The Best Online Colleges in Arkansas

by Blake Huggins

Updated October 10, 2022

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Online schools in the Natural State offer new students and working professionals a convenient way to build new skills and advance their careers through bachelor's degrees, two-year programs, and graduate-level study.

Earning a college degree in Arkansas can qualify you to enter the workforce in some of the state's top fields. Many schools feature online options and continue to expand their programming to meet rising demand. The best online colleges in Arkansas offer multiple degrees to meet the needs of new students and working professionals.

Our ranking identifies the best online colleges in Arkansas with criteria like affordability, flexibility in delivery, and program availability. Each school listed also holds accreditation, a key indicator of quality and value. Learn more about these rankings and explore your options for online college in Arkansas below.

The Best Online Online Colleges in Arkansas

#1 The Best Online Colleges in Arkansas

Arkansas Tech University

  • Russellville, AR
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Arkansas Tech University has online programming that ranks favorably among similar opportunities. Remote enrollees at this public college can choose between 29 virtual programs at both graduate and undergraduate levels. The school has a track record in academic success through online coursework.

The school's main campus in Russellville, Arkansas, hosts academic and career services offices available to online learners. Degree-seekers connect with academic advisors and participate in virtual job fairs and career-planning events. Students can also take advantage of internship programs to gain hands-on experience. Graduates are awarded a fully accredited degree upon completing their program.

Further information about the application process and specifics of online programs is available by contacting the school.

Arkansas Tech University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 5,885

Online Bachelor's Programs: 5

Online Master's Programs: 9

Percent of Programs Offered Online: 17%

Admission Rate: 95%

Average Tuition
In-state
$5,568
Out-of-state
$11,136
Retention Rate
70%
Admission Rate
95%
Students Enrolled
11,829
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
50% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#2 The Best Online Colleges in Arkansas

The University of Arkansas at Monticello

  • Monticello, AR
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Arkansas at Monticello is a popular choice among those seeking a degree online. The public institution makes seven of its degrees available remotely, with offerings at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Distance learners often choose to study at this school because of its experience with online education and reputation for academic quality.

The school hosts academic and career service specialists at its Monticello campus in Arkansas, which online learners can take advantage of. Degree-seekers also have the option to connect with academic advisors and participate in virtual job fairs, helping set them up for scholastic and professional success. The school's internship program gives students a chance to gain hands-on field experience. Graduates of the program obtain a bachelor's degree with full accreditation.

Anyone with additional questions is encouraged to reach out to the school directly.

The University of Arkansas at Monticello at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 1,409

Online Bachelor's Programs: 2

Online Master's Programs: 4

Percent of Programs Offered Online: 9%

Average Tuition
In-state
$4,779
Out-of-state
$10,629
Retention Rate
66%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,855
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
49% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 The Best Online Colleges in Arkansas

Central Baptist College

  • Conway, AR
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Online degree-seekers should consider Central Baptist College. The school, a private institution, hosts 12 programs for remote enrollees at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Distance learners often choose to study at this school because of its experience with online education and reputation for academic quality.

The school's main campus in Conway, Arkansas, hosts academic and career services offices available to online learners. Academic advisors and virtual job fairs help set degree-seekers up for long-term success. The school's internship program gives students a chance to gain hands-on field experience. The program grants graduates an accredited degree upon completion.

Prospective applicants can get more information about online programs and application requirements from the school directly.

Central Baptist College at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 248

Online Bachelor's Programs: 10

Percent of Programs Offered Online: 34%

Admission Rate: 40%

Average Tuition
In-state
$15,150
Out-of-state
$15,150
Retention Rate
62%
Admission Rate
40%
Students Enrolled
666
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
37% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
Best Online Colleges

Online Online Colleges in Arkansas Ranking Guidelines

We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.

Our Methodology

Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.

Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.

While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.

  • Academics
  • Affordability
  • Online Enrollment

Data Sources

The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.

The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.

Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com, subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.

Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology

About Our Ranking Factors

Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.

Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.

We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.

Academics - 75%

Affordability - 15%

Online Enrollment - 10%

In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.

If you have questions about our ranking methodology, please feel free to connect with our staff through contact page.

We thank you for your readership and trust.

Featured Online Online Colleges in Arkansas

Employment in Arkansas

The highest-paying and most common occupations in Arkansas align with some of the state's top industries: aerospace and defense, business, manufacturing and transportation, and software development. Each career listed below delivers mean earnings well above the $44,780 average in Arkansas, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that just 23% of workers in the Natural State hold college degrees. While the current unemployment rate in Arkansas is 4.4% — one percentage point lower than the national rate — college-educated professionals fare even better. BLS figures indicate that both earnings and employment rise with educational attainment.

It also costs less for professionals to live and work in Arkansas. The cost of living index, which factors in expenses like utilities and housing, is just 79.0 statewide (for comparison, the national average is 100). A low cost of living makes work for recent Arkansas graduates even more lucrative, especially for the careers listed below.

The following information includes the highest-paying roles employing more than 1,000 individuals in Arkansas. Salary information applies specifically to Arkansas, while job growth data pertains to the United States as a whole.

Highest-Paying Careers in Arkansas
Career Annual Mean Salary (2020) Projected Job Growth (2020-2030) Education Required
Family Medicine Physicians $209,370 3% Doctorate
Sales Managers $138,030 7% Bachelor's
Postsecondary Education Administrators $114,970 8% Master's
Computer and Information Systems Managers $114,770 11% Bachelor's
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

The following data reflects the highest-paying roles employing more than 2,900 professionals in Arkansas. Salary figures apply specifically to Arkansas, while job growth data refers to the United States as a whole.

Most Common Careers in Arkansas
Career Annual Mean Salary (2020) Projected Job Growth (2020-2030) Education Required
Financial Managers $112,190 17% Bachelor's
General and Operations Managers $91,530 8% Bachelor's
Medical and Health Services Managers $89,700 32% Bachelor's
Software Developers $87,720 22% Bachelor's
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Online Associate Degrees and Community Colleges in Arkansas

The Arkansas Community Colleges system includes 22 schools that feature associate degrees. Most only last two years, which makes it easy for learners to earn degrees in manufacturing, computer information systems, engineering, and business administration.

Online availability at these schools continues to expand amid the pandemic — an ideal option for working professionals and busy learners looking to maintain balance. After graduating, earned credits can easily transfer to four-year schools across the state.

Online Graduate Degrees in Arkansas

Many schools in Arkansas also offer online graduate degrees for individuals interested in continuing their education. If you're looking to advance in one of the state's top job sectors — like finance or healthcare — a graduate degree can strengthen your qualifications, equipping you for roles with higher pay and more responsibility.

Students pursuing online degrees at Arkansas schools will experience different class structures and learning formats than campus-based offerings. The key difference lies in course delivery. The best online colleges in Arkansas use synchronous or asynchronous methods to accommodate different learning styles and work schedules.

How to Pick a College
What to Look for in an Online College

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Arkansas

Is Online College Cheaper in Arkansas?

Yes — especially if you live in the state. Many schools offer reduced tuition rates for in-state residents. Some also feature flat-rate tuition for non-residents.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Degree in Arkansas?

Most students complete associate degrees in two years or less. A bachelor's degree can take up to four years. Individuals with transfer credits can finish faster.

What Is the Most Popular Degree in Arkansas?

Business and marketing, engineering, health professions, and communication-related fields all rank among the most popular majors at large state schools like University of Arkansas.

Portrait of Blake Huggins

Blake Huggins

Blake Huggins is a Boston-based writer and researcher with roots in north Texas and southern Oklahoma. He holds degrees in religion and philosophy and writes widely on higher education, healthcare, and the humanities broadly conceived. He earned a PhD from Boston University and has taught college courses in philosophy, writing, and composition.

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