The Best Online Colleges in Arkansas
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Online schools in the Natural State offer new students and working professionals a convenient way to build new skills and advance their careers through bachelor’s degrees, two-year programs, and graduate-level study.
Earning a college degree in Arkansas can qualify you to enter the workforce in some of the state’s top fields. Many schools feature online options and continue to expand their programming to meet rising demand. The best online colleges in Arkansas offer multiple degrees to meet the needs of new students and working professionals.
Our ranking identifies the best online colleges in Arkansas with criteria like affordability, flexibility in delivery, and program availability. Each school listed also holds accreditation, a key indicator of quality and value. Learn more about these rankings and explore your options for online college in Arkansas below.
The Best Online Online Colleges in Arkansas
Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, AR- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,568
- Out-of-state$11,136
- In-State$5,256
- Out-of-state$10,512
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled11,829
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Arkansas at Monticello
- Monticello, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,779
- Out-of-state$10,629
- In-State$6,631
- Out-of-state$12,511
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,855
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment49%
- AccreditationYes
Central Baptist College
- Conway, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$15,150
- Out-of-state$15,150
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate40%
- Students Enrolled666
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment37%
- AccreditationYes
Best Online Colleges
Arkansas
2022
Online Online Colleges in Arkansas Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Rankings MethodologyFeatured Online Online Colleges in Arkansas
Employment in Arkansas
The highest-paying and most common occupations in Arkansas align with some of the state’s top industries: aerospace and defense, business, manufacturing and transportation, and software development. Each career listed below delivers mean earnings well above the $44,780 average in Arkansas, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that just 23% of workers in the Natural State hold college degrees. While the current unemployment rate in Arkansas is 4.4% — one percentage point lower than the national rate — college-educated professionals fare even better. BLS figures indicate that both earnings and employment rise with educational attainment.
It also costs less for professionals to live and work in Arkansas. The cost of living index, which factors in expenses like utilities and housing, is just 79.0 statewide (for comparison, the national average is 100). A low cost of living makes work for recent Arkansas graduates even more lucrative, especially for the careers listed below.
The following information includes the highest-paying roles employing more than 1,000 individuals in Arkansas. Salary information applies specifically to Arkansas, while job growth data pertains to the United States as a whole.
| Career | Annual Mean Salary (2020) | Projected Job Growth (2020-2030) | Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family Medicine Physicians | $209,370 | 3% | Doctorate |
| Sales Managers | $138,030 | 7% | Bachelor’s |
| Postsecondary Education Administrators | $114,970 | 8% | Master’s |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $114,770 | 11% | Bachelor’s |
The following data reflects the highest-paying roles employing more than 2,900 professionals in Arkansas. Salary figures apply specifically to Arkansas, while job growth data refers to the United States as a whole.
| Career | Annual Mean Salary (2020) | Projected Job Growth (2020-2030) | Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Managers | $112,190 | 17% | Bachelor’s |
| General and Operations Managers | $91,530 | 8% | Bachelor’s |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $89,700 | 32% | Bachelor’s |
| Software Developers | $87,720 | 22% | Bachelor’s |
Online Associate Degrees and Community Colleges in Arkansas
The Arkansas Community Colleges system includes 22 schools that feature associate degrees. Most only last two years, which makes it easy for learners to earn degrees in manufacturing, computer information systems, engineering, and business administration.
Online availability at these schools continues to expand amid the pandemic — an ideal option for working professionals and busy learners looking to maintain balance. After graduating, earned credits can easily transfer to four-year schools across the state.
Online Graduate Degrees in Arkansas
Many schools in Arkansas also offer online graduate degrees for individuals interested in continuing their education. If you’re looking to advance in one of the state’s top job sectors — like finance or healthcare — a graduate degree can strengthen your qualifications, equipping you for roles with higher pay and more responsibility.
Students pursuing online degrees at Arkansas schools will experience different class structures and learning formats than campus-based offerings. The key difference lies in course delivery. The best online colleges in Arkansas use synchronous or asynchronous methods to accommodate different learning styles and work schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Arkansas
Is Online College Cheaper in Arkansas?
Yes — especially if you live in the state. Many schools offer reduced tuition rates for in-state residents. Some also feature flat-rate tuition for non-residents.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Degree in Arkansas?
Most students complete associate degrees in two years or less. A bachelor’s degree can take up to four years. Individuals with transfer credits can finish faster.
What Is the Most Popular Degree in Arkansas?
Business and marketing, engineering, health professions, and communication-related fields all rank among the most popular majors at large state schools like University of Arkansas.
Blake Huggins is a Boston-based writer and researcher with roots in north Texas and southern Oklahoma. He holds degrees in religion and philosophy and writes widely on higher education, healthcare, and the humanities broadly conceived. He earned a PhD from Boston University and has taught college courses in philosophy, writing, and composition.
