Best Colleges in Arkansas

With an average class size of only 15 students, Lyon College is a great choice for prospective learners who want an individualized academic experience. Undergraduates can select from 17 majors, 14 concentrations, and 23 minors. Academic programs include a concentration in military science and a minor in Celtic studies. All degree-seekers complete a robust core curriculum that emphasizes English, history, and the natural sciences.

Lyon boasts 14 honor societies for learners who maintain excellent grades. Student life at this Arkansas college also features intramural sports like archery, lacrosse, and disc golf. Learners approaching graduation -- as well as alumni -- can visit the career center to receive resume critiques or practice interviewing skills. Advisors also help students create a personal brand they can present to prospective employers.

Lyon requires that applicants submit a high school diploma and ACT or SAT scores. Students interested in college-funded financial aid opportunities should submit the YOUniversal Scholarship Application by the June 1 deadline.

Southern Arkansas University delivers more than 80 degrees and programs, including undergraduate programs in agricultural sciences like animal science, plant science, and veterinary science. Graduate students can earn a master's in teaching, which qualifies them for an initial Arkansas teaching license. Online education at SAU features more than 30 degree and certificate options.

The Honors College at SAU uses a cohort learning model for all four years. Honors students take experiential-learning trips to sites throughout the state and live together at the university's Honors Hall. All Honors College degree-seekers receive an annual stipend of $600 to cover academic expenses.

Prospective undergraduates submit high school transcripts or GED scores as well as SAT or ACT scores. Incoming students who earned a score of 30 or above on the ACT automatically receive a Presidential Scholarship, which awards them $5,000 a semester for eight semesters.

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff features over 100 undergraduate majors in fields such as aquaculture, regulatory science, and mass communications. The School of Education offers teacher preparation programs, and the Carolyn F. Blakely Honors Program offers small class sizes and unique educational opportunities. In addition, graduate education at UAPB includes both degrees and continuing education opportunities.

Like many excellent Arkansas colleges and universities on this ranking, UAPB participates in the TRIO Program to provide first-generation degree-seekers with additional student services at no extra charge. Learners can visit the university's career center to receive individualized advice. Other career services include job fairs and online career interest surveys.

UAPB accepts new students in the fall, spring, summer terms. Application requirements include a high school diploma or GED scores and a minimum score of 19 on the ACT or 980 on the SAT. Institutional scholarships for incoming freshmen award up to $16,500 per year, and transfer students may qualify for up to $5,000 per year.

The five colleges and schools that comprise the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith educate over 6,600 students each year. Learners can pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in addition to certificates. Notable undergraduate programs at this Arkansas university include rhetoric and writing, editing for clarity, and the history and development of the English language. UAFS offers two graduate programs: a master of science in healthcare administration and a master of education.

UAFS boasts seven on-campus advising centers, each of which has a unique mission, such as academic advising or career counseling. Freshmen can access the university's first-year advising center to research majors, select courses, and learn academic success strategies. Additionally, each college features specialized advising services to help students succeed.

In addition to high school transcripts or GED scores, undergraduate applicants must submit ACT or SAT scores as well as immunization records. The latter requirement does not apply to online learners. Graduate programs feature unique application requirements. Degree-seekers may qualify for scholarships if they have an excellent high school GPA and standardized test scores.

The academic opportunities at Henderson State University include a teachers college with programmatic accreditation from nine organizations. The college offers undergraduate and graduate programs that allow students to specialize in an academic field while fulfilling all requirements for an Arkansas teaching license. Other educational programs at this Arkansas university include undergraduate and graduate degrees in arts, sciences, and business.

The Honors College at HSU accepts incoming degree-seekers with an ACT score of 26 or above. As underclassmen, honors students take 12 honors credits in areas like civilization since 1660 and general psychology. Juniors and seniors must complete an honors research project that involves a colloquium and a seminar.

Applicants who earned at least a 20 on the ACT can gain unconditional admission. Undergraduate and graduate transfer credits must reflect a minimum 2.0 GPA, and each graduate program uses different application requirements. Academically gifted students may qualify for a Distinguished Freshman Scholarship, which awards $11,000 per year and a housing stipend.

Central Baptist College affiliates with the Baptist Missionary Association of Arkansas. The school's nearly 900 students can select from more than 50 academic programs, including degrees in accounting, middle-level education, and marketing. This Arkansas college also features a specialized program that helps learners earn a bachelor's degree either on campus or online. Additionally, degree-seekers can enhance their program by completing an optional minor.

Spiritual life at CBC gives learners many opportunities to reaffirm their faith. Both on and off campus, the college hosts religious services, discipleship groups, and Christian concerts, among other events. Other students activities at CBC include the President's Leadership Council and the Medical Professions Society.

Applicants must possess either a high school diploma or a GED certificate and meet CBC's ACT and SAT score cutoffs. Other required admission materials include immunization records, a housing application, and FAFSA results. CBC proudly participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which awards additional financial aid opportunities to active-duty military personnel and veterans.

A nondenominational Christian college located in Springdale, Ecclesia College offers nine associate degrees and bachelor's programs to nearly 200 students. Degree-seekers can major in biblical studies or Christian Leadership, both of which provide learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to become lay ministers. Traditional liberal arts programs at this Arkansas college include business administration and sport management.

Student life at Ecclesia emphasizes spiritual growth. The school's music clubs often play at on-campus religious services, and Ecclesia's Character Counts program fosters students' personal development through discussions on how to apply Christian teachings to modern life. All degree-seekers participate in a work-learning program.

Ecclesia does not accept GED diplomas, and all applicants must submit ACT or SAT scores and complete an interview with a counselor. Incoming learners may qualify for one of four scholarship opportunities. Scholarships award up to $3,500 per year and renew as long as students stay in good academic standing.

At University of the Ozarks, degree-seekers can pursue a bachelor's in one of 26 undergraduate majors. Bachelor's programs at this Arkansas college include environmental studies, pre-med, and physical education K-12 licensure. The school also offers minors in various liberal arts fields. All learners receive an iPad with Compass learning software installed. Online students also receive an iPad and can access asynchronous course content through Canvas.

Learners can enhance their bachelor's program in many ways. For example, Ozarks boasts study abroad agreements with universities in Ireland, Japan, Argentina, and Spain. Additionally, as the university affiliates with the Presbyterian Church, it features many Christian student groups, including Faith Exploration, Interfaith Relationships, and Presbyterian Connection.

Applicants must have a high school diploma and submit ACT or SAT scores. Prospective students can provide two recommendation letters or a writing sample in place of fulfilling the test score requirement. Scholarships award up to $18,500 per year. Students can also participate in an on-campus work-study program.

Crowley's Ridge College emphasizes academic scholarship, spiritual enrichment, and service learning. Students can select from one associate degree and 10 bachelor's degrees in areas such as biblical studies, elementary education, and accounting. Most programs offer minors or several electives that allow students to personalize their degree. Many on-campus courses use digital tools to enhance degree-seekers' educational experience.

Athletics make up a significant part of student life at CRC. This Arkansas college hosts six men's and four women's intramural teams, and CRC holds membership in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. Finally, all learners attend religious services once per week and take a Bible course each semester.

CRC accepts new degree-seekers in the spring, summer, and fall semesters. Applicants must have either a high school diploma or GED certificate. Incoming learners who earned at least a 30 on the ACT qualify for a $10,500 scholarship. This scholarship renews each year as long as recipients maintain a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA.

At the University of Arkansas at Monticello, students can receive an affordable education while taking advantage of a wide array of resources. Academic offerings at this Arkansas university include certificates, undergraduate degrees, and graduate degrees. The institution consists of 12 colleges and schools, many of which have honor societies.

UAM offers career and academic advising, counseling, and tutoring resources. On-campus degree-seekers can also take advantage of the state-of-the-art exercise center. The university's residence halls offer modern amenities including wireless internet, cable, and suite-style bathrooms.

New courses start at five points throughout the year, making UAM a great choice for prospective degree-seekers who want to begin a program as soon as possible. Applicants with GED diplomas must possess high school transcripts that reflect six semesters of attendance. New learners submit only one form to apply to all university-funded scholarship opportunities.