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Rural Colleges in Arkansas

6 schools in Arkansas. See our methodology.

Southern Arkansas University Tech stands out among Arkansas rural colleges with an impressive 61.2% graduation rate while maintaining affordability at just $5,895 net cost. The state's six rural institutions serve students across vastly different price points, from Ozarka College's $4,396 to Ecclesia College's $24,294. These schools prepare graduates for Arkansas's job market anchored by major employers like Walmart headquarters and Tyson Foods. Graduate earnings range from $29,314 to $41,524, reflecting the state's lower cost of living advantage. Newport and Melbourne campuses serve over 1,000 students each, while smaller colleges like Ecclesia maintain intimate learning environments with just 132 enrolled. Acceptance rates hover around 55-59% at private institutions, making them accessible options for students seeking career preparation in retail, logistics, and food processing industries that drive Arkansas's economy.
6
Schools
$12,904
Avg. Net Price
$37,647
Avg. Earnings
41.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Rural Colleges in Arkansas

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Rural-Distant 663 $5,895 61.2%
2 Rural-Fringe 1,262 $9,730 42.4%
3 Rural-Remote 564 $4,396 43.6%
4 Rural-Fringe 132 $24,294 36.5%
5 Rural-Fringe 162 $17,236 26.1%
6 Rural-Distant 490 $15,875 35.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Southern Arkansas University Tech different from other rural Arkansas colleges?

Southern Arkansas University Tech achieves a 61.2% graduation rate, nearly 20 percentage points higher than most peers, while keeping costs low at $5,895 net price. With 663 students, it balances personal attention with program variety, and graduates earn $36,376 annually.

How do costs compare across Arkansas rural colleges?

Net prices span a wide range from $4,396 at Ozarka College to $24,294 at Ecclesia College. Public institutions like Arkansas State University-Newport cost $9,730, while private colleges average around $17,000, reflecting different funding models and student services.

Where do graduates typically work after attending these colleges?

Graduate earnings from $29,314 to $41,524 align with Arkansas's major industries. Walmart's Bentonville headquarters, Tyson Foods operations, and the state's logistics sector provide career paths, with the low cost of living stretching these salaries further than comparable wages elsewhere.

Is it difficult to get accepted to these rural Arkansas colleges?

Acceptance rates at documented schools range from 55.1% to 59.3%, indicating moderate selectivity. These colleges balance accessibility with academic standards, typically reviewing high school performance, test scores, and sometimes requiring essays or interviews for admission decisions.

What size learning environment can students expect?

Enrollment varies dramatically from Ecclesia College's intimate 132 students to Arkansas State University-Newport's 1,262. Mid-sized options like Southern Arkansas University Tech with 663 students offer personal attention while maintaining varied academic and extracurricular opportunities.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.