Best Small Colleges in Arkansas 2024
Small colleges in Arkansas are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.
10 Best Small Colleges in Arkansas 2024
- Hendrix College
- Harding University
- John Brown University
- Henderson State University
- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
- Ouachita Baptist University
- Southern Arkansas University
- University of Arkansas at Monticello
- Philander Smith University
- Lyon College
- Hendrix College
- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
- Harding University
- Henderson State University
- John Brown University
- University of Arkansas at Monticello
- Philander Smith University
- Southern Arkansas University
- Ouachita Baptist University
- Arkansas Baptist College
- Ouachita Baptist University 72%
- Henderson State University 71%
- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 69%
- Southern Arkansas University 64%
- Central Baptist College 64%
- University of the Ozarks 60%
- Lyon College 60%
- Hendrix College 60%
- Williams Baptist University 59%
- John Brown University 57%
- Arkansas Baptist College 23 to 1
- University of Arkansas–Fort Smith 19 to 1
- Williams Baptist University 16 to 1
- Henderson State University 16 to 1
- Southern Arkansas University 15 to 1
- Harding University 15 to 1
- John Brown University 15 to 1
- University of the Ozarks 14 to 1
- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 13 to 1
- University of Arkansas at Monticello 12 to 1
- Hendrix College $35,100
- Ouachita Baptist University $31,180
- Lyon College $31,000
- John Brown University $29,720
- University of the Ozarks $25,950
- Harding University $23,148
- Williams Baptist University $19,450
- Central Baptist College $17,700
- Crowley's Ridge College $15,000
- Philander Smith University $13,014
- Hendrix College $34,750
- John Brown University $13,920
- Ouachita Baptist University $13,500
- Harding University $12,399
- University of Arkansas–Fort Smith $7,092
- University of Arkansas at Monticello $6,744
- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff $5,712
- Henderson State University $5,670
- Southern Arkansas University $5,472
- Williams Baptist University
- Central Baptist College
- University of Arkansas–Fort Smith
- Arkansas Baptist College
- University of the Ozarks
- Crowley's Ridge College
- Lyon College
- Philander Smith University
- University of Arkansas at Monticello
- Southern Arkansas University
- Williams Baptist University
- Central Baptist College
- Crowley's Ridge College
- University of Arkansas–Fort Smith
- University of the Ozarks
- Lyon College
- Arkansas Baptist College
- Ouachita Baptist University
- Southern Arkansas University
- Philander Smith University
- Harding University 45%
- John Brown University 57%
- Williams Baptist University 59%
- Hendrix College 60%
- Lyon College 60%
- University of the Ozarks 60%
- Central Baptist College 64%
- Southern Arkansas University 64%
- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 69%
- Henderson State University 71%
- Crowley's Ridge College 9 to 1
- Lyon College 9 to 1
- Central Baptist College 10 to 1
- Hendrix College 11 to 1
- Philander Smith University 11 to 1
- University of Arkansas at Monticello 12 to 1
- Ouachita Baptist University 12 to 1
- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 13 to 1
- University of the Ozarks 14 to 1
- Southern Arkansas University 15 to 1
- University of Arkansas–Fort Smith $4,200
- University of Arkansas at Monticello $5,091
- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff $5,640
- Henderson State University $5,880
- Southern Arkansas University $7,020
- Arkansas Baptist College $8,760
- Philander Smith University $13,014
- Crowley's Ridge College $15,000
- Central Baptist College $17,700
- Williams Baptist University $19,450
- Southern Arkansas University $5,472
- Henderson State University $5,670
- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff $5,712
- University of Arkansas at Monticello $6,744
- University of Arkansas–Fort Smith $7,092
- Harding University $12,399
- Ouachita Baptist University $13,500
- John Brown University $13,920
- Hendrix College $34,750
Colleges and Universities in Arkansas
Colleges and universities in Arkansas are uniquely affordable, with just under half providing tuition rates of $9,000 or less. We’ve also found 7 high quality colleges offering online degree programs in Arkansas.
Indeed, online students can earn their degree at one of the state’s two largest universities, the University of Arkansas or Arkansas State University.
Though students can find some overlapping degree programs at the two schools, each has its specialties. For example, students hoping to pursue degrees in architecture, agriculture, or business may want to consider the University of Arkansas, while those interested in biology, nursing, or political science may want to attend Arkansas State University. It is possible to study these subjects both through traditional and online degree programs in the state of Arkansas.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
Roughly one third of the schools in Arkansas have a religious affiliation. Student populations at these schools range from just under 200 students up to 5,000. Both traditional and online students can pursue degrees that merge religious studies with fields like chemistry and history.
Tuition rates at each of the state’s 12 private schools vary greatly. Arkansas’s private colleges and schools cost anywhere between $9,000 and $46,000. Many of these private colleges boast high graduation rates and small class sizes.
Arkansas is perhaps best-known and loved for its countless lakes, Hot Springs National Park, and the United States’ only active diamond mine. However, the Natural State houses many higher education institutes where both traditional and online students can earn associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in a full range of disciplines.
With so many affordable schools and competitive on-campus and online degree programs, students attending school in Arkansas have the luxury of combining their individual budget needs with their desired degree paths. For more information on attending school in Arkansas, check out some of the state’s top schools.
What are Arkansas’s Colleges & Universities?
- 5 Research Universities
- 17 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 7 Graduate Schools
- 10 Public Colleges & Universities
- 12 Private Colleges & Universities
- 10 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 16 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 16 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 22 Community Colleges
- 7 Online Colleges
- 6 Online Master’s Programs
Arkansas’s Best Overall
The following list of the best small colleges and universities in Arkansas is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 16 small colleges in Arkansas. The list below of the best small colleges in Arkansas. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.
Best Small Colleges in Arkansas 2023
- #21 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Arkansas 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
60%
Graduation
69%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1230/26
Career Outlook for degree at Hendrix College
Cost of Degree: $35,100Expenses: $17,600Starting Salary: $44,500Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Hendrix College known for?
Hendrix College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Chemistry
- Anthropology
- Physics
- Religious Studies
- Biology
- Sociology
- Economics
- Psychology
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #21 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Arkansas 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$23K
Acceptance
45%
Graduation
69%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1170/24
Career Outlook for degree at Harding University
Cost of Degree: $23,148Expenses: $12,716Starting Salary: $47,000Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Harding University known for?
Harding University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Business
- History
- Nursing
- Education
- Criminal Justice
- Political Science
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
Harding University’s Online Degrees
BA in Bible And Ministry
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #8 Best Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Arkansas
Tuition + fees
$30K
Acceptance
57%
Graduation
71%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1245/25
Career Outlook for degree at John Brown University
Cost of Degree: $29,720Expenses: $13,540Starting Salary: $55,400Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is John Brown University known for?
John Brown University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Communications
- Nursing
- Philosophy
- Business
- Education
- Literature
- Biology
- Engineering
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #9 Best Colleges in Arkansas 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
39%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
988/18
Career Outlook for degree at Henderson State University
Cost of Degree: $7,560Expenses: $19,534Starting Salary: $40,400Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Henderson State University known for?
Henderson State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #7 Best Public Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #7 Best Grad Schools in Arkansas 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
41%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
925/16
Career Outlook for degree at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Cost of Degree: $8,574Expenses: $13,776Starting Salary: $30,600Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff known for?
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Christian Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #3 Best Online Colleges in Arkansas 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$31K
Acceptance
72%
Graduation
65%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1110/24
Career Outlook for degree at Ouachita Baptist University
Cost of Degree: $31,180Expenses: $14,150Starting Salary: $46,000Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Ouachita Baptist University known for?
Ouachita Baptist University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Ouachita Baptist University’s Online Degrees
BA in Organizational Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Christian Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #8 Best Public Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Arkansas
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
64%
Graduation
45%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1047/20
Career Outlook for degree at Southern Arkansas University
Cost of Degree: $9,580Expenses: $15,765Starting Salary: $39,000Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Southern Arkansas University known for?
Southern Arkansas University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Biology
- Business
- Computer Science
- Political Science
- Education
- Engineering
- History
- Psychology
- Physics
Most Influential Alumni
Southern Arkansas University’s Online Degrees
BBA/MBA in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 150
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #9 Best Public Colleges in Arkansas 2024
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
39%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Arkansas at Monticello
Cost of Degree: $8,431Expenses: $13,342Starting Salary: $35,800Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Arkansas at Monticello known for?
University of Arkansas at Monticello’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Medical
- History
- Engineering
- Education
- Communications
- Sociology
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Arkansas 2024
Tuition + fees
$13K
Graduation
30%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Philander Smith University
Cost of Degree: $13,014Expenses: $13,198Starting Salary: $27,300Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Philander Smith University known for?
Philander Smith University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Christian Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arkansas 2024
Tuition + fees
$31K
Acceptance
60%
Graduation
38%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Lyon College
Cost of Degree: $31,000Expenses: $14,750Starting Salary: $44,800Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lyon College known for?
Lyon College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Chemistry
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Sociology
- Education
- History
- Anthropology
- Communications
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$15K
Graduation
31%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Crowley's Ridge College
Cost of Degree: $15,600Expenses: $11,680Starting Salary: $29,600Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Crowley's Ridge College known for?
Crowley's Ridge College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$26K
Acceptance
60%
Graduation
41%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1055/21
Career Outlook for degree at University of the Ozarks
Cost of Degree: $25,950Starting Salary: $38,600What is University of the Ozarks known for?
University of the Ozarks’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Education
- Economics
- Philosophy
- Communications
- History
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Political Science
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$9K
Graduation
8%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Arkansas Baptist College
Cost of Degree: $8,760Expenses: $14,300Starting Salary: $25,100Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Arkansas Baptist College known for?
Arkansas Baptist College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
42%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Arkansas–Fort Smith
Cost of Degree: $6,418Expenses: $15,576Starting Salary: $35,000Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Arkansas–Fort Smith known for?
University of Arkansas–Fort Smith’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
University of Arkansas–Fort Smith’s Online Degrees
BA in Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$18K
Acceptance
64%
Graduation
39%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
962/20
Career Outlook for degree at Central Baptist College
Cost of Degree: $17,700Expenses: $11,696Starting Salary: $43,000Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Central Baptist College known for?
Central Baptist College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$19K
Acceptance
59%
Graduation
45%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1065/21
Career Outlook for degree at Williams Baptist University
Cost of Degree: $19,450Expenses: $13,340Starting Salary: $36,400Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Williams Baptist University known for?
Williams Baptist University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Arkansas’s Best Small College in Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.
- Hendrix College
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
- Lyon College
- Ouachita Baptist University
- John Brown University
- Henderson State University
- Philander Smith University
- Harding University
- Southern Arkansas University
- University of the Ozarks
- Crowley's Ridge College
- Williams Baptist University
- Central Baptist College
Many states have great small colleges. If you’re interested in looking into what other states have to offer, check out the best small colleges in Arizona and Washington.