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Small Colleges in Arkansas

48 schools in Arkansas. See our methodology.

Arkansas State University Mid-South operates with a net price of just $3,558, making it one of the most affordable college options in the nation. The state's 48 small colleges under 5,000 students serve everyone from future healthcare workers at Baptist Health College Little Rock, where graduates earn $62,244 annually, to students preparing for Arkansas's dominant retail and logistics sector. Graduation rates span from 24.3% at University of Arkansas Grantham to 70.9% at Harding University in Searcy. These schools directly support Arkansas's economy, training workers for companies like Walmart and Tyson Foods while keeping education costs manageable. Community colleges particularly shine here, with Southern Arkansas University Tech achieving a 61.2% graduation rate at just $5,895 net cost. Many programs align with state workforce needs, from agricultural technology serving rural communities to business programs feeding Bentonville's corporate headquarters. The acceptance rates range from 45.1% to 85.7%, offering access across academic preparation levels. Small enrollment numbers, typically under 2,000 students, create tight-knit learning environments where students receive personal attention from faculty.
48
Schools
$12,577
Avg. Net Price
$41,142
Avg. Earnings
42.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Small Colleges in Arkansas

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 3,323 $20,579 70.9% 45.1%
2 663 $5,895 61.2%
3 512 $34,755 66.7% 85.7%
4 475 $4,914 60.3%
5 788 $9,359 56.1%
6 1,415 $21,144 66.8% 56.6%
7 1,094 $23,409 69.2% 60.3%
8 1,262 $9,730 42.4%
9 920 $9,659 50.0%
10 697 $8,210 49.3%
11 3,202 $9,325 24.3%
12 435 $3,558 50.0%
13 595 $5,420 51.6%
14 835 $5,200 48.0%
15 1,902 $8,652 38.2%
16 492 $6,769 47.1%
17 1,612 $22,355 70.3% 72.3%
18 4,133 $10,097 37.0%
19 1,868 $14,013 43.3%
20 4,740 $16,136 41.4% 61.5%
21 2,865 $15,944 46.5% 63.6%
22 564 $4,396 43.6%
23 514 $7,520 34.6%
24 4,632 $5,719 27.3%
25 938 $6,053 33.6%
26 1,706 $11,442 36.0%
27 3,791 $15,000 32.6%
28 753 $13,630 51.8% 60.1%
29 1,184 $10,146 29.1%
30 563 $22,670 55.9% 59.8%
31 1,491 $16,929 38.0% 70.7%
32 842 $15,360 32.3%
33 879 $6,235 24.8%
34 132 $24,294 36.5% 55.1%
35 1,899 $11,679 39.7% 69.3%
36 787 $5,144 20.7%
37 477 $16,664 35.3% 63.9%
38 162 $17,236 26.1%
39 748 $11,185 18.2%
40 490 $15,875 35.9% 59.3%
41 1,538 $11,718 46.9% 100.0%
42 373 $11,139 8.0%
43 456
44 80
45 1,361
46 290 $12,993 6.7%
47 128 $15,220
48 1

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Arkansas small colleges so affordable compared to other states?

Arkansas maintains exceptionally low education costs, with small college net prices ranging from $3,558 to $34,755. The state's low cost of living enables schools to operate efficiently while passing savings to students. Community colleges particularly excel, with 12 schools charging under $10,000 annually while maintaining solid graduation rates above 40%.

How do graduation rates vary among Arkansas's small colleges?

Graduation rates span dramatically from 24.3% to 70.9% across the state's small colleges. Harding University leads at 70.9%, followed closely by Hendrix College at 69.2%. Community colleges typically achieve rates between 38% and 61%, with Southern Arkansas University Tech reaching an impressive 61.2% despite its $5,895 cost.

Where do graduates from these schools typically find employment?

Arkansas graduates enter a job market dominated by retail, logistics, and food processing, with major employers like Walmart and Tyson Foods headquartered in-state. Post-graduation earnings range from $28,471 to $63,496 annually. Healthcare program graduates from Baptist Health College Little Rock command the highest salaries at $62,244, reflecting strong demand in medical fields.

Is financial aid substantial at Arkansas small colleges?

Financial aid significantly reduces college costs across Arkansas, with net prices averaging well below national standards. Schools like Arkansas State University Mid-South offer education for $3,558 after aid, while even private institutions like Harding University maintain reasonable $20,579 net costs. The state's 48 small colleges prioritize affordability through generous aid packages.

What academic programs align with Arkansas industry needs?

Small colleges throughout Arkansas design programs around state economic drivers including agriculture, healthcare, business, and logistics. Schools near Walmart's Bentonville headquarters emphasize business and supply chain management. Healthcare programs at specialized colleges like Baptist Health prepare students for Arkansas's growing medical sector, commanding starting salaries above $60,000.

Does small enrollment size impact educational quality in Arkansas?

Small enrollments, ranging from 435 to 3,323 students, create intimate learning environments with strong faculty-student relationships. Schools like Hendrix College with 1,094 students achieve 69.2% graduation rates, while larger programs like Arkansas State University-Beebe serve 1,902 students with more specialized offerings. Personal attention remains consistent across enrollment sizes.

Related

Small Colleges Nationally All Colleges in Arkansas Cheapest Programs in Arkansas

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.