Best Universities in Arkansas
University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas, founded in 1871, is a public research university located in Fayetteville. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs and is known for its strong academic reputation, research contributions, and vibrant campus life.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked #153 in National Universities (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 27,000 students
Degrees Offered:
The University of Arkansas offers over 200 academic programs across various disciplines.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 77%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1220.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Greek Life
- Student Government Association
- Intramural Sports
- Volunteer Organizations
- Performing Arts Groups
Famous Alumni:
- William Fulbright (Former U.S. Senator)
- Jerry Jones (Owner of the Dallas Cowboys)
- Johnelle Hunt (Co-founder of J.B. Hunt Transport Services)
- Beth Ditto (Singer-songwriter)
- Don Tyson (Former CEO of Tyson Foods)
Top Employers:
- Walmart
- Tyson Foods
- B. Hunt Transport Services
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
- Dillard’s, Inc.
Arkansas State University
Arkansas State University, founded in 1909, is a public research university located in Jonesboro. It offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs and is known for its strong emphasis on applied research, healthcare, and agriculture.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked #298-#389 in National Universities (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 14,000 students
Degrees Offered:
Arkansas State University offers over 150 academic programs across various disciplines.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 80%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1070.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Greek Life
- Student Government Association
- Intramural Sports
- Volunteer Organizations
- Professional Development Clubs
Famous Alumni:
- Bill Clinton (Former President of the United States)
- Hubert “Geese” Ausbie (Former Harlem Globetrotter)
- Chris Tomlin (Christian Music Artist)
- Tommy Tuberville (Former College Football Coach and U.S. Senator)
- Joe Scott (Former CEO of AMR Corporation)
Top Employers:
- Arkansas State University
- NEA Baptist Health System
- Bernards Healthcare
- Suddenlink Communications
- Hytrol Conveyor Company, Inc.
Harding University
Harding University, founded in 1924, is a private Christian university located in Searcy. It offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs with a strong emphasis on Christian values, liberal arts education, and professional development.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked #22 in Regional Universities South (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 6,000 students
Degrees Offered:
Harding University offers over 100 academic programs across various disciplines.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 59%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1180.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Campus Ministry
- Volunteer Organizations
- Performing Arts Groups
- Outdoor Adventure Club
- Professional Development Workshops
Famous Alumni:
- David Lipscomb (Co-founder of Lipscomb University)
- Tom Crites (Former CEO of Rose Law Firm)
- Kevin Sumlin (College Football Coach)
- Mike Ross (Former U.S. Congressman)
- Leslie Rutledge (Arkansas Attorney General)
Top Employers:
- Harding University
- Walmart
- Tyson Foods
- Arkansas Children’s Hospital
- Simmons Bank
University of Central Arkansas
The University of Central Arkansas, founded in 1907, is a public university located in Conway. It offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs and is known for its strong emphasis on teacher education, healthcare, and business.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked #293-#381 in National Universities (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 11,000 students
Degrees Offered:
The University of Central Arkansas offers over 170 academic programs across various disciplines.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 90%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1060.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Greek Life
- Student Government Association
- Intramural Sports
- Volunteer Organizations
- Professional Development Clubs
Famous Alumni:
- Scottie Pippen (Former NBA Player)
- Mike Beebe (Former Governor of Arkansas)
- Bobby Bones (Radio Personality)
- Kyle Dake (Professional Wrestler)
- Corey Thompson (NFL Player)
Top Employers:
- University of Central Arkansas
- Acxiom
- Conway Regional Health System
- Hendrix College
- Insight Enterprises
Arkansas Tech University
Arkansas Tech University, founded in 1909, is a public university located in Russellville. It offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its strong emphasis on technology, education, and business.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked #119 in Regional Universities South (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 12,000 students
Degrees Offered:
Arkansas Tech University offers over 100 academic programs across various disciplines.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 95%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1040.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Greek Life
- Student Government Association
- Intramural Sports
- Volunteer Organizations
- Professional Development Workshops
Famous Alumni:
- Mike Beebe (Former Governor of Arkansas)
- Kris Allen (American Idol Winner)
- Dee Brown (Former NFL Player)
- Lisa Walker (NASA Scientist)
- Chris Ginter (Former MLB Player)
Top Employers:
- Arkansas Tech University
- Tyson Foods
- Walmart
- B. Hunt Transport Services
- ArcBest
John Brown University
John Brown University, founded in 1919, is a private Christian university located in Siloam Springs. It offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs with a strong emphasis on Christian values, liberal arts education, and professional development.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked #12 in Regional Universities South (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 3,000 students
Degrees Offered:
John Brown University offers over 40 academic programs across various disciplines.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 76%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1210.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Campus Ministry
- Volunteer Organizations
- Performing Arts Groups
- Outdoor Adventure Club
- Professional Development Workshops
Famous Alumni:
- Jerry Falwell Jr. (Former President of Liberty University)
- David Green (Founder of Hobby Lobby)
- Michael W. Smith (Christian Music Artist)
- Bethany Hamilton (Professional Surfer)
- Scott W. Smith (Former President of John Brown University)
Top Employers:
- John Brown University
- Walmart
- Tyson Foods
- B. Hunt Transport Services
- Mercy Hospital
Henderson State University
Henderson State University, founded in 1890, is a public university located in Arkadelphia. It offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its strong emphasis on teacher education, business, and healthcare.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked #96 in Regional Universities South (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 3,500 students
Degrees Offered:
Henderson State University offers over 60 academic programs across various disciplines.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 70%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1030.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Greek Life
- Student Government Association
- Intramural Sports
- Volunteer Organizations
- Professional Development Workshops
Famous Alumni:
- Johnny Cash (Singer-songwriter)
- Cliff Harris (Former NFL Player)
- James Street (Former NFL Player)
- Charlie Strong (College Football Coach)
- Scott Tipton (Former U.S. Congressman)
Top Employers:
- Henderson State University
- Baptist Health Medical Center
- Walmart
- Tyson Foods
- B. Hunt Transport Services
Ouachita Baptist University
Ouachita Baptist University, founded in 1886, is a private Christian university located in Arkadelphia. It offers a variety of undergraduate programs with a strong emphasis on Christian values, liberal arts education, and professional development.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked #2 in Regional Colleges South (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 1,500 students
Degrees Offered:
Ouachita Baptist University offers over 60 academic programs across various disciplines.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 61%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1190.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Campus Ministry
- Volunteer Organizations
- Performing Arts Groups
- Outdoor Adventure Club
- Professional Development Workshops
Famous Alumni:
- Mike Huckabee (Former Governor of Arkansas)
- Maxie Dunnam (Author and Speaker)
- Tommie Harris (Former NFL Player)
- Betty Bumpers (Former First Lady of Arkansas)
- John Carmack (Video Game Developer)
Top Employers:
- Ouachita Baptist University
- Baptist Health Medical Center
- Walmart
- Tyson Foods
- B. Hunt Transport Services
Arkansas Baptist College
Arkansas Baptist College, founded in 1884, is a private historically black college located in Little Rock. It offers a variety of undergraduate programs with a focus on liberal arts education, social justice, and community engagement.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked #298-#389 in National Liberal Arts Colleges (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 1,000 students
Degrees Offered:
Arkansas Baptist College offers undergraduate programs in various liberal arts disciplines.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 90%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 920.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Community Service Organizations
- Student Government Association
- Performing Arts Groups
- Campus Ministry
- Professional Development Workshops
Famous Alumni:
- Billy Mitchell (Former Mayor of Little Rock)
- Charles Bussey (Former Arkansas State Representative)
- Clyde Tolson (Former FBI Associate Director)
- Simon Haley (Father of Alex Haley, Author of “Roots”)
- Albert Dent (Former President of Dillard University)
Top Employers:
- Arkansas Baptist College
- Baptist Health Medical Center
- Arkansas Children’s Hospital
- City of Little Rock
- Walmart
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock, founded in 1927, is a public research university located in Little Rock. It offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs and is known for its strong emphasis on applied research, business, and public service.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked #298-#389 in National Universities (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 10,000 students
Degrees Offered:
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock offers over 100 academic programs across various disciplines.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 80%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1070.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Greek Life
- Student Government Association
- Intramural Sports
- Volunteer Organizations
- Professional Development Workshops
Famous Alumni:
- Paul “Bear” Bryant (Former College Football Coach)
- Mike Beebe (Former Governor of Arkansas)
- Sonny Burgess (Rockabilly Musician)
- David Pryor (Former U.S. Senator and Governor of Arkansas)
- Ray Thornton (Former U.S. Congressman and President of the University of Arkansas System)
Top Employers:
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock
- Baptist Health Medical Center
- Arkansas Children’s Hospital
- City of Little Rock
- Dillard’s, Inc.
These universities and colleges in Arkansas offer diverse academic programs, vibrant campus life, and strong connections to industries, making them top choices for students seeking higher education in the state.