For the academic year 2024-2025, the average tuition of public colleges in Arkansas is $10,701 for Arkansas residents and $17,740 for out-of-state students. For private colleges in Arkansas, the average tuition & fees are $21,301 regardless of residency.
For graduate schools, the average tuition of public colleges in Arkansas is $8,942 for Arkansas residents and $14,359 for out-of-state students. For private schools in Arkansas, the average graduate tuition is $15,804.
The average living expenses other than tuition & fees are $14,521 when a student lives on-campus facilities such as dormitory and college-operated/owned apartment. The average off-campus living cost is $16,306. It includes costs for room & board, books & supplies, and other living expenses.
The average amounts are based on the cost of 4-years college which offer BS degree (or higher). You can check the average cost of 2-years college (community college) and less than 2 years colleges (trade schools / technical colleges). In addition, you can check the average cost of college by school type, level, and offered degree below.
You can compare all Arkansas colleges in various ways:
Average Cost of Attendance (COA)
In addition to the tuition & fees, the cost of college includes cost for room & board, books & supplies, and other living expenses. This total costs of attendance (COA) is important when preparing for the college admission and checking student loans.
The 2025 average COA of the four-year colleges in Arkansas is $28,294 for residents and $35,333 for out-of-state students. At private four-year schools, average COA is $36,609. At community colleges (2-4 year school), the average COA is $18,944 for Arkansas residents and $20,364 for out-of-state students.
The following table summarizes the 2025 average COA by school types and levels. In addition, you can check the changes of COA by comparing to last year.
| Arkansas Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $28,294 | $35,333 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $36,609 | |
| Community Colleges | $18,944 | $20,364 |
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
In Arkansas, 84 out of 85 colleges are offering undergraduate programs. By schools type, there are 36 public and 57 private colleges in Arkansas.
The average undergraduate tuition & fees of colleges in Arkansas is $8,977 for Arkansas residents and $16,016 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the undergraduate tuition & fees is $21,151
At community colleges (2-4 years schools), the average tuition & fees is $4,213 for residents and $5,632 for out-of-state students.
| Arkansas Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $8,977 | $16,016 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $21,151 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $4,213 | $5,632 |
| Trade Schools (Less than 2-Year Schools) | $17,102 | |
Graduate Programs Tuition & Fees
In Arkansas, 23 colleges and universities offer graduate programs. The average graduate school tuition & fees of colleges in Arkansas is $7,239 for Arkansas residents and $12,722 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the graduate program tuition & fees is $15,501
| Arkansas Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $7,239 | $12,722 |
| Private Schools | $15,501 | |
Tuition per Credit Hour
The tuition per credit hour is used and charged to part-time students and/or full-time students who takes extra courses (credits). The average cost per credit hour of colleges in Arkansas is $247 for Arkansas residents and $508 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the average cost is $697
For graduate programs, the average tuition per credit hour is $356 for Arkansas residents and $638 for out-of-state students. At private graduate schools, the average cost per credit hour is $674
| Arkansas Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $247 | $508 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $697 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $114 | $168 |
| Graduate | ||
| Public Schools | $356 | $638 |
| Private Schools | $674 | |
Average Living Costs at colleges in Arkansas
At colleges in Arkansas, the average living cost is $14,521 when a student lives on campus facility and $16,306 when living off campus. It includes the cost for room & board, and other living expenses.
| On-Campus | Off-Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $14,650 | $16,646 |
| Private Schools | $14,328 | $15,563 |
