Best Online Colleges in Arkansas 2025
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
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Little Rock, AR- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock offers more than 450 distance learning courses and 11 accredited degree programs — all delivered 100% online. Low flat-rate tuition fees support clear and easy budgeting, and military students and veterans receive extra discounts.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $292
Out of State | $292
Why Students Choose UA Little Rock:
- Practical Career Preparation: Pursue job-focused majors like criminal justice, human resource management, or nursing after graduation.
- Quality Control: UA Little Rock uses a unique in-house online course development program led by instructional design professionals.
- Easy Enrollment: UA Little Rock's simple four-step online enrollment process removes barriers to entry.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Military Perks: Active military personnel and veterans get a 25% tuition discount and pay no application or campus fees.
- Competitive Admissions: Only 58% of applicants received an offer of admission in fall 2023.
- Below-Average Graduation Rates: UA Little Rock bachelor's students have a 39% six-year graduation rate, which falls well below the national average of 64%.
- In-State$6,495
- Out-of-state$18,750
- In-State$5,760
- Out-of-state$13,050
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate61%
- Students Enrolled8,197
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
Arkansas State University
- Jonesboro, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:
With a huge lineup of online programs, Arkansas State University is the Natural State's largest provider of online higher education. As an undergraduate, you can choose from dozens of majors across 11 subject areas while paying the same low, fixed tuition rates regardless of where you live.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $282
Out of State | $282
Why Students Choose A-State:
- Collaborative Learning: Every A-State online student matches with a learning assistant who holds an in-field graduate degree.
- Quick, Easy Starts: An efficient admissions process and multiple start dates throughout the year get you moving fast.
- Generous Transfer Credit Policies: Work experience, employer-based training, community or military service, and independent study all qualify.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Tuition Differentials: Each online program has its own unique tuition structure, which may vary depending on your major.
- Seek Aid: Nearly 80% of A-State undergraduates received a scholarship or grant for the 2022-2023 school year.
- In-State$6,888
- Out-of-state$12,744
- In-State$6,282
- Out-of-state$11,520
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled13,024
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
Arkansas Tech University
- Russellville, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:
Arkansas Tech University hosts 39 online programs leading to certificates and degrees at the bachelor's and master's levels, including accelerated paths for transfer students. The school's unique financing policy puts money back in students' pockets by applying institutional funding before factoring in federal or state aid.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $2,997
Out of State | $5,994
Why Students Choose Arkansas Tech:
- Tuition Freeze: Arkansas Tech froze tuition fees for the 2024-2025 school year, making it the only college in the state that did not raise student costs.
- "No Strings Attached" Aid Policy: Arkansas Tech offers five paths to financial aid and does not tie aid eligibility to Pell Grant status.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Regular Tuition Rates Apply: Online students pay the same rates as their campus-based counterparts.
- Admission Procedures Vary: Each student type (non-degree student, first-time undergraduate, transfer student, etc.) follows a different application process.
- Apply by Mail: Arkansas Tech requires all applicants, including those seeking admission to online programs, to submit physical documents.
- In-State$5,995
- Out-of-state$11,989
- In-State$5,481
- Out-of-state$10,962
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled9,487
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
University of Arkansas
- Fayetteville, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:
The University of Arkansas features many online programs, including micro-certificates and doctorates. U of A's 16 available online bachelor's programs emphasize career-focused majors like accounting, business management, finance, marketing, and nursing. All online programs are developed by instruction design experts from U of A's Fayetteville campus.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $263
Out of State | $925
Why Students Choose U of A:
- Scholarships for Online Students: U of A offers online students up to $2,000 per academic year in scholarship funding.
- Military-Friendly Policies: U of A's Veteran and Military-Affiliated Student Center operates additional tuition assistance programs.
- Student Assistance: U of A's Student Liaison Office guides online students to academic success.
Know Before You Enroll:
- SAT or ACT Requirements: Test scores are required of first-time undergraduates unless their high school GPAs are 3.2 or higher.
- Transfer Credits for Military Training: If you've completed military training, you may qualify for advanced program standing.
- Scholarships Require Testing: Most in-house U of A scholarships are only available to students who submit SAT or ACT scores.
- In-State$7,666
- Out-of-state$26,690
- In-State$7,875
- Out-of-state$21,420
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate72%
- Students Enrolled32,140
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment36%
- AccreditationYes
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 BLS projects jobs for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and occupational therapy assistants to see the most growth in Arkansas from 2022-2032.
| Job | Projected Growth (2023-2033) | Annual Mean Wage in AR, May 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 61% | $116,030 |
| Physician Assistants | 34% | $93,880 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | 32% | $77,160 |
| Information Security Analysts | 32% | $96,080 |
| Software Developers | 32% | $100,380 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 31% | $101,000 |
| Labor Relations Specialist | 30% | $68,000 |
| Logisticians | 28% | $79,680 |
| Community and Social Services Specialists | 28% | $42,020 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 27% | $64,020 |
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. Per the BLS, these professionals earned well above the overall median across occupations in 2023. The BLS also projects that jobs for these workers will grow much faster than average from 2023-2033. 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?
The cost 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.
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