With more and more colleges in Arkansas embracing online education, there’s never been a better time to earn your degree remotely. For example, the University of Arkansas (UA) Grantham joined the UA system in 2021 as an entirely online institution and offers over 50 accredited, fully-online degree and certificate programs — all with the same high level of academic quality as the on-campus programs offered at other UA campuses.
And UA Grantham is far from the only Arkansas college with an impressive roster of online degree programs. You’ll find nearly two dozen public and private schools (including community and technical colleges) currently offering online degree programs. With so many colleges in Arkansas to choose from, it can be hard to know how and where to start your online degree search.
That’s where we can help. On this page, we’ve included rankings of the top online colleges in Arkansas to help you find the absolute best online degree for you. You’ll also find tons of other valuable information and advice to help you succeed as an online college student in Arkansas.
Top Online Colleges in Arkansas for 2024
We’ve surveyed all of the accredited online colleges in Arkansas and selected the very best based on criteria such as affordable program costs, generous financial aid opportunities, program options, study convenience, small class sizes, and access to quality career and counseling services. Here are the Arkansas online colleges outpacing the competition in 2024.
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
-
Jonesboro, ArkansasPublic $$
Arkansas State University’s online campus offers many different undergraduate and graduate degree options that can be completed 100% online. Courses are available in an accelerated online format that’s flexible enough to fit a busy schedule. Since this school follows a student-centered approach, all online students are assigned a teaching assistant who is a highly qualified, experienced leader in his or her field and has earned a master’s or doctorate degree. You will also be able to access the same resources and support as on-campus students, including the library, technical support, financial services, and more.
Program Highlights:
B.S. in Business Administration – Real Estate Specialization
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $269/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, AACSB
B.S. in Digital Technology & Design – Mobile App Development
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $269/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
M.S. in Sport Administration
- Credits: 36
- Length: 12+ months
- Cost: $331/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA), Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Russellville, ArkansasPublic $$
Arkansas Tech University has a plethora of online program offerings from certificates to associate degrees to graduate degrees. All students will receive customized, one-on-one advising with an academic advisor to help them reach their goals. All online courses are delivered via the Blackboard course management system. Online courses offer students the flexibility to complete their assignments at any time of day, but they still must adhere to deadlines and schedules posted by their instructors. New online students are encouraged to check out a demo Blackboard course and will have access to Blackboard Assist, or a list of online and campus resources to help them succeed online and on campus.
Program Highlights:
Associate degree in Banking Services
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $323/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
B.S. in Emergency Management
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $323/credit
- Mode: Online, hybrid
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
M.A. Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
- Credits: 30
- Length: 18+ months
- Cost: $395/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Conway, ArkansasPublic $$
The University of Central Arkansas is one of the most affordable universities in the United States. Students pay a flat rate of $285 per online undergraduate credit and $325 per online graduate credit regardless of their residency status or location. Online courses are offered through a course management system called Blackboard and are perfect for students who can’t make it to campus for various reasons. Students will have 24/7 access to technical support and access to a program coordinator via email and phone who will provide support for all matters outside their courses.
Program Highlights:
B.S. in Addiction Studies
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $285/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
RN to BSN
- Credits: 30
- Length: 12+ months
- Cost: $285/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), HLC
Master of Business Administration
- Credits: 30
- Length: 18+ months
- Cost: $325/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), HLC
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Magnolia, ArkansasPublic $$
The Office of Online Learning at Southern Arkansas University strives to offer high-quality educational experiences while providing top-notch support. Its online education committee addresses online education challenges and opportunities at SAU and works with the Quality Matters organization to bring students the best online courses. Online students will be able to access many online resources, including the Magale Library, traditional student support services, and an employment resource center. Courses will be delivered via the Blackboard learning management system, and first-time students must complete the online orientation before they can begin their online courses.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Kinesiology – Coaching
- Credits: 33
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $304-$478/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Bachelor’s of Healthcare Administration
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $243-$415/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: AACSB, HLC
Ed.D. in Rural & Diverse Educational Leadership
- Credits: 60
- Length: 3.5 years
- Cost: $400/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Fort Smith, ArkansasPublic $
The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith offers its online courses through the Blackboard learning management system in both a hybrid and online format. It incorporates synchronous and asynchronous learning and also delivers courses via compressed interactive video to select off-campus sites. Students have access to online resources including the school’s IT services and Blackboard FAQs. New students will have to complete a mandatory online student orientation. Students who can’t go to campus will need to communicate with professors to arrange proctored testing through Examity or another source.
Program Highlights:
A.A.S. in Early Childhood Education (non-licensure)
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $261-$583/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
B.S. in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $261-$583/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: HLC
M.S. in Healthcare Administration
- Credits: 40
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $434-$688/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: AUPHA, HLC
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Monticello, ArkansasPublic $
The University of Arkansas at Monticello offers high-quality online classes and academic programs to accommodate the lifestyles, needs, and interests of its students. Courses are delivered via the Blackboard learning management system in both a hybrid or 100% online format. Some instructors require students to take a proctored test, so students should become familiar with the list of approved testing sites. Online resources for students include the Taylor Library and Technology Center’s website and online databases. Hard-copy books, periodicals in print or microfilm, links to all e-journals, e-newspapers, electronic databases, and more are available for the student’s success.
Program Highlights:
MFA in Debate and Communication
- Credits: 48
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $385-$630/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
B.S. in Education Studies
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $268-$463/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: HLC
Master of Physical Education and Coaching
- Credits: 30
- Length: 18+ months
- Cost: $385-$630/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Searcy, ArkansasPrivate not-for-profit $$$$$
Harding University is a leader in Christian education and strives to provide high-quality educational experiences to learners all over the world. Harding Online offers two undergraduate, six graduate, four certificate, and one licensure program that can be taken in both the online and hybrid formats. Harding is constantly working to improve online courses and is dedicated to equipping faculty members with the training and resources they need to create and teach quality online curricula. All online courses are given through the Canvas learning management system, with 24/7 technical support and other online resources like the over 200 online databases students can access through the Brackett Library’s website.
Program Highlights:
B.A. in Bible & Ministry (degree completion)
- Credits: 30
- Length: 12+ months
- Cost: $793/credit
- Mode: Online, Hybrid
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Accelerated Bachelor of Nursing Program
- Credits: 56
- Length: 16+ months
- Cost: $793/credit
- Mode: Hybrid
- Accreditation: CCNE, HLC
M.A. in History
- Credits: 30
- Length: 18+ months
- Cost: variable
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
or
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: January of 2024
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
-
Camden, ArkansasPublic $
Southern Arkansas University Tech offers a variety of online degrees and courses reviewed by its Quality Matters program. Students access assignments, lectures, readings, and quizzes through Brightspace. They can also take online courses from other schools during SAUT’s breaks to fast-track their degrees and keep tuition affordable. Online students still have access to financial aid, counseling services, disability services, technical support, academic advising, and proctored exams.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Medical Office Administration
- Credits: 65
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $156/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate of Teaching
- Credits: 63
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $156/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate of Fire Science
- Credits: 65
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $156/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
9/1
-
Harrison, ArkansasPublic $
North Arkansas College offers online degrees and courses for self-motivated students with good time-management skills. Completly online courses at NAC are either asynchronous with no set meeting times or synchronous with class meetings and discussions at appointed times. Online students need computers with Intel core processors, 4 GB of memory, and 64 GB of storage along with WiFi and a web camera. They have access to career pathways and services, academic advising, disability services, library services, tutoring, and financial coaching along with tax preparation, food pantry services, financial literacy training, and other resources through Northark Help.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Accounting
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $183/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate of Arts
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $183/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate of Medical Labratory Technology
- Credits: 65
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $183/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Malvern, ArkansasPublic $
Arkansas State University Three Rivers offers an online Associate of Arts in General Studies. Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA and can transfer their credits to a four-year university or college. This degree consists of general studies in mathematics, social studies, biology, history, writing, and English. ASU uses Blackboard to give students access to their assignments, quizzes, readings, and discussions. Student support at ASU includes TRIO for academically disadvantaged or disabled students.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Arts
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $205/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Blytheville, ArkansasPublic $
Arkansas Northeastern College boasts the lowest tuition costs in the state and a 16 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. ANC uses the myANC learning management system for all its online courses. Its online programs are perfect for students needing flexible schedules. Students have access to the academic advising center, tutoring, peer mentors called student navigators, and career services. ANC also offers TRIO, a program for academically disadvantaged or disabled students needing additional assistance.
Program Highlights:
Early Childhood Education
- Credits: 65
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $84/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate of Business
- Credits: 64
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $84/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate of Teaching
- Credits: 63
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $84/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
North Little Rock, ArkansasPublic $
University of Arkansas Pulaski Tech offers two online associate degrees using Blackboard along with online technical support and online tutoring services. Online courses are rigorous and the same amount of work as in-person courses. Online students need to manage their time well for assignments and quizzes since most online courses follow a typical course schedule with start and end dates and hard deadlines throughout. Students must also have Multi-Factor Authentication enabled on their devices to access online classes.
Program Highlights:
Health Information Technology
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $138/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate of Hospitality Management
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $138/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Beebe, ArkansasPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Hope, ArkansasPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Pocahontas, ArkansasPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
or
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: January of 2024
Comparing Online Learning Formats at Arkansas Colleges
Before you start your program search, it’s important to know that online college programs in Arkansas aren’t all the same when it comes to when, where, and how their content is delivered. Every program features its own unique combination of online formats and study modes. Here’s a look at the most common of those formats and modes along with examples of current online Arkansas college degree programs that use them.
Hybrid/Blended vs. Fully-Online
Online degree programs may deliver all or just a portion of their course content through distance learning. Programs identified as fully online are those that, in most cases, offer all of their content (lectures, assignments, readings, activities, etc.) entirely online. Be careful, though. A program described as “fully online” or “100% online” may include some in-person requirements, such as internships, classroom observation and teaching assignments (education majors), clinical practice hours (nursing majors), or other face-to-face activities. Fully online programs are particularly beneficial to students whose geographic location precludes traveling far distances to attend on-campus classes.
Partially online programs combine online and face-to-face course components. These programs are commonly labeled as having “hybrid” or “blended” formats. Although often used interchangeably, the two terms have different meanings. Blended programs are ones that supplement classes attended on-campus with online assignments, reading materials, class discussion forums, etc., while hybrid programs are those in which students attend most of their class sessions online.
Below are descriptions of current Arkansas online college degree programs featuring fully and partially online formats:
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Harding University (Blended/Hybrid)
Harding University offers an accelerated version of its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, which allows students with no nursing background to earn their degree and qualify for the NCLEX exam in as few as 16 months. The accelerated BSN curriculum is delivered in a hybrid format that combines online academic coursework with hands-on labs and in-person clinical rotations near Harding’s program site in the northwest Arkansas community of Rogers. The extremely flexible online coursework provides students the option of choosing from among a variety of study modes, including videos and PowerPoint presentations, prerecorded lectures, interactive simulations and case studies, video conferences, and discussion boards. Students are required to take proctored exams in person at the Rogers program site.
Admission to Harding’s accelerated BSN program requires either a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or a minimum of 64 previously earned non-nursing college credits (including specific prerequisite courses). The current total estimated cost of the 64-credit program is $55,296. Students enrolling in this online college in Arkansas for 2024 automatically receive a $10,000 in-house scholarship upon admission. Program starts are available in the fall, spring, and summer.
Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Supervision at Arkansas State University (Fully Online)
Arkansas State University in Jonesboro is home to the most extensive selection of online degrees and certificates available from any college or university in the state. The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Organizational Supervision is one of Arkansas State’s numerous degrees that can be earned 100% online. This 80-credit degree completion program provides students with the advanced organizational, management, and critical thinking skills to become successful leaders in the workplace. All coursework is delivered asynchronously, meaning that all course requirements can be accessed and completed at any time.
Admission to the program requires a previously earned associate of applied science (AAS) degree. Earning the BAS degree requires a total of 120 credits, which includes the 60 credits from the applicant’s AAS program. However, up to 90 credits may be transferred. The current $269-per-credit tuition rate (including fees) is available to all students regardless of state residency. Multiple start dates are available throughout the year.
Asynchronous vs. Synchronous
Asynchronous online degree programs are ones in which all course content can be accessed and completed at any time convenient to the student’s schedule. Synchronous programs are those that include class sessions or other curriculum components that require attendance at scheduled dates and times. Both formats have their benefits. Asynchronous programs are a major plus for students with particularly busy work and life schedules that make it difficult or impossible to log in and participate in classes at specific times. Students with more flexible schedules often benefit from the interaction with peers and instructors that comes with attending classes in real time via livestream.
Here are examples of asynchronous and synchronous degree programs currently available from online colleges in Arkansas:
Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing Analytics at John Brown University (Asynchronous)
The curriculum of the MBA in marketing analytics program at John Brown University (JBU) incorporates foundational coursework in data, analytics, marketing research, organizational management, ethics, and global business to prepare graduates for leadership positions throughout all sectors of the business world. Students have the option of online and on-campus classes. However, all program requirements can be completed 100% online in asynchronous courses. The program features three concentration options, each with its own total credit requirement:
- 36-Credit Option: For students with a previously earned Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing analytics or the equivalent.
- 42-Credit Option: Includes foundational data analytics coursework for students with a business degree in a concentration other than marketing analytics or the equivalent.
- 51-Credit Option: For students with a nonbusiness bachelor’s degree.
Degree completion times vary, but most students graduate within two years. The current per-credit tuition rate for JBU’s MBA in marketing analytics is $600. Several scholarship, grant, and assistantship opportunities are available to qualifying students. Payment plans are also available.
Master of Science in Information Quality at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (Synchronous)
The Master of Science in Information Quality (MSIQ) offered by the University of Arkansas at Little Rock balances industry best practices with information quality theory through state-of-the-art technology and tools. Earning the degree requires 27 credit hours of coursework (with a GPA of 3.0 or better) and six credit hours of either a master’s thesis or graduate project. All coursework is delivered entirely online with classes at scheduled times via live webcast. Students have the option of attending classes during the day or in the evening. Both full-time and part-time study options are available.
Admission into the MSIQ program requires a bachelor’s degree in information science, computer science, computer information systems, management, or a closely related discipline. Other application requirements include GRE or GMAT test scores that meet stated minimums, a resume, and statement of interest. The current tuition rate is $383 per credit. The program has no additional fees and the rate applies to all students, regardless of state residence. Active military and veterans are eligible for a discounted per-credit rate of $320.
Part-Time vs. Full-Time
You’ll find both full-time and part-time degree programs commonly available from the best online colleges in Arkansas. In fact, it’s not uncommon for degree programs to offer both options. Part-time study is particularly popular with online students unable to take time away from their full-time jobs to concentrate solely on academics. Full-time programs are well suited for students able to devote their full attention to their studies and those who want to earn their degrees more quickly.
Below are examples of online degrees with full-time and part-time formats currently available from online colleges in Arkansas:
Master of Science in Supply Chain Management at the University of Arkansas (Part-Time)
As mentioned above, many online colleges in Arkansas offer degree programs with both full-time and part-time study options. A prime example is the Master of Science (MS) in Supply Chain Management from the University of Arkansas. The program takes a systems approach to end-to-end supply chain management through the application of analytical, managerial, and technical skills. Graduates are prepared to take on leadership positions in supply chain planning, financing, sourcing, logistics, transportation, and more. The 30-credit-hour curriculum’s flexible structure is designed with working professionals in mind. Coursework is delivered 100% online in an asynchronous format. Most students take two courses at a time and complete the program in two years. However, students have the option of taking more or fewer courses each semester to speed or slow completion of their degree.
The current estimated cost (tuition and fees) of the MS in supply chain management program is $19,299. The program starts annually in the fall semester.
In addition to the 100% online program, the MS in supply chain management is available with a blended format in which students attend classes on the school’s Fayetteville campus approximately five times each semester and complete online coursework in between the on-campus sessions.
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction at Ouachita Baptist University (Full-Time)
Another Arkansas degree program offering both full-time and part-time options is the Master of Education (MEd) in Curriculum and Instruction at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia. The MEd in curriculum and instruction is an excellent choice for current teachers seeking to advance their careers into specialized roles such as instructional coach or curriculum specialist. The program is presented 100% online in an asynchronous format, making it easier for working teachers to fit their studies into their already-full schedules. Students additionally have the option of participating in real-time group sessions with instructors and fellow students offered in person and via live video conferencing. By taking two classes in each of five terms (two in the fall, two in the spring, and one in the summer), full-time students can complete all degree requirements in one year.
The current estimated cost (tuition and fees) of the 30-credit MEd in curriculum and instruction for full-time students is $15,670. Five start dates are available annually.
Accreditation at Online Colleges in Arkansas: What to Look for
Accreditation is the process through which postsecondary institutions and the programs they offer are determined to meet important standards of academic quality. It’s your way of knowing whether a degree program is worth your precious time and money. There are two basic types of accreditation to look for in your search for the best online colleges in Arkansas: institutional accreditation and programmatic accreditation. Institutional accreditation has to do with the evaluation of a college or university as a whole. It’s administered by a group of regional and national accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The regional accrediting agency for colleges and universities in Arkansas is the Higher Learning Commission.
Programmatic accreditation concerns the vetting of individual degree programs and is overseen by dozens of independent accrediting organizations focused on specific academic disciplines. Not all degree programs have programmatic accreditation. However, if you’re entering a highly regulated professional field or one requiring state licensure or certification then your program most likely must be accredited. Completion of an unaccredited program may mean you won’t qualify for necessary certifications or licenses.
Visit our accreditation guide for more on the importance of postsecondary accreditation and details on how to ensure your accredited online college in Arkansas meets the benchmarks.
Pricing Out Your Online Degree Program in Arkansas
A college degree is a major expense for any student. To give you an idea of just how affordable the best online colleges in Arkansas can be, here are recent U.S. Department of Education figures for the annual total tuition and fees for undergraduate students attending four-year colleges in Arkansas:
- Public (in-state residents): $8,468
- Public (out-of-state residents): $21,598
- Private: $24,998
These are averages; the actual cost of your degree from an online college in Arkansas will depend on several factors, including your specific school and degree, your study pace (full-time or part-time), whether you choose a public or private college, and, in some cases, your state of residence (Arkansas or another state).
We’ve put together the following chart showing current on-campus and online tuition rates at five Arkansas colleges to give you a better understanding of how costs differ from school to school. Keep in mind that your total program cost will likely be greater once you’ve accounted for additional program fees, books, supplies, etc. Please note, though, that public colleges and universities in the state exempt online students from paying most of the additional fees charged to students in on-campus degree programs. Also keep in mind that by going with an online degree program you’ll save money on expenses exclusive to on-campus programs, such as the cost of travel to and from campus.
| School Name | On-Campus In-State | On-Campus Out-of-State | Online In-State | Online Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Tech University | $8,071.44/year | $13,891.44/year | $6,060/year | $11,880/year |
| Central Baptist College | $14,460/year | $14,460/year | $14,700/year | $14,700/year |
| University of Arkansas Grantham | N/A | N/A | $8,280/year | $8,280/year |
| University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences | $7,160/year | $15,200/year | $6,537/year | $14,577/year |
| University of Central Arkansas | $7,616.88/year (includes residents of states bordering Arkansas) | $13,176.72/year | $6,840/year | $6,840/year |
* Costs are tuition only and do not include additional program fees except for online delivery fees.
Financial Aid Opportunities for Arkansas College Students
There’s good news if you’re in need of help to fund your degree at an online college in Arkansas. The same full range of financial aid resources available to traditional on-campus students is available to you as well. These include student loans (particularly those obtained through Federal Student Aid), scholarships and grants, fellowships and assistantships, employer tuition reimbursement, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and others.
The State of Arkansas’s Scholarship Application Management System is an excellent starting point in your financial aid search, not only for scholarships but for all types of college funding opportunities. Included is a search engine with details on over a dozen scholarship, grant, and tuition repayment opportunities exclusively for Arkansas college students. There are also plenty of additional resources on Arkansas colleges and universities, submitting your FAFSA, college savings and 529 plans, and much more.
Other useful sources of information on scholarships and other financial aid for online colleges in Arkansas are the colleges and universities themselves. Here are some examples:
- Arkansas State University: Financial Aid & Scholarships
- Arkansas Tech: Financial Aid
- University of Arkansas: Financial Aid Programs
Additional resources to check out include:
- Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators: Scholarships
- Arkansas Colleges of Health Education: Office of Financial Aid
- Arkansas Community Foundation: Scholarships Available for Arkansas Students
- Arkansas Division of Workforce Services: Money for College
And be sure to visit these Onlinecolleges.me financial Aid and scholarships guides to learn more about how you can fund your college education.
Hot Careers for College Graduates in Arkansas
Job security is another big factor in choosing a career. A good indicator of job security is an occupation’s projected growth. The chart below lists the most recent U.S. Department of Labor figures for projected job growth and annual mean salaries for ten of the fastest-growing careers in Arkansas. If you’re not yet settled on a career choice, you may want to consider these first.
| Career | Job Growth (2020-2030) | Annual Mean Wage (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioner | 53.9% | $107,080 |
| Fundraiser | 47.1% | $60,210 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | 44.1% | $67,490 |
| Operations Research Analyst | 41.7% | $66,420 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | 38.4% | $77,240 |
| Materials Engineer | 37.5% | $79,740 |
| Physical Therapy Assistant | 37.1% | $58,020 |
| Preschool Teachers Except Special Education | 36.4% | $32,130 |
| Logisticians | 34.9% | $73,360 |
| Information Security Analyst | 34.1% | $96,390 |
Online College Support Resources for Arkansas Students
Arkansas Division of Higher Education (ADHE)
An agency of the State of Arkansas, the ADHE works closely with all Arkansas public colleges and universities to promote quality higher education throughout the state. Students visiting the site have access to great resources on scholarships and other financial aid opportunities, Arkansas postsecondary institutions, and more.
Arkansas’ Independent Colleges & Universities (AICU)
The AICU represents 11 private, accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities in Arkansas. Student resources on the AICU site include descriptions, links, and current news for each member school, as well as information on the AICU ARcare/Steven F. Collier, MD, Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships for students attending AICU member schools.
Arkansas State University (ASU) System
The ASU System serves the nearly 40,000 students studying on the system’s numerous campuses located throughout the state as well as on ASU’s Queretaro campus in Mexico and globally online. The website offers extensive descriptions and links to all system schools and campuses.
Is Online Learning Right for Me?
Excellent article presented by the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College with lots of valuable tips to help you prepare for and succeed in taking classes at online colleges in Arkansas.
This highly informative page from the University of Arkansas is designed for UA online students but offers plenty of great advice that you can use regardless of the online college in Arkansas you attend. Topics include time management, active learning, technology, workplace setup, and more.
The UA System consists of seven university campuses, seven UA-affiliated two-year (community and technical) colleges, and six additional public postsecondary institutions currently operating in the state. Visitors to this website can access detailed information on the system as well as useful descriptions and links to all UA campuses and units.