2026 Best Value Science & Tech Schools in Arkansas
Looking for the best-value Science & Tech degree programs in Arkansas? Our ranking highlights 80 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed 30 schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Arkansas
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found Arkansas State University Newport to be the best-value Science & Tech school in Arkansas. Set in Newport, AR, Arkansas State University Newport is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,312, while out-of-state students pay about $4,752. Graduates carry a median of $10,925 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,524 ten years out. Set against $10,925 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Arkansas State University Newport
A rank of #2 makes Arkansas State University Beebe one of the best values in Arkansas. Set in Beebe, AR, Arkansas State University Beebe is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,336, with out-of-state students paying around $5,232. Graduates carry a median of $9,350 in student loans. Median earnings reach $36,603 ten years out. Set against $9,350 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Arkansas State University Beebe report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Arkansas Northeastern College earned it the #3 place in Arkansas. Set in Blytheville, AR, Arkansas Northeastern College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,570, with out-of-state students paying around $4,250. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $7,944. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,169. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Arkansas Northeastern College report
You'll get strong value at South Arkansas Community College, which ranked #4 this year. Located in El Dorado, AR, South Arkansas Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,324, while out-of-state students pay about $5,532. Students borrow a median of $15,386 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,521. That is a strong return on a $15,386 median debt. Read the full report on South Arkansas Community College
Northwest Arkansas Community College came in at #5 on this year's best-value Science & Tech ranking in Arkansas. Based in Bentonville, AR, Northwest Arkansas Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,342, with out-of-state students paying around $5,238. The median Science & Tech program debt is $12,479. Northwest Arkansas Community College alumni report median earnings of $43,505 a decade after entry. Set against $12,479 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Northwest Arkansas Community College report
University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville placed #6 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Arkansas. University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville is a public school based in Batesville, AR. Students from in state pay about $3,630 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,662 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $9,265. Median earnings reach $33,706 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville
College Of The Ouachitas placed #7 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Arkansas. Based in Malvern, AR, College Of The Ouachitas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,788 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,388. College Of The Ouachitas alumni report median earnings of $37,374 a decade after entry. See the full College Of The Ouachitas profile
University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. This public school is set in Morrilton, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,648, while out-of-state students pay about $4,728. The median Science & Tech program debt is $13,758. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,924. Set against $13,758 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton
Arkansas State University Mountain Home placed #9 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Arkansas. This public school is set in Mountain Home, AR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,312, while out-of-state students pay about $4,776. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $18,097. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,238 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Arkansas State University Mountain Home report
Black River Technical College landed the #10 spot for value in Arkansas this year. Based in Pocahontas, AR, Black River Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,776, with out-of-state students paying around $7,488. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $12,420. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,818 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,420 median debt. See the full Black River Technical College profile
Southern Arkansas University Tech ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Camden, AR, Southern Arkansas University Tech is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,040, while out-of-state students pay about $6,480. Students borrow a median of $8,488 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Southern Arkansas University Tech alumni report median earnings of $36,376 a decade after entry. Set against $8,488 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Southern Arkansas University Tech
Rich Mountain Community College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Mena, AR, Rich Mountain Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,696, with out-of-state students paying around $4,272. Rich Mountain Community College alumni report median earnings of $30,037 a decade after entry. Get the full Rich Mountain Community College report
Phillips Community College Of The University Of Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Phillips Community College Of The University Of Arkansas is a public school based in Helena, AR. Students from in state pay about $3,380 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,550. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Phillips Community College Of The University Of Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $29,552 a decade after entry. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Phillips Community College Of The University Of Arkansas
National Park Community College placed #14 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Arkansas. Based in Hot Springs, AR, National Park Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,600, with out-of-state students paying around $7,280. Students borrow a median of $14,162 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,444 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about National Park Community College
North Arkansas College landed the #15 spot for value in Arkansas this year. Set in Harrison, AR, North Arkansas College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,504 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,592. North Arkansas College Science & Tech students take on a median of $10,645 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,653 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on North Arkansas College
Pulaski Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Set in North Little Rock, AR, Pulaski Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,300, with out-of-state students paying around $9,450. The median Science & Tech program debt is $15,043. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,722. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Pulaski Technical College
Arkansas State University Main Campus ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,090 in tuition and fees, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $23,399. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,617 ten years after entry. Set against $23,399 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arkansas State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read the full report on Arkansas State University Main Campus
University Of Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Based in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,104, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $24,019. University Of Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $58,191 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 74%. More on University Of Arkansas
University Of Arkansas Fort Smith landed the #19 spot for value in Arkansas this year. University Of Arkansas Fort Smith is a public school based in Fort Smith, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $7,334, with out-of-state students paying around $12,182. University Of Arkansas Fort Smith Science & Tech students take on a median of $20,333 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,102 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,333 median debt. University Of Arkansas Fort Smith has an acceptance rate of 80%. More on University Of Arkansas Fort Smith
Henderson State University placed #20 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Arkansas. This public school is set in Arkadelphia, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $8,244, while out-of-state students pay about $10,620. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $23,234. Median earnings reach $43,459 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,234 median debt. More on Henderson State University
University Of Central Arkansas ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,523, with out-of-state students paying around $18,023. Students borrow a median of $22,920 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,938. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Central Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on University Of Central Arkansas
Arkansas Tech University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Based in Russellville, AR, Arkansas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,674, compared with $14,668 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $23,257. Arkansas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $41,766 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,257 median debt. Arkansas Tech University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read the full report on Arkansas Tech University
University Of Arkansas At Little Rock offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Based in Little Rock, AR, University Of Arkansas At Little Rock is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,911, compared with $22,721 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,093 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,265. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arkansas At Little Rock has an acceptance rate of 59%. Get the full University Of Arkansas At Little Rock report
University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Pine Bluff, AR, University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,375, with out-of-state students paying around $17,955. University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff Science & Tech students take on a median of $26,267 in debt. Median earnings reach $35,550 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,267 median debt. University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff admits about 41% of applicants. Get the full University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff report
University Of Arkansas At Monticello landed the #25 spot for value in Arkansas this year. University Of Arkansas At Monticello is a public school based in Monticello, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,292, compared with $14,857 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $15,611. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,902. Set against $15,611 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on University Of Arkansas At Monticello
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Arkansas
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus placed #26 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Arkansas. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is a public school based in Magnolia, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,960, compared with $15,690 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $20,385. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,386. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. Read the full report on Southern Arkansas University Main Campus
Harding University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Harding University is a private not-for-profit school based in Searcy, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,962. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $26,715. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,876. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Harding University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Read the full report on Harding University
John Brown University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in Siloam Springs, AR, John Brown University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,756. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $25,216. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,907. That is a strong return on a $25,216 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on John Brown University
Williams Baptist College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Williams Baptist College is a private not-for-profit school based in Walnut Ridge, AR. Students from in state pay about $21,070 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $18,933 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,484 ten years after entry. Set against $18,933 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Williams Baptist College admits about 83% of applicants. More on Williams Baptist College
Ouachita Baptist University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in Arkadelphia, AR, Ouachita Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,500. Ouachita Baptist University Science & Tech students take on a median of $23,520 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,673. That is a strong return on a $23,520 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%. See the full Ouachita Baptist University profile
East Arkansas Community College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. See the full East Arkansas Community College profile
River Valley School Of Massage landed the #32 spot for value in Arkansas this year. Read the full report on River Valley School Of Massage
Arkansas Colleges Of Health Education ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Get the full Arkansas Colleges Of Health Education report
Arthurs Beauty School Inc Conway ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. See the full Arthurs Beauty School Inc Conway profile
Designer Barber And Stylist School Fort Smith came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Designer Barber And Stylist School Fort Smith
Shorter College
Shorter College landed the #36 spot for value in Arkansas this year. See the full Shorter College profile
Northern Technical College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. See the full Northern Technical College profile
New Beginnings Beauty Academy placed #38 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Arkansas. Read the full report on New Beginnings Beauty Academy
Academy Of Salon And Spa placed #39 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Arkansas. Read more about Academy Of Salon And Spa
Grantham University landed the #40 spot for value in Arkansas this year. Get the full Grantham University report
Searcy Beauty College placed #41 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Arkansas. Get the full Searcy Beauty College report
Jefferson Regional Medical Center School Of Nursing landed the #42 spot for value in Arkansas this year. See the full Jefferson Regional Medical Center School Of Nursing profile
Professional Cosmetology Education Center ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. See the full Professional Cosmetology Education Center profile
Central Baptist College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Central Baptist College report
Arkansas Beauty College landed the #45 spot for value in Arkansas this year. Get the full Arkansas Beauty College report
University Of The Ozarks placed #46 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Arkansas. Read more about University Of The Ozarks
Hendrix College
Hendrix College offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. More on Hendrix College
Cossatot Community College Of The University Of Arkansas ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. More on Cossatot Community College Of The University Of Arkansas
Arkansas Baptist College placed #49 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Arkansas. More on Arkansas Baptist College
Mid South Community College landed the #50 spot for value in Arkansas this year. Read the full report on Mid South Community College
More Science & Tech Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 30 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 80 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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