchored by Walmart's headquarters in Bentonville, creates steady demand for social workers who support employee assistance programs and community outreach initiatives. University of Arkansas-Fort Smith leads affordability at $10,097 net cost, though graduation rates vary widely across the state's 10 programs, ranging from 32.30% to 70.90%. Southern Arkansas University graduates earn just $25,194 annually, while Harding University graduates command $32,772.

Programs

$10,097 – $20,579

Net Price Range

$28,191

Avg. Program Earnings

47.4%

Avg. Graduation Rate

10 Social Work 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	University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Pine Bluff, Arkansas	$11,679	$9,019	39.7%	69.3%
3	Arkansas State University Jonesboro, Arkansas	$13,085	$7,754	55.1%	69.5%
4	University of Arkansas at Monticello Monticello, Arkansas	$14,013	$8,868	43.3%
5	Philander Smith University Little Rock, Arkansas	$15,360	$13,014	32.3%
6	Southern Arkansas University Main Campus Magnolia, Arkansas	$15,944	$9,820	46.5%	63.6%
7	University of Arkansas at Little Rock Little Rock, Arkansas	$16,136	$8,455	41.4%	61.5%
8	Henderson State University Arkadelphia, Arkansas	$16,929	$7,885	38.0%	70.7%
9	University of Arkansas Fayetteville, Arkansas	$17,525	$9,748	70.0%	78.9%
10	Harding University Searcy, Arkansas	$20,579	$24,888	70.9%	45.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $10,000 gap between cheapest and most expensive programs?

University of Arkansas-Fort Smith costs $10,097 while Harding University reaches $20,579, reflecting the public-private divide. Harding's graduates earn $32,772 compared to Southern Arkansas University's $25,194, suggesting private investment may yield higher returns.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs?

The most affordable option, UA-Fort Smith at $10,097, reports only 37% graduation rates. Meanwhile, the most expensive program at Harding achieves 70.90% graduation rates, while University of Arkansas matches this at 70% for $17,525.

Does Arkansas's low cost of living benefit Social Work students?

Arkansas's affordable housing and living expenses stretch education dollars further than coastal states. Even modest earnings of $25,194 at Southern Arkansas University provide reasonable purchasing power in small Arkansas communities.

Where do Arkansas Social Work graduates find employment opportunities?

Walmart's corporate presence creates employee assistance roles, while Tyson Foods and Dillard's offer workplace social services positions. Rural areas throughout Arkansas also need social workers for family services and community mental health programs.

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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.