For the academic year 2023-2024, the average tuition of public colleges in Arkansas is $10,261 for Arkansas residents and $17,314 for out-of-state students. For private colleges in Arkansas, the average tuition & fees are $20,661 regardless of residency. For graduate schools, the average tuition of public colleges in Arkansas is $8,637 for Arkansas residents and $13,933 for out-of-state students. For private schools in Arkansas, the average graduate tuition is $15,699.
The average living expenses other than tuition & fees are $13,912 when a student lives on-campus facilities such as dormitory and college-operated/owned apartment. The average off-campus living cost is $15,309. 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.
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 2024 average COA of the four-year colleges in Arkansas is $27,082 for residents and $34,134 for out-of-state students. At private four-year schools, average COA is $34,849. At community colleges (2-4 year school), the average COA is $18,426 for Arkansas residents and $19,792 for out-of-state students.
The following table summarizes the 2024 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 Years Colleges | $27,082 | $34,134 |
| Public 2 Years Colleges (Community Colleges) | $18,426 | $19,792 |
| Private 4 Years Colleges | $34,849 | |
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
In Arkansas, 88 out of 89 colleges are offering undergraduate programs. By schools type, there are 36 public and 61 private colleges in Arkansas. The average undergraduate tuition & fees of colleges in Arkansas is $8,569 for Arkansas residents and $15,622 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the undergraduate tuition & fees is $20,511
At community colleges (2-4 years schools), the average tuition & fees is $3,946 for residents and $5,312 for out-of-state students.
| Arkansas Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4 Years Colleges | $8,569 | $15,622 |
| Private 4 Years Colleges | $20,511 | |
| Public 2 Years Colleges (Community Colleges) | $3,946 | $5,312 |
| Less than 2 Years Schools (Trade/Technical Colleges) | $16,780 | |
Graduate Programs Tuition & Fees
In Arkansas, 21 colleges and universities offer graduate programs. The average graduate school tuition & fees of colleges in Arkansas is $7,032 for Arkansas residents and $12,388 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the graduate program tuition & fees is $15,400
| Arkansas Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $7,032 | $12,388 |
| Private Schools | $15,400 | |
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 $237 for Arkansas residents and $498 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the average cost is $683
For graduate programs, the average tuition per credit hour is $371 for Arkansas residents and $671 for out-of-state students. At private graduate schools, the average cost per credit hour is $714
| Arkansas Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||
| Public 4 Years Colleges | $237 | $498 |
| Private 4 Years Colleges | $683 | |
| Public 2 Years Colleges (Community Colleges) | $110 | $161 |
| Graduate | ||
| Public Schools | $371 | $671 |
| Private Schools | $714 | |
Average Living Costs at colleges in Arkansas
At colleges in Arkansas, the average living cost is $13,912 when a student lives on campus facility and $15,309 when living off campus. It includes the cost for room & board, and other living expenses.
| On-Campus | Off-Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $14,351 | $15,926 |
| Private Schools | $13,347 | $13,961 |
