About Henderson State University
Henderson State University serves 1,491 students in the small Arkansas town of Arkadelphia. The Reddies have built their reputation around teacher education and business programs since 1890. This public university draws heavily from Arkansas, with 88% of students coming from in-state. The campus sits in a classic college town setting where students can walk to local shops and restaurants.
Most students pay around $16,929 after financial aid, making Henderson one of Arkansas's more affordable options. Nearly 48% receive Pell Grants, reflecting the working-class student body the university serves. Graduates earn a median of $43,459 ten years after leaving school. Students typically graduate with $19,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $207. The numbers suggest Henderson delivers solid value for students seeking an affordable degree.
The student body is diverse for rural Arkansas, with 27% Black students and 59% White students. Athletic scholarships total over $2.2 million across 12 varsity sports in NCAA Division II. However, the 38% six-year graduation rate and 59% retention rate indicate many students struggle to finish. Those who do graduate find work easily, with a 95% employment rate after leaving Henderson.
Most students pay around $16,929 after financial aid, making Henderson one of Arkansas's more affordable options. Nearly 48% receive Pell Grants, reflecting the working-class student body the university serves. Graduates earn a median of $43,459 ten years after leaving school. Students typically graduate with $19,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $207. The numbers suggest Henderson delivers solid value for students seeking an affordable degree.
The student body is diverse for rural Arkansas, with 27% Black students and 59% White students. Athletic scholarships total over $2.2 million across 12 varsity sports in NCAA Division II. However, the 38% six-year graduation rate and 59% retention rate indicate many students struggle to finish. Those who do graduate find work easily, with a 95% employment rate after leaving Henderson.
Academics & Faculty
Henderson State University operates as a regional public university with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio that enables more personalized attention than larger state schools. The university is particularly known for its teacher education programs, which have prepared educators for Arkansas schools since 1890. Students also gravitate toward the business and nursing programs, which benefit from the smaller class sizes. However, the 38% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face in completing their degrees. The university serves a diverse student body with 27% Black enrollment and nearly 48% receiving Pell Grants. Academic support becomes crucial given that most students work while attending classes.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 98.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 38.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 38.0%
- Retention Rate
- 59.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,459
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $42,682 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $34,420 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $32,711 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $31,305 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Master | $30,409 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,236 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $26,353 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $25,580 |
Campus Life
Henderson State sits in Arkadelphia, a college town of about 10,000 people roughly an hour southwest of Little Rock. The campus houses 2,061 students in residence halls, though with total enrollment at 1,491, many beds remain empty. Arkansas weather means hot, humid summers where you'll need serious air conditioning and mild winters requiring just a light jacket.
The 17:1 student-faculty ratio creates a small-college feel where professors know your name. With 352 athletes competing across 12 varsity sports, the Reddies generate campus energy despite playing Division II. Nearly 88% of students come from Arkansas, creating a tight-knit community where everyone seems connected. Weekends revolve around Reddie athletics, outdoor activities along the Ouachita River, or road trips to Little Rock for bigger city entertainment. The Great American Conference brings rival schools to town regularly. Students often gather at local spots like Hamburger Barn or catch movies at the historic Arkadelphia Twin Theatre downtown.
The 17:1 student-faculty ratio creates a small-college feel where professors know your name. With 352 athletes competing across 12 varsity sports, the Reddies generate campus energy despite playing Division II. Nearly 88% of students come from Arkansas, creating a tight-knit community where everyone seems connected. Weekends revolve around Reddie athletics, outdoor activities along the Ouachita River, or road trips to Little Rock for bigger city entertainment. The Great American Conference brings rival schools to town regularly. Students often gather at local spots like Hamburger Barn or catch movies at the historic Arkadelphia Twin Theatre downtown.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 2,061 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1890
Campus Safety (2023)
8 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 30°–54°F
- July Avg
- 71°–93°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 54.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 1.4"
Student Demographics
Henderson State draws students from across Arkansas, with nearly 88% coming from in-state. The student body reflects the university's mission to serve working-class families, as nearly half receive Pell Grants for low-income students. The school attracts a diverse mix of students, with significant representation from both white and Black communities in Arkansas. Women slightly outnumber men, reflecting Henderson's strong programs in education and nursing. Students typically come from small towns and rural areas throughout the state, seeking an affordable college experience close to home.
- Men
- 47.4%
- Women
- 52.7%
- White
- 58.9%
- Black
- 27.0%
- Hispanic
- 7.0%
- Asian
- 1.1%
- In-State Students
- 87.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 47.7%
Location
Henderson State University sits in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, about 70 miles southwest of Little Rock. The campus serves 1,491 students in this small college town of roughly 10,000 residents. Arkadelphia lies in the Ouachita River valley, surrounded by rolling hills and pine forests typical of south-central Arkansas. The town revolves around its two universities, with Henderson State and Ouachita Baptist University creating a genuine college atmosphere. Nearly 88% of students come from in-state, reflecting the university's strong Arkansas roots. The rural setting offers outdoor recreation opportunities while maintaining easy access to the state capital. Students considering colleges in Arkansas may also compare Henderson State University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71999-0001
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,459
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $45,771
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 56.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $207/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Henderson State University?
Henderson State University accepts 70.66% of applicants with an average SAT score of 988. The school attracts students who value small-town college life and want access to Division II athletics in Arkansas.
How much does Henderson State University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $16,929 annually at Henderson State University. Nearly half of students (47.70%) receive Pell Grants, making this public university accessible to working-class families throughout Arkansas.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Henderson State University?
Henderson State University maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,491 total students. The small size allows for personalized attention in a close-knit campus community in Arkadelphia.
What are the graduation rates at Henderson State University?
Henderson State University graduates 38% of students within six years, with median earnings of $43,459 ten years after enrollment. The school serves many first-generation college students who balance academics with work responsibilities.
Where do Henderson State University students come from?
Nearly 88% of Henderson State University students are Arkansas residents, creating strong ties to the local community. The student body is 58.89% white and 26.96% Black, reflecting the demographics of rural Arkansas.
Does Henderson State University offer athletic scholarships?
Henderson State University awards $2,221,561 in athletic scholarships across 12 varsity sports with 352 total athletes. The Reddies compete in NCAA Division II as members of the Great American Conference.
