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NCAA Division II Colleges in Arkansas

7 schools in Arkansas. See our methodology.

Harding University stands alone among Arkansas Division II schools with a 45.12% acceptance rate that makes it highly selective compared to Arkansas Tech University's open-door 94.39% rate. The $10,097 net cost at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith contrasts sharply with Ouachita Baptist's $22,355 price tag, creating a $12,258 spread that reflects different institutional missions. Graduation rates span from 37% to 70.9%, suggesting varying levels of student support and academic rigor. These schools serve Arkansas communities where Walmart headquarters drives retail logistics careers and Tyson Foods creates agricultural business opportunities. The state's low cost of living helps explain why even the most expensive option remains under $23,000 annually. Post-graduation earnings from $36,902 to $52,876 align well with Arkansas median wages, particularly for graduates entering corporate roles at major state employers or regional healthcare systems.
7
Schools
$16,013
Avg. Net Price
$44,309
Avg. Earnings
50.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

NCAA Division II Colleges in Arkansas

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 3,323 $20,579 70.9% 45.1%
2 1,612 $22,355 70.3% 72.3%
3 4,133 $10,097 37.0%
4 1,868 $14,013 43.3%
5 2,865 $15,944 46.5% 63.6%
6 1,491 $16,929 38.0% 70.7%
7 5,993 $12,171 48.7% 94.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Harding University different from other Arkansas Division II schools?

Harding maintains a 45.12% acceptance rate while other schools accept 63-94% of applicants. Its 70.9% graduation rate leads the state's Division II institutions, and graduates earn $52,876 annually, the highest among these seven schools.

How do costs vary among Arkansas Division II colleges?

Net prices range from $10,097 at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith to $22,355 at Ouachita Baptist University. The $12,258 difference reflects public versus private funding models and different financial aid strategies across institutions.

Is Arkansas Tech University truly open admission?

Arkansas Tech accepts 94.39% of applicants, making it nearly open admission among Division II schools. With 5,993 students, it serves the largest enrollment while maintaining a $12,171 net cost for broad accessibility.

Does graduation rate correlate with earnings at Arkansas Division II schools?

Harding and Ouachita Baptist both graduate over 70% of students and produce the highest earners at $52,876 and $51,673 respectively. Schools with graduation rates below 50% show earnings clustering around $41,000-$43,000.

Where do these graduates typically find employment in Arkansas?

Arkansas major employers like Walmart in retail logistics, Tyson Foods in agricultural business, and regional healthcare systems actively recruit from these programs. The state's $36,902-$52,876 earnings range aligns with entry-level corporate positions.

Related

NCAA Division II Colleges Nationally All Colleges in Arkansas Cheapest Programs in Arkansas

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.