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's 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 2025
Price Check
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 Arkansas Division of Workforce Services projects that jobs for nurse practitioners, occupational therapy assistants, and physician assistants will see the most growth in Arkansas from 2022-2032.
| Job | Projected Growth (2022-2032) | Annual Median Wage in AR (May 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 61% | $113,660 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | 34% | $77,340 |
| Physician Assistants | 33% | $103,550 |
| Information Security Analysts | 33% | $93,560 |
| Software Developers | 32% | $96,820 |
| Labor Relations Specialist | 32% | $53,450 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 31% | $88,340 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 28% | $67,230 |
| Logisticians | 28% | $73,710 |
| Aerospace Engineers | 27% | $103,900 |
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. This type of program can also prepare you to pursue graduate degrees in medicine or physical therapy.Nursing
Nurses are in high demand in Arkansas and have high earning potential. You typically need a master's degree to become a nurse practitioner (NP). Online nursing degree programs and online registered nurse (RN) programs can offer you the flexibility to start your path into this profession with minimal time on campus.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?
Thecost of 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 the National Center for Education Statistics (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.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition and Required Fees in AR | 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 |
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.
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in Arkansas
The Academic Common Market is a tuition reciprocity agreement through the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB). It allows students from 14 Southern states to access in-state Arkansas tuition in selected programs. Arkansas students can also access in-state tuition in these 14 states.
Students in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida (graduate level only), Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas (graduate level only), Virginia, and West Virginia can save on tuition by attending select programs in these states while accessing in-state tuition. You can search more than 2,200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs on the SREB site.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College 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.
