collageArkansas is a southern U.S. state bordering the Mississippi River. It’s known for its abundant park and wilderness areas, with terrain encompassing mountains, caves, rivers and hot springs. The rugged Ozarks region in its northwest has hiking trails and limestone caves such as Blanchard Springs Caverns. Its capital, Little Rock, hosts the Clinton Presidential Center, housing Bill Clinton’s presidential archives.
Right here on Collegelearners, you are privy to a litany of relevant information on best colleges in Arkansas, best colleges in USA, top 10 universities in USA, and so much more. Take out time to visit our catalog for more information on similar topics.
Best Colleges In Arkansas
From the Ozarks to Little Rock, along the Delta and through the Timberlands, Arkansas is a state filled with nature and Southern culture. The history, scenery, and people of Arkansas combine to make it a unique place to pursue an undergraduate education. In this post, we’ll go over the top 10 best colleges and universities in the state.
Our Ranking Methodology
We placed a focus on school quality, outcomes, and return on investment (ROI) when making this list of the best 10 schools in Arkansas. We analyzed data ranging from retention rate, selectivity, endowment per student, student-faculty ratio, median earnings, cost of attendance, and more.
Best Colleges in Arkansas
1. Ouachita Baptist University
Location: Arkadelphia, AR
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Middle 50% SAT: 1060-1250
Middle 50% ACT: 21-28
Undergrad Enrollment: 1,600
Located in the serene Ouachita mountains, Ouachita Baptist University offers some of the best degree programs in the state. Ouachita has a wide array of majors to choose from, both in traditional fields and ministry-related tracks. It stands out with its DISCOVER mentorship program for undeclared majors as well as its Christ-centered community. Beyond the classroom, students can enjoy university-run outdoor recreational activities.
2. University of Arkansas
Location: Fayetteville, AR
Acceptance Rate: 77%
Middle 50% SAT: 1120-1300
Middle 50% ACT: 23-30
Undergrad Enrollment: 23,300
Razorbacks conduct top-notch research, study over 200 majors, and enjoy a vibrant campus life at Arkansas’ flagship public university. Arkansas stands out for its commitment to build a better Arkansas and world. From research focused on encouraging economic development to concerts featuring Snoop Dogg, the university’s large student body is afforded a large array of opportunities for academic and personal growth.
3. Hendrix College
Location: Conway, AR
Acceptance Rate: 72%
Middle 50% SAT: 1150-1360
Middle 50% ACT: 27-32
Undergrad Enrollment: 1,200
Hendrix College seeks to challenge its students to constantly make discoveries. A Hendrix liberal arts education is engaging—the Hendrix Odyssey program provides hands-on learning experiences, while customized interdisciplinary studies majors let students explore their passions. Hendrix also has an active club scene and a fun-loving, tight-knit, free spirited campus community. Birthdays are even celebrated with special school traditions.
4. Harding University
Location: Searcy, AR
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Middle 50% SAT: 1060-1270
Middle 50% ACT: 21-29
Undergrad Enrollment: 3,900
Christian ideals, generous financial aid, and strong support for veterans define Harding. The university is home to 100 academic majors, devotional groups, and national conferences like the Annual Bible Lectureship. Through all of the experiences that make up their time in Searcy, Harding students learn how to be leaders with character, Christians with conviction, and lifelong learners.
5. John Brown University
Location: Siloam Springs, AR
Acceptance Rate: 77%
Middle 50% SAT: 1060-1260
Middle 50% ACT: 23-29
Undergrad Enrollment: 1,900
Named after evangelist and educator John E. Brown, JBU follows his values by providing students with a pragmatic, Christ-centered liberal arts education. JBU’s location in northwest Arkansas provides the best of both city and small-town living. Its chapel and student ministries nurture students’ faith through community. All of this is combined with a transformative education which teaches lifelong learning skills — skills that prepare students to excel in current fields and adapt to jobs which do not exist yet.
6. University of the Ozarks
Location: Clarksville, AR
Acceptance Rate: 53%
Middle 50% SAT: 870-1050
Middle 50% ACT: 18-23
Undergrad Enrollment: 800
University of the Ozarks empowers students to embark on a journey of intellectual, social, and spiritual growth. Through a multidisciplinary approach, students can take the road less traveled with their education. One example path is the LENS program, which challenges students to study the humanities, social sciences, and STEM to become “a well-rounded force to be reckoned with.” Outside of class, students enjoy outdoor activities in the picturesque Ozarks region, faith exploration activities, and service projects.
7. Lyon College
Location: Batesville, AR
Acceptance Rate: 50%
Middle 50% SAT: 1040-1200
Middle 50% ACT: 21-26
Undergrad Enrollment: 600
Lyon is a small liberal arts college which prepares students to make the most of life with a holistic education. With 18 majors as well as a wide selection of pre-professional programs and concentrations, Lyon allows students to follow their intellectual passions and career goals at the same time. The college also values integrity in academics and encourages adventure, especially in the vibrant town of Batesville.
8. Arkansas State University – Main Campus
Location: Jonesboro, AR
Acceptance Rate: 77%
Middle 50% SAT: 1013-1220
Middle 50% ACT: 21-27
Undergrad Enrollment: 9,300
A-State turns incoming freshmen into adaptable innovators. The university has particularly strong academic programs which explore emerging technologies and new sciences. A-State is also adept at connecting students with learning opportunities outside the classroom; laboratories, galleries, theaters, internships, co-ops and more are some of the places where students can enrich their learning. Learning is continuously fostered through international programs and cheering for the Red Wolves.
9. Southern Arkansas University – Main Campus
Location: Magnolia, AR
Acceptance Rate: 69%
Middle 50% SAT: 966-1168
Middle 50% ACT: 18-24
Undergrad Enrollment: 3,900
Over 100 undergraduate degree programs are on offer at a university which is centrally located in the Mississippi Delta region. SAU combines affordable academics with unique campus activities, such as SAB’s Fall Fest Chili Cook Off and Leadership Academy. Active Greek life and a strong alumni network fortify SAU’s focus on the values of Love and Loyalty.
10. University of Arkansas at Little Rock | UA Little Rock
Location: Little Rock, AR
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Middle 50% SAT: 960-1150
Middle 50% ACT: 19-25
Undergrad Enrollment: 7,700
Flexible learning and 60 majors. Unmatched internship opportunities. A metropolitan location. These are just some of the resources that set UA Little Rock apart. Others include the university’s commitment to community service in the local area, where students can serve anywhere from a public radio station to a technology development center. UA Little Rock also has exceptional research centers studying integrative nanotechnology sciences and emerging analytics.
What Are Your Chances of Acceptance?
Want to discover your odds of admission at one of the top schools in Arkansas? CollegeVine is here to help. Our free chancing engine utilizes data about your whole application profile to predict your chances of acceptance at thousands of colleges and universities across the country. Though all of these schools are selective, your personal chances may be higher or lower depending on your profile.
Best Colleges In USA
Besides the obvious fact that employers are often more likely to hire someone with a college degree, college provides an excellent means of networking, building communities, developing a strong work ethic, exploring research and internship opportunities, and so much more.
Costs to Consider in College
Aside from tuition, there are many other costs for students and families to consider before committing to a college. Here are just some to keep in mind as you conduct your search:
- Room & Board
- On-campus: Costs will vary depending on the college and state you choose to study in, but generally, on-campus housing is more expensive than off-campus housing. However, there are perks to living on campus, such as not having to commute to classes and the ability to take advantage of dining halls.
- Off-campus: Off-campus housing is highly recommended after the first year of college in the dorms. Apartments are often cheaper to rent with roommates (exact prices will vary depending on location), and it’s nice to be able to go home from school after a long day of classes!
- School Supplies
- Laptop: This is a necessity for every college student now, especially with the Internet being such a prevalent part of our lives! Education often involves research, e-mail communications, typing up papers, and even submitting assignments to professors online.
- Tablet/Kindle: It’s either this, or buying a ton of textbooks every quarter that go forgotten after the courses are completed. While a big initial investment, tablets and Kindles can go a long way with saving money in the long run. Of course, this method of reading is not preferred for every student. If you like to physically mark up your books and take notes on paper… you’ve got the next expense…
- Textbooks: Simply put, regardless of where you purchase them (we highly recommend checking out Amazon before buying from the school bookstore!), textbooks add up.
- Travel
- Study abroad: While studying out of the country is a completely rewarding experience, there are additional fees to consider before committing to it. These fees will vary depending on where you want to study abroad, whether you qualify for financial aid, and more.
- Driving: If you commute to class, you will have to absorb gas, mileage, car maintenance, and parking expenses.
- Graduation: So you’ve finished your classes… and now it’s time to finally get that degree! Yay for not having to pay anymore school fees! Not quite… but you’re close. Graduating entails paying for graduation attire like the cap and gown, graduation photos, etc.
- Food: No student can survive without food! With that said, it’s essential to set aside spending money for weekly groceries and meals.
Ways to Save in College
The skill of saving money is a must, and it’s a skill that is good to learn before going into college! Education can be really expensive, so cutting down on costs wherever possible is always a smart idea.
- Eat out less, cook more — you’d be surprised at how much even just a cup of coffee and a bagel everyday from Starbucks would add up!
- Share textbooks with a roommate or friend whenever possible. Better yet, use the library and borrow books as needed!
- Consider taking prerequisite and general education courses at a community college for reduced tuition, and finish off upper-division courses at a 4-year university. Just be sure that the classes will transfer over.
- Split rent and utility bills with a couple of roommates.
- Take advantage of public transportation whenever possible, which is often included in student fees that you have to pay anyway. Not only will you be cutting down costs on gas, you’ll be saving some mileage on your car as well!
- Don’t be afraid to ask about and use student discounts. More shops and stores offer one than you’d think!
Types of Colleges
Which college type is right for you and your career goals? Here are the different types of colleges to consider as you narrow down your options:
- Online colleges: A plethora of online colleges are available for students who prefer learning from the comfort of their own home. With the Internet being so prevalent, online learning has become more popular over the years. It is a great option for those who want to get a degree but need to have the flexible schedule to do so.
- Community colleges & technical schools: Going to community college is a great start for many college students. Community colleges are more affordable than 4-year universities, and offer many different courses at the lower-division level. Students can earn their 2-year Associate degree and move forward from there, or simply take classes that transfer over to their 4-year degree at a 4-year university to save money. Attending a community college is also a great option for those who simply want to take classes for personal enrichment or have a basic college education. Technical schools are designed for those who are looking to earn a career-focused degree.
- Public 4-year and graduate colleges: Many state universities and colleges offer a diverse variety of academic programs to choose from. Tuition is generally lower than private universities. Some of these colleges offer online degree programs as well.
- Private 4-year and graduate universities: Depending on what you are looking to study, a private university may or may not be for you. Tuition is generally higher at private universities, but many of these schools are also smaller, giving individuals the opportunity to really get to know their campus and the student body. Additionally, students have the advantage of a more personalized education experience with more one-on-one interactions with their professors.
- Institutions with religious affiliations: Students of faith have a plethora of religious colleges to choose from. A few include Catholic, Christian, and Jewish schools.
| Rank | School Name | City | State | Net Cost | School Level | Retention Rate | Distance Learning |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A & W Healthcare Educators | New Orleans | LA | N/A | Vocational | N/A | No |
| 2 | A T Still University of Health Sciences | Kirksville | MO | N/A | 4 year | N/A | Yes |
| 3 | Aaniiih Nakoda College | Harlem | MT | $8,982 | 2 year | 41.67% | No |
| 4 | Aaron’s Academy of Beauty | Waldorf | MD | N/A | Vocational | 87.5% | No |
| 5 | ABC Beauty Academy | Garland | TX | N/A | Vocational | 37.5% | No |
| 6 | ABC Beauty College Inc | Arkadelphia | AR | N/A | Vocational | 50% | No |
| 7 | Abcott Institute | Southfield | MI | N/A | Vocational | 78.33% | No |
| 8 | Abdill Career College Inc | Medford | OR | N/A | Vocational | N/A | No |
| 9 | Abilene Christian University | Abilene | TX | N/A | 4 year | 75.15% | Yes |
| 10 | Abington Memorial Hospital Dixon School of Nursing | Willow Grove | PA | N/A | 2 year | N/A | No |
| 11 | Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College | Tifton | GA | $6,654 | 4 year | 59.46% | Yes |
| 12 | Academia Serrant Inc | Ponce | PR | N/A | Vocational | 78.89% | No |
| 13 | Academy College | Minneapolis | MN | N/A | 4 year | N/A | Yes |
| 14 | Academy Di Capelli-School of Cosmetology | Wallingford | CT | N/A | Vocational | 85.71% | No |
| 15 | Academy di Firenze | Jerome | ID | N/A | 2 year | 87.5% | No |
| 16 | Academy for Careers and Technology | Mullins | SC | $7,350 | Vocational | 62.5% | No |
| 17 | Academy for Five Element Acupuncture | Gainesville | FL | N/A | 4 year | N/A | No |
| 18 | Academy for Jewish Religion-California | Los Angeles | CA | N/A | 4 year | N/A | No |
| 19 | Academy for Nursing and Health Occupations | West Palm Beach | FL | N/A | 2 year | 86.36% | Yes |
| 20 | Academy for Salon Professionals | Canoga Park | CA | N/A | Vocational | 90.91% | No |
| 21 | Academy for Salon Professionals | Santa Clara | CA | N/A | Vocational | 82.86% | No |
| 22 | Academy of Art University | San Francisco | CA | N/A | 4 year | 76.44% | Yes |
| 23 | Academy of Career Training | Kissimmee | FL | N/A | Vocational | 85.19% | No |
| 24 | Academy of Careers and Technology | Beckley | WV | $7,234 | Vocational | 81.82% | No |
| 25 | Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences | Oakland | CA | N/A | 4 year | N/A | No |
Top 10 Universities In USA
The United States of America (USA) is one of the most preferred landing places for study abroad in the world. The country has more than a million students coming from different countries to study at top-ranked universities. The country being a pioneer when it comes to the quality of education is one of the most significant reasons to study in USA. Below we have mentioned the top 10 universities in USA for international students.
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
The university was established in the year 1861. It is a private, independent and coeducational university. The university focuses on technological and scientific research. With more than 1,000 members in faculty, MIT continues to play an essential role in shaping the future of undergraduate and graduate students as mentors, advisors, committee members, coaches, and much more. The beauty of this university is that it pushes students to go beyond their past understanding of what they believed themselves to be capable of.
Five schools of MIT are:
- Architecture and planning
- Engineering
- Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences
- Management
- Science
| QS World University Ranking | 1 |
| THE World University Ranking | 5 |
| Status | Private |
| TOEFL Requirements | Paper-based score: 557, Internet-based score:90 |
| IELTS Requirements | Not accepted |
| Average undergraduate tuition fees per year | $52943 |
| Average Graduate tuition fees per year | $52943 |
2. Stanford University
The university was established in the year 1885. It is located in the centre of the San Francisco Peninsula and in the heart of Northern California’s dynamic Silicon Valley. The university is an international institution, admitting students from all 50 states of the USA and more than 90 other countries. Out of seven schools of Stanford University, four of them offer undergraduate and graduate coursework, and the remaining three serve as purely graduate schools.
Seven schools of Stanford University are:
- Graduate School of Business
- School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences
- Graduate School of Education
- School of Engineering
- School of Humanities and Sciences
- Law School
- School of Medicine.
| QS World University Ranking | 2 |
| THE World University Ranking | 4 |
| Status | Private |
| TOEFL Requirements | Paper-based score: 575, Internet-based score:89 |
| IELTS Requirements | a band score of 7.0 |
| Average undergraduate tuition fees per year | $52,356 |
| Average Graduate tuition fees per year | $52646 |
3. Harvard University
This institution is the oldest university in the USA and is considered one of the most prestigious in the world. The university was founded in the year 1636. It has a total of 13 degree-granting schools. They are as follows:
- Harvard Business School
- Harvard Division of Continuing Education
- Harvard Divinity School
- Harvard Graduate School of Design
- Harvard Kennedy School
- Harvard Medical School
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
- Harvard School of Dental Medicine
- Harvard College
- Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences
- Harvard Graduate School of Education
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
- Harvard Law School
- Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study
| QS World University Ranking | 3 |
| THE World University Ranking | 7 |
| Status | Private |
| TOEFL Requirements | Internet-based score:68 |
| IELTS Requirements | a band score of 7.5 |
| Average undergraduate tuition fees per year | $47,277 |
| Average Graduate tuition fees per year | $37,144 |
4. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
The institute is a world-renowned science and engineering research and education institution, situated in Pasadena, California. Caltech also offers outstanding opportunities for the study and performance of theatre, music and the visual arts, all activities which play an essential role in its mission of educating excellent students to become creative members of society.
Caltech’s campus has five institutes namely
- Beckman Institute,
- Kavli Nanoscience Institute,
- Rosen Bioengineering Center,
- Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute for Neuroscience
- Resnick Sustainability Institute
| QS World University Ranking | 5 |
| THE World University Ranking | 2 |
| Status | Private |
| TOEFL Requirements | Internet-based score:110 |
| IELTS Requirements | Not Accepted |
| Average undergraduate tuition fees per year | $52,008 |
| Average Graduate tuition fees per year | $52,008 |
5. University of Chicago
It was established in the year 1856. The University of Chicago is a research-based private university located in the urban center of Chicago, the third most popular city in the USA. As it is located in Hyde Park, it offers a rich campus life in a big-city setting. The university has postgraduate offerings which include the highly ranked Booth School of Business, Pritzker School of Medicine, Law School, and Harris School of Public Policy Studies. The alumni of the University are responsible for the development of many academic disciplines, such as economics, law, sociology, and literary criticism
| QS World University Ranking | 10 |
| THE World University Ranking | 9 |
| Status | Private |
| TOEFL Requirements | Paper-based score: 600, Internet-based score:104 |
| IELTS Requirements | a band score of 7 |
| Average undergraduate tuition fees per year | $57,095 |
| Average Graduate tuition fees per year | $58,698 |
6. Princeton University
It is a private institution, established in the year 1746. Princeton University offers highly ranked graduate programs through the School of Engineering and Applied Science and Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. The university provides undergraduate and graduate education in the social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and engineering as well as offers a number of professional degrees. Studying in this university which is surrounded by natural beauty and architectural gems bring the best out in students
| QS World University Ranking | 13 |
| THE World University Ranking | 6 |
| Status | Private |
| TOEFL Requirements | Internet-based score:104 |
| IELTS Requirements | a band score of 7 |
| Average undergraduate tuition fees per year | $51,378 |
| Average Graduate tuition fees per year | $51,378 |
7. Cornell University
It is a private, statutory Ivy League research university situated in the city of Ithaca of New York. The university was founded in the year 1865. Each undergraduate college and school of Cornell university enrolled students on their own and provides its own faculty, even though every graduate receives the Cornell University degree. Cornell’s two largest undergraduate colleges are the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Arts and Sciences. Its graduate schools include S.C. Johnson Graduate School of Management, Law School, College of Engineering, and Weill Cornell Medical College.
| QS World University Ranking | 14 |
| THE World University Ranking | 19 |
| Status | Private |
| TOEFL Requirements | Paper-based score: 600, Internet-based score:104 |
| IELTS Requirements | a band score of 7 |
| Average undergraduate tuition fees per year | $56,550 |
| Average Graduate tuition fees per year | $31,647 |
8. University of Pennsylvania
The University is a private institution that was established in the year 1740. Student life at the University of Pennsylvania serves up opportunities to discover new interests and passions in abundance, through a wide diversity in activities of political, social, religious, and cultural. It has 12 schools: Five offer undergraduate and graduate studies, and seven offer only graduates studies. They are given below:
- Annenberg School for Communication
- School of Arts & Sciences
- School of Dental Medicine
- Graduate School of Education
- School of Nursing
- School of Social Policy & Practice
- Stuart Weitzman School of Design
- Wharton School,
- School of Education,
- School of Engineering and Applied Science,
- Law School
- School of Medicine.
| QS World University Ranking | 15 |
| THE World University Ranking | 11 |
| Status | Private |
| TOEFL Requirements | Paper-based score: 600, Internet-based score:100 |
| IELTS Requirements | a band score of 7.5 |
| Average undergraduate tuition fees per year | $50,671 |
| Average Graduate tuition fees per year | $43,226 |
9. Yale University
Yale University is a private research university and a member of the reputed Ivy League. It was established in the year 1701, making it the third-oldest higher education institution in the USA. The university contains 14 schools: the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the original undergraduate college, and other 12 professional schools. Student life here is rich, reflecting the diversity of cultures and nationalities on campus.
| QS World University Ranking | 17 |
| THE World University Ranking | 8 |
| Status | Private |
| TOEFL Requirements | Internet-based score:100 |
| IELTS Requirements | a band score of 7.0 |
| Average undergraduate tuition fees per year | $54,974 |
| Average Graduate tuition fees per year | $44,732 |
10. Columbia University
Columbia University was established in the year 1754. It is a privately owned research-based university located in New York City. The University contains 20 schools, including undergraduate schools such as the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, Columbia College, and the School of General Studies, as well as graduate schools such as Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia Law School, Columbia Journalism School, and Columbia Business School, etc.
| QS World University Ranking | 18 |
| THE World University Ranking | 16 |
| Status | Private |
| TOEFL Requirements | Paper-based score: 600, Internet-based score:100 |
| IELTS Requirements | a band score of 7.5 |
| Average undergraduate tuition fees per year | $58,163 |
| Average Graduate tuition fees per year | $47,851 |
The USA, for many years, has been a truly international space to be where students from all over the world of different ethnicities come to study in the country. This makes the USA a multicultural society to live in. More than 150 Universities in the USA are listed in the top universities of the world by QS rankings.
collage