Arkansas Baptist College: $8,760 Tuition

$8,760Tuition

373Students

8%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$28,418Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearNAIAData: 2023-24HBCUBaptist

About Arkansas Baptist College

Arkansas Baptist College brings together faith and education for 373 students in the heart of Little Rock. This historically Black Christian institution has served its community since 1884, maintaining its Baptist roots while adapting to modern educational needs. The college operates on a semester system with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for personal attention.

Students pay an average net price of $11,139 after financial aid, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $8,700. However, graduates face significant financial challenges with median earnings of $28,418 ten years after graduation and typical debt loads of $25,375. The monthly loan payment averages $269, and only 25.44% of borrowers successfully repay their loans. These numbers suggest students should carefully consider their career goals and financial expectations.

The student body is predominantly male at 73.73% and overwhelmingly Black at 91.15%, reflecting the college's HBCU identity. Most students come from out of state, with only 32.51% being Arkansas residents. The Buffaloes compete in eight NAIA sports with 236 total athletes receiving $191,070 in athletic scholarships. However, the 8% graduation rate and 21.43% retention rate indicate serious academic challenges that prospective students should weigh carefully.

Academics & Faculty

Arkansas Baptist College serves as a historically Black Christian institution focused on providing accessible higher education with strong Baptist values integration. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio suggests personalized attention, but the 8% graduation rate indicates significant academic challenges that many students face. As a small liberal arts college, ABC emphasizes foundational education across disciplines while incorporating Christian teachings into the curriculum. The college traditionally focuses on teacher preparation, business, and ministry programs that align with its Baptist mission. With 373 students, the intimate campus allows for close mentorship relationships. However, the low retention rate of 21% suggests students often struggle to persist through their degree programs despite the small class environments.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 41.5%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 8.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 8.0%
Retention Rate: 21.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $28,418
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate/Associate College

Campus Life

Arkansas Baptist College serves just 373 students on a compact urban campus in Little Rock. The historically Black Christian institution sits in Arkansas's capital city, putting students within walking distance of downtown restaurants, internships, and cultural events. With housing for 384 students, the campus can accommodate most of its small enrollment, creating a tight-knit residential community.

The student body is 73% male and 91% Black, reflecting the college's mission as an HBCU. Little Rock's humid subtropical climate means students need both winter coats for January lows around 30°F and plenty of sunscreen for scorching summer days that hit the 90s. The Buffaloes compete in eight NAIA sports, with 236 athletes making up nearly two-thirds of the entire student population. This means athletics dominate campus culture and weekend activities. Founded in 1884, the college maintains strong Baptist traditions through chapel services and faith-based programming. Students often gather for basketball games or explore Little Rock's River Market District for dining and entertainment just minutes from campus.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 384 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1884

Campus Safety (2023)

4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus
Fondling	1	1	0
Burglary	1	0	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 30°–50°F
July Avg: 71°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 50.4"
Annual Snowfall: 3.8"

Student Demographics

Arkansas Baptist College draws students primarily from beyond Arkansas, with two-thirds coming from other states seeking the school's historically Black Christian education. The student body is overwhelmingly African American and heavily male, reflecting the college's strong programs in areas that traditionally attract men. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves many first-generation and lower-income families. Founded in 1884, the college continues its mission of providing affordable higher education rooted in Baptist values to students who might not otherwise have access to four-year degrees.

Men: 73.7%
Women: 26.3%
White: 1.1%
Black: 91.2%
Hispanic: 4.6%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 32.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 46.0%

Location

Arkansas Baptist College sits in Little Rock, the state capital and largest city in Arkansas. The campus serves 373 students in a midsize urban setting with a population of around 200,000. Little Rock anchors central Arkansas along the Arkansas River, offering students access to government internships, cultural venues, and business opportunities. The city blends Southern hospitality with political activity as the state's governmental center. Students benefit from an urban campus environment while maintaining the close-knit feel of a small college with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. The location provides both city amenities and easy access to Arkansas's outdoor recreation areas. Students considering colleges in Arkansas may also compare Arkansas Baptist College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Little Rock, Arkansas 72202-6068

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $28,418
Median Earnings (5 years): $37,953
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $21,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 25.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $269/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $25,375

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Arkansas Baptist College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $11,139 per year. This historically Black Baptist college keeps tuition affordable at $8,760 for all students regardless of residency. Nearly 46% of students receive financial aid to help cover the total cost of attendance.

What are the graduation rates at Arkansas Baptist College?

Only 8% of students graduate within six years, with similar four-year completion rates. The college struggles with a 21% retention rate, meaning most students don't return after their first year. This small HBCU serves 373 students who often face significant financial challenges.

What is Arkansas Baptist College known for academically?

The college maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio for personalized attention. Founded in 1884, this Baptist institution has historically served the African American community in Arkansas. The small class sizes allow for close mentoring relationships between professors and students.

How much do Arkansas Baptist College graduates earn after graduation?

Alumni earn a median of $28,418 ten years after graduation. Graduates typically leave with $25,375 in debt and monthly loan payments of $269. Only 25% of borrowers are successfully repaying their loans, reflecting the economic challenges many graduates face.

What is the campus environment like at Arkansas Baptist College?

The campus houses up to 384 students in a midsize city setting in Little Rock. Men make up 74% of the student body, while women represent 26%. The college serves a predominantly African American student population at 91%, reflecting its HBCU mission.

Does Arkansas Baptist College have athletic programs?

The Buffaloes compete in NAIA athletics with 8 varsity sports programs. The college supports 236 total athletes with $191,070 in athletic scholarships. Sports provide an important pathway for student engagement at this small Baptist institution.