With 52 state parks, laid-back cities, and classic Southern hospitality, Arkansas is a great place to earn a college degree. And thanks to the state’s online colleges, you can take classes with a flexible format.
Even better, choosing an online college in Arkansas can be cost-effective. With tuition rates lower than the national average and a low cost of living, Arkansas appeals to college students.
Whether you already live there or you’re considering attending college in the state, read our guide to learn about Arkansas’ best online colleges.
Explore Top Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Colleges in Arkansas
#1 Best Online Colleges in Arkansas
University of Arkansas
- Fayetteville, AR
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $256-$438
Out-of-State | $256-$438
Credits to Graduate: 6-120
The University of Arkansas, founded in 1871, enrolls over 30,000 students. The school boasts a 20-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. The institution allotted over $164 million to research in 2021.
Online offerings at U of A include bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in fields such as human resource development, education, and accounting.
Distance learners can also pursue certificates and microcertificates in areas such as geospatial technologies, the music industry, and environmental resiliency. Out-of-state online enrollees pay the same rates as their in-state classmates.
Percent Online Enrollment
35%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best Online Colleges in Arkansas
Arkansas State University
- Jonesboro, AR
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $276-$514
Out-of-State | $276-$514
Credits to Graduate: 9-120
Arkansas State University launched its online degrees in 2008. The school offers online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs as well as certificates. Students can study fields like business administration, geographic information systems and precision agriculture, and sport administration.
Programs include multiple start dates each year for maximum flexibility. Faculty with distance learning experience teach courses, which often have a career focus. Online enrollees can access support services, including help with the admissions process and setting academic goals.
Percent Online Enrollment
69%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Online Colleges in Arkansas
John Brown University
- Siloam Springs, AR
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $325-$640
Out-of-State | $325-$640
Credits to Graduate: 30-120
John Brown University, a Christian institution in northwestern Arkansas, was founded in 1919. The school offers online bachelor's and master's programs in fields like cybersecurity, outdoor management, and organizational management.
Applicants to the online bachelor's programs need a minimum 2.5 GPA. Test scores are optional. Admission requirements for graduate programs vary. The school also offers accelerated master's programs that students can pair with their undergraduate degrees to finish both credentials in five years of full-time study.
Percent Online Enrollment
43%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Online Colleges in Arkansas
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
- Little Rock, AR
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $292-$396
Out-of-State | $292-$396
Credits to Graduate: 12-120
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock offers associate, bachelor's, and graduate programs in fields like health education and promotion, political science, and sociology. Enrollees can also pursue certificates in subjects such as business analytics, gerontology, and data science.
Applicants to online bachelor's programs pay a $40 fee, send official transcripts, and submit ACT or SAT scores. Prospective online graduate students typically need a minimum 2.75-3.0 GPA. Some programs require standardized test scores, statements of purpose, and letters of recommendation.
Percent Online Enrollment
75%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Online Colleges in Arkansas
Arkansas Tech University
- Russellville, AR
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $260-$325
Out-of-State | $325-$510
Credits to Graduate: 29-124
Arkansas Tech University offers 39 online programs, including certificates and endorsements as well as associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. Students can also complete a 29-credit RN-to-BSN bridge program. Online enrollees can study fields like creative writing, emergency management and administration, and student affairs administration.
For bachelor's degrees, ATU requires distance education applicants to satisfy the school's unconditional admission requirements, including a 3.0 GPA minimum and the completion of a secondary school core curriculum. Learners with lower GPAs can supplement their application with standardized test scores that meet minimum thresholds. Programs at other levels maintain other requirements for admission.
Percent Online Enrollment
63%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#6 Best Online Colleges in Arkansas
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus
- Magnolia, AR
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $240-$350
Out-of-State | $350-$490
Credits to Graduate: 12-150
Southern Arkansas University, established in 1909, offers online certificates, bachelor's degrees, master's programs, and doctoral degrees. Students can also complete a combined bachelor's-master's program in business administration that only takes five years of full-time study.
In addition to fully online degrees, SAU also offers hybrid programs that combine in-person and virtual learning experiences. Distance education enrollees can access technical online tutors and study skill assistance. Students can also use the school's library, which includes e-books, journals, and database access.
Percent Online Enrollment
79%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system and data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education to help you find the best school for your needs. Our most important metric -- affordability -- accounts for 60% of our formula. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rates.
This ranking is from 2023. To learn more, consult our school ranking methodology.
Price Check
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), during the 2022-2023 academic year, tuition rates for four-year colleges in Arkansas were $871-$10,450 cheaper than the national average, making it a comparatively affordable state for college.
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Arkansas
A college degree can boost your earning potential. In fact, as workers' educational attainment increases, they typically see higher wages and lower unemployment rates, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Many of the fastest-growing careers in Arkansas require a degree. Careers in healthcare, nursing, and computer science appear on that list. Roles in these fields require specialized training.
The BLS projects jobs for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and occupational therapy assistants to see the most growth in Arkansas from 2022-2032.
Fastest-Growing Jobs in Arkansas That Require a Degree
| Job |
Projected Growth in Arkansas (2022-2032) |
Annual Mean Wage in Arkansas (May 2023) |
| Nurse Practitioners |
61% |
$113,410 |
| Physician Assistants |
34% |
$88,720 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants |
32% |
$75,290 |
| Information Security Analysts |
32% |
$93,150 |
| Software Developers |
32% |
$88,130 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers |
31% |
$97,250 |
| Labor Relations Specialist |
30% |
$59,130 |
| Logisticians |
28% |
$75,710 |
| Community and Social Services Specialists |
28% |
$43,530 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants |
27% |
$62,620 |
Source: BLS Arkansas, Arkansas Division of Workforce Services
Majors to Consider to Prepare for Arkansas' Job Market
If you're interested in pursuing one of the in-demand careers listed above, a bachelor's or master's degree in health, nursing, or computer science can help get you on the right path.
-
Health
Health science degree programs can prepare you to work as a medical and health services manager. Per the BLS, these professionals earned well above the overall median across occupations in 2023. The BLS also projects that jobs for these workers will grow much faster than average from 2023-2033. This type of program can also prepare you to pursue graduate degrees in medicine or physical therapy.
-
-
Computer Science
A computer science degree can be the first step toward a career as an information security analyst or software developer. An online computer science degree or accelerated computer science degree can help you take advantage of Arkansas' lower-than-average tuition rates to launch your career on your terms.
What Is the Cost of College in Arkansas?
The cost of online colleges in Arkansas varies depending on the school and your residency status. Some universities charge a separate fee for online students, while others charge the same residency-based tuition rates.
On average, you can expect to spend around $8,879 in tuition and fees at public colleges in the state, according to NCES. Private colleges cost an average of $24,798. That's lower than the national average by about $870 for public colleges and $10,450 for private colleges.
Average Cost of College in Arkansas (2022-2023)
| Institution Type |
Average Tuition and Required Fees in Arkansas |
Average Tuition and Required Fees in the U.S. |
| Public, Four-Year (In-State) |
$8,879 |
$9,750 |
| Public, Four-Year (Out-of-State) |
$23,091 |
$28,297 |
| Private, Four-Year |
$24,798 |
$35,248 |
Source: NCES
Scholarships and Cost Savings for Online Colleges in Arkansas
Scholarships and grants are a great way to lower your out-of-pocket expenses for online colleges in Arkansas. Online students can often qualify for the same scholarships as on-campus students.
You can potentially save thousands by applying for scholarships. Below are some of the best scholarships for Arkansas college students.
- Arkansas Future Grant: This grant covers full tuition and fees for Arkansas high school graduates pursuing an associate degree or certification in STEM or a regional high-demand area of study. Scholarships are awarded twice a year. Applications are due on January 10 or July 1.
- Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship: Arkansas residents can receive up to $14,000 over four years. The scholarship requires a minimum ACT score of 19. Applications are due on July 1.
- University of Arkansas Scholarships: Submitting an application to the University of Arkansas means you might qualify for numerous scholarships. February 1 is the final scholarship deadline each year.
- Arkansas Community Foundation Scholarships: Gain access to dozens of scholarships by filling out the Arkansas Community Foundation's eligibility quiz. Each scholarship has its own deadline, but most applications are accepted from February 1 to April 1.
- Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship: This scholarship awards up to $10,000 per year for four years to Arkansas students who meet high academic standards. The annual deadline is March 1.
Explore Top Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Arkansas
How many colleges are in Arkansas?
Per NCES, Arkansas has 27 four-year colleges and universities, including public and private nonprofit colleges, and 29 public and private nonprofit two-year colleges and universities. You can choose from online colleges in Arkansas or campuses across the state.
What is the cheapest online college in Arkansas?
Arkansas State University is one of the largest schools in the state and has some of the lowest tuition rates in Arkansas. Per NCES, during the 2023-2024 academic year, A-State charged in-state students $7,754 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state learners paid $13,826.
When it comes to the cheapest online-only college in Arkansas, the University of Arkansas Grantham offers competitive tuition rates. According to NCES, students paid $8,280 in tuition at UA Grantham in 2023-2024. Tuition rates have not increased for several years.
What colleges are in Little Rock, Arkansas?
Public colleges in Little Rock, Arkansas, include the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. You could also attend the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College, the University of Arkansas Grantham, or the two-year University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton.
Private colleges near or in Little Rock include Arkansas Baptist College, Philander Smith University, Strayer University-Little Rock, and Baptist Health College Little Rock.
What colleges are in Fayetteville, Arkansas?
The University of Arkansas is in Fayetteville. With over 30,000 students, it is the largest university in the state. Ecclesia College in Springdale, NorthWest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville, John Brown University in Siloam Springs, and the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith are other colleges near Fayetteville.
What is the easiest online college to get into in Arkansas?
Many Arkansas colleges report a high acceptance rate. At Arkansas Tech University, for example, 96% of applicants received an acceptance letter in fall 2023. That means your odds of getting in are high when applying to this public institution.
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