Online colleges in Arkansas stand in stark contrast to the state’s educational foundation centered on agriculture. After the Civil War, Arkansas began taking a more intensive focus on higher education, and by all measures, that focus has never been lost.
Demonstrating the state’s dedication to higher education, Arkansas offers its in-state residents a comparatively affordable public college experience at an average rate of $6,604 per year, which falls well below the national average of $8,070. Online college degrees in Arkansas are likewise comparatively cheaper as some schools have minimal additional charges for online college students.
Four reasons to find an online college in your state:
- Guaranteed in-state tuition saves you money
- Be a part of a university or college you know and love
- Get a degree from a school employers know and trust
- Be close enough to easily visit when desired
Ranking guidelines for the best online colleges in Arkansas:
We selected the online colleges and universities here based on the quality of their programs, types of courses and degrees offered, faculty strengths, as well as school awards, rankings, and reputation, including a strong reputation for online degree programs.
Note: In ranking the best online colleges in Arkansas, giving attention to the variety of degree programs available at the institutions is of utmost importance. For this reason, a more prestigious school in Arkansas may offer one, or a few online degrees, but that may not be enough for that to school rank highly among the best online colleges in the state. In this ranking, we are dedicated to showing who’s leading the way in delivering quality online degree programs in Arkansas.
The Best Online Colleges in Arkansas
1University of Arkansas
(Fayetteville, AR)
The University of Arkansas, a land-grant and space-grant research institution, is the flagship campus of the University of Arkansas System. It has a long history beginning in 1871, which is evident with the presence of multiple historical sites on the campus grounds. The university has 10 academic colleges and provides more than 200 degree programs. The student body is over 25,000 students strong.
The University of Arkansas Global Campus provides online bachelor, master, doctoral and certificate programs. Some of their online bachelor’s degrees include human resources and nursing. Available master’s degrees include business administration, educational leadership and agriculture. Online doctoral degrees include educational leadership and nursing. Online certificate options include psychology and information systems.
Online student resources include an online career development center, library, scholarly article database, writing center and enhanced learning center.
The University of Arkansas is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
2University of Arkansas at Little Rock
(Little Rock, AR)
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock, founded in 1927 is a space-grant research institution. The university has seven academic colleges, eight campuses and serves more than 12,000 students. It also offers almost 200 degree programs.
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock features a study abroad program which counts China, Costa Rica, Argentina, France, England, Austria and Spain among its partner countries.
The university’s online programs include various bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees in many areas of study. Some of the bachelor’s degrees obtainable online include interdisciplinary studies and speech, while online options for master’s degrees include education and criminal justice.
Resources available to the university’s online students consist of online library services that include live chat with a librarian, a research article database, a disability resource center and technical support.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
3Arkansas State University
(Jonesboro, AR)
Arkansas State University, founded in 1909, was originally an agricultural school. It was one of four created by a state resolution to train those interested in farming. Since then, this modest agricultural school has blossomed into a respected university with over 20,000 students, nearly 200 degree programs and 11 academic colleges.
Arkansas State University offers a variety of online degree programs featuring bachelor, master, doctoral and certificate programs. Some of the online bachelor’s degrees available include sociology and nursing. Master’s degree options include business and homeland security. Doctoral degree offerings include education and nursing. Available certifications include topics in education and healthcare. Arkansas State University also possesses a few degree and certificate programs available exclusively online.
Arkansas State University’s online students have access to an online library, research article database, 24/7 technical support and an online job board.
Arkansas State University is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
4University of Central Arkansas
(Conway, AR)
Best known for its stellar occupational therapy, physical therapy and education programs, the University of Central Arkansas first opened its doors in 1907. Almost 15,000 students attend the university today for its 80 academic majors in the business, natural sciences, education, arts, mathematics, liberal arts and behavioral sciences. The university’s honors college has earned national recognition for its excellent quality.
The University of Central Arkansas’ offers close to 30 online bachelor, master, doctoral, educational specialist and certificate programs. Online bachelor’s degree offerings include nursing and business. Master’s degree offerings include economy and education. The two doctoral degrees available online are in nursing and educational leadership. Options for online certificates consist of multiple topics in education.
Online students have access to a variety of online resources, including academic advising, library, academic journal database, veterans’ services, career services, disability services and 24/7 technical support.
University of Central Arkansas is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
5John Brown University
(Siloam Springs, AR)
John Brown University, a private, interdenominational, Christian liberal arts school provides a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees. John Brown University is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. The school provides academics within a distinctly Christian community. The university has approximately 2,500 students.
John Brown University provides online bachelor’s degrees in subjects including liberal arts and accounting, as well as master’s degrees in ethics and business.
Online students have access to a listing of online resources, including an online library and online journal article database.
John Brown University is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
6Southern Arkansas University
(Magnolia, AR)
Southern Arkansas University ascended from a humble agricultural school founded in 1909 to a university with over 3,500 students. The university favors a familial atmosphere with small class sizes and multiple family-oriented events throughout the year. It also has a 2 + 2 program for select areas of study and provides over 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
There are many non-degree and master’s programs available online at Southern Arkansas University. The university’s online offerings consist primarily of various topics in education, but the university provides master’s degrees in business and kinesiology.
Students also have access to a variety of online resources. Some of these include an online library with a scholarly article database, student support services, disability services, technical support and employment resource center.
Southern Arkansas University is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).