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 9 four-year Arkansas Public Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees is $16,621, reflecting a 3.45% increase compared to the previous year.
Henderson State University ranks as the least expensive public Arkansas colleges. With tuition and fees at just $10,620, Henderson State University offers an affordable education without compromising on quality. It is an excellent choice for students seeking value in their college experience.
Close behind are Arkansas State University at$14,522 and Arkansas Tech University at$14,668 both consistently recognized among the Arkansas Public Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees, providing quality education at a fraction of the cost of many other colleges.
At these Affordable Arkansas Public Colleges, the average acceptance rate is 79.34%, and the average SAT score is 1,048, 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 1 | Henderson State University Arkadelphia, ARPublic, 4-year | $10,620 ($8,244) $840 | $9,855 ($7,497) $774 | - | 2,055 | - | 37.00% | 14 to 1 |
| 2 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 |
| 3 1 | 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 |
| 4 1 | University of Arkansas at Monticello Monticello, ARPublic, 4-year | $14,857 ($9,292) $139 | $15,606 ($9,834) $120 | - | 2,856 | - | 49.00% | 12 to 1 |
| 5 1 | Southern Arkansas University Main Campus Magnolia, ARPublic, 4-year | $15,690 ($9,960) $290 | $10,656 ($7,380) $216 | 75.33% | 4,732 | 1,000 | 49.00% | 16 to 1 |
| 6 1 | University of Central Arkansas Conway, ARPublic, 4-year | $18,023 ($10,523) $765 | $12,985 ($7,446) $542 | 89.49% | 10,112 | 1,040 | 54.00% | 15 to 1 |
| 7 1 | University of Arkansas at Little Rock Little Rock, ARPublic, 4-year | $22,721 ($9,911) $654 | $15,547 ($7,915) $447 | 58.78% | 8,216 | 1,030 | 42.00% | 13 to 1 |
| 8 1 | University of Arkansas Fayetteville, ARPublic, 4-year | $29,966 ($10,104) $1,194 | $30,892 ($12,470) $672 | 74.30% | 33,610 | 1,120 | 71.00% | 20 to 1 |
| Average | $17,633 ($9,350) | $14,530 ($8,442) | 79.34% | 10,757 | 1,048 | 50.75% | 16 to 1 |