Choosing a college in Arkansas doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. While many colleges in Arkansas are known for their high tuition costs, there are also plenty of affordable options available. This guide highlights the most budget-friendly colleges in Arkansas , focusing on tuition and fees for the 2024-2025 academic year, so you can plan for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year with confidence.
In 2025, the average tuition and fees at 14 four-year Arkansas 4-Years Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees is $22,215, reflecting a 3.51% increase compared to the previous year.
Jackson Theological Seminary ranks as the least expensive Arkansas colleges. With tuition and fees at just $6,150, Jackson Theological Seminary offers an affordable education without compromising on quality. It is an excellent choice for students seeking value in their college experience.
Close behind are University of Arkansas Grantham at$8,520 and Arkansas Baptist College at$8,760 both consistently recognized among the Arkansas 4-Years Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees, providing quality education at a fraction of the cost of many other colleges.
At these Affordable Arkansas 4-Years Colleges, the average acceptance rate is 86.20%, and the average SAT score is 1,050, making them not only cost-effective but also accessible options for a wide range of students.
| School Name | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees | Graduate Tuition & Fees | Acceptance Rate | Total Population | SAT Score | Graduation Rate | Students to Faculty Ratio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - | Jackson Theological Seminary North Little Rock, ARPrivate, 4-year | $6,150 - | $5,100 - | - | 7 | - | - | 1 to 1 |
| 2 - | University of Arkansas Grantham LIttle Rock, ARPublic, 4-year | $8,520 ($8,520) $240 | $4,980 ($4,980) $180 | - | 5,646 | - | 43.00% | 20 to 1 |
| 3 - | Arkansas Baptist College Little Rock, ARPrivate, 4-year | $8,760 - | - | - | 342 | - | 7.00% | 13 to 1 |
| 4 - | Henderson State University Arkadelphia, ARPublic, 4-year | $10,620 ($8,244) $840 | $9,855 ($7,497) $774 | - | 2,055 | - | 37.00% | 14 to 1 |
| 5 - | Champion Christian College Hot Springs, ARPrivate, 4-year | $11,515 $1,067 | - | - | 146 | - | - | 10 to 1 |
| 6 1 | University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Fort Smith, ARPublic, 4-year | $12,182 ($7,334) $1,588 | $12,324 ($8,022) $414 | 80.46% | 5,496 | - | 38.00% | 18 to 1 |
| 7 1 | Philander Smith University Little Rock, ARPrivate, 4-year | $13,014 - | $21,600 - | - | 780 | - | 30.00% | 11 to 1 |
| 8 1 | Strayer University-Arkansas Little Rock, ARPrivate, 4-year | $13,920 - | $15,135 - | - | 741 | - | - | 47 to 1 |
| 9 1 | Arkansas State University Jonesboro, ARPublic, 4-year | $14,522 ($8,090) $696 | $13,028 ($7,322) $612 | 82.26% | 15,726 | 1,100 | 55.00% | 17 to 1 |
| 10 - | Arkansas Tech University Russellville, ARPublic, 4-year | $14,668 ($8,674) $166 | $7,670 ($7,670) $124 | 95.89% | 8,746 | 1,000 | 49.00% | 17 to 1 |
| Average | $11,387 ($8,172) | $11,212 ($7,098) | 86.20% | 3,969 | 1,050 | 37.00% | 17 to 1 |