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Cheapest Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in Arkansas

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

Arkansas Northeastern College offers teacher preparation at just $5,144 net cost, making it nearly four times cheaper than the state's most expensive option at $22,355. This dramatic price spread reflects Arkansas's commitment to accessible educator training, important for a state where Walmart's influence on retail employment creates steady demand for business and career education teachers. The state's 20 teacher preparation programs show striking cost variations, with private institutions like University of the Ozarks charging $25,950 in tuition while delivering graduates who earn $35,416 annually. Public universities dominate the affordable tier, with eight schools offering net costs below $17,000. Arkansas State University combines reasonable $13,085 net pricing with solid 55.1% graduation rates, while Arkansas Tech University produces graduates earning $31,133 despite higher debt loads of $23,090. The state's low living costs amplify these savings, allowing future teachers to stretch their education investment further in communities from Blytheville to Little Rock.
21
Programs
$5,144 – $22,670
Net Price Range
$34,506
Avg. Program Earnings
46.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

21 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $5,144 $2,570 20.7%
2 $10,097 $6,906 37.0%
3 $10,146 $3,168 29.1%
4 $11,679 $9,019 39.7% 69.3%
5 $12,171 $8,508 48.7% 94.4%
6 $13,085 $7,754 55.1% 69.5%
7 $13,630 $25,950 51.8% 60.1%
8 $14,013 $8,868 43.3%
9 $15,360 $13,014 32.3%
10 $15,875 $20,330 35.9% 59.3%
11 $15,944 $9,820 46.5% 63.6%
12 $16,136 $8,455 41.4% 61.5%
13 $16,664 $19,680 35.3% 63.9%
14 $16,775 $10,118 53.3% 91.2%
15 $16,929 $7,885 38.0% 70.7%
16 $17,236 $16,440 26.1%
17 $17,525 $9,748 70.0% 78.9%
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%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Arkansas Northeastern College so much cheaper than other teacher education programs?

Arkansas Northeastern College charges just $5,144 net cost compared to $22,355 at the most expensive programs, primarily due to its community college structure and $2,570 in-state tuition. The school focuses on foundational teacher preparation courses that transfer to four-year programs. However, its 20.7% graduation rate suggests students often complete degrees elsewhere, making it ideal for cost-conscious students planning to transfer.

How do graduation rates compare across Arkansas teacher education programs?

Graduation rates span from 20.7% at Arkansas Northeastern College to 55.1% at Arkansas State University, with most programs falling between 35% and 50%. University of Central Arkansas achieves 53.3% graduation rates at $16,775 net cost, while Arkansas Tech University reaches 48.7% despite charging only $12,171. Private schools don't necessarily outperform public institutions, with University of the Ozarks at 51.8% and Williams Baptist at 35.9%.

Is the earnings potential worth the investment for Arkansas teacher education graduates?

Arkansas teacher education graduates earn between $31,133 and $37,748 annually, with most programs producing earnings around $33,000 to $35,000. University of the Ozarks and University of Arkansas-Fort Smith graduates both earn $35,416, while Arkansas Tech and University of Arkansas at Monticello graduates start at $31,133. These salaries, combined with Arkansas's low cost of living, provide reasonable returns on education investments under $17,000.

Does attending a private university significantly improve job prospects for teachers?

Private universities in Arkansas don't show clear advantages in teacher education outcomes compared to public options. University of the Ozarks graduates earn $35,416 but pay $13,630 net cost, while Arkansas State University graduates earn $33,382 at similar net pricing of $13,085. Williams Baptist University charges $15,875 net cost but achieves only 35.9% graduation rates. Public universities often provide better value through lower costs and comparable or superior completion rates.

Where can future teachers find the best combination of affordability and outcomes?

Arkansas State University offers the strongest balance at $13,085 net cost with 55.1% graduation rates and $33,382 graduate earnings. University of Central Arkansas provides another solid option at $16,775 net cost with 53.3% graduation rates and higher $35,518 earnings. Southern Arkansas University combines reasonable $15,944 net pricing with manageable $17,122 debt loads and $33,565 graduate salaries, making it attractive for debt-conscious students.

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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.