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2023 Most Popular Schools in Arkansas

82 Schools Ranked
$38,833 Average Earnings
$20,727 Avg Student Debt

There are so many programs in today's world that it can tough to figure out which one is the right one for you. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country. On top of that, there are a considerable number of trade schools and bootcamps that offer fast-track entry to many fields.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Course Advisor has created the Most Popular Schools in Arkansas to help you in your search for the best school for you. This report analyzed 82 schools in Arkansas to see which ones were the most popular programs for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, Arkansas
7,525 Total Awards
$47,670 Average Earnings
$22,930 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found University of Arkansas to be the most popular school for students in Arkansas. Fayetteville, Arkansas is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 7,525 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,930 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $332 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UARK graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $47,670 during the early year of their career. Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of Arkansas

5,209 Total Awards
$42,182 Average Earnings
$24,258 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #2 on this year’s list means Arkansas State University - Main Campus is a great place for students. Located in Jonesboro, Arkansas, the fairly large public school handed out 5,209 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $24,258 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $141 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from A-State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,182 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

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#3

Arkansas Tech University

Russellville, Arkansas
3,675 Total Awards
$35,775 Average Earnings
$23,314 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Arkansas Tech University. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Schools in Arkansas list. ATU is a medium-sized public school situated in Russellville, Arkansas. It awarded 3,675 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $23,314 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, ATU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,775 during the early year of their career. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Arkansas Tech University Report

#4

University of Central Arkansas

Conway, Arkansas
2,711 Total Awards
$37,734 Average Earnings
$23,394 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 82 schools in Arkansas that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Central Arkansas landed the # 4 spot on the list. This fairly large public school is located in Conway, Arkansas, and it awarded 2,711 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $23,394 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $168 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UCA graduates make an average of $37,734 annually. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

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#5

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Little Rock, Arkansas
2,391 Total Awards
$39,997 Average Earnings
$29,964 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a great place for students. Little Rock, Arkansas is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 2,391 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UA Little Rock accumulate an average of $29,964 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from UA Little Rock, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $39,997 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.

Full University of Arkansas at Little Rock Report

#6

NorthWest Arkansas Community College

Bentonville, Arkansas
1,919 Total Awards
$40,836 Average Earnings
$16,393 Avg Student Debt

NorthWest Arkansas Community College came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Arkansas ranking. NWACC is located in Bentonville, Arkansas and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,919 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from NWACC accumulate an average of $16,393 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, NWACC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,836 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

Read full report on NorthWest Arkansas Community College

1,800 Total Awards
$29,998 Average Earnings
$21,282 Avg Student Debt

University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Arkansas ranking. Located in North Little Rock, Arkansas, the small public school awarded 1,800 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,282 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, UA Pulaski Tech graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $29,998 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.

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#8

University of Arkansas - Fort Smith

Fort Smith, Arkansas
1,394 Total Awards
$34,344 Average Earnings
$20,349 Avg Student Debt

University of Arkansas - Fort Smith did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #8 on the list. Fort Smith, Arkansas is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,394 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $20,349 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, UAFS graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,344 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 55% were women.

Read full report on University of Arkansas - Fort Smith

1,343 Total Awards
$26,859 Average Earnings
$10,422 Avg Student Debt

Arkansas State University - Beebe did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #9 on the list. This small public school is located in Beebe, Arkansas, and it awarded 1,343 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $10,422 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from ASU-Beebe, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $26,859 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

Full Arkansas State University - Beebe Report

#10

Harding University

Searcy, Arkansas
1,292 Total Awards
$49,585 Average Earnings
$24,606 Avg Student Debt

Harding University landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in Searcy, Arkansas, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 1,292 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $24,606 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $401 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Harding, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $49,585 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.

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1,280 Total Awards
$38,086 Average Earnings
$21,606 Avg Student Debt

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is a small public school located in Magnolia, Arkansas that handed out 1,280 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,606 in student loans.After graduating from Southern Arkansas University Main Campus, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,086 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

Read full report on Southern Arkansas University Main Campus

#12

University of Arkansas at Monticello

Monticello, Arkansas
1,165 Total Awards
$34,171 Average Earnings
$17,078 Avg Student Debt

University of Arkansas at Monticello did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #12 on the list. University of Arkansas at Monticello is a small public school located in Monticello, Arkansas that handed out 1,165 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,078 in student loans.After graduating from UAM, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $34,171 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 55% were women.

Full University of Arkansas at Monticello Report

1,122 Total Awards
$32,182 Average Earnings
$15,164 Avg Student Debt

Arkansas State University - Newport landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. ASUN is a public institution located in Newport, Arkansas. The school has a small population, and it awarded 1,122 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,164 in student loans. During the early years of their career, ASUN graduates make an average of $32,182 annually. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

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1,063 Total Awards
$31,453 Average Earnings
$19,183 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #14, University of Arkansas Community College - Morrilton did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. UACCM is a small public school situated in Morrilton, Arkansas. It awarded 1,063 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $19,183 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, UACCM graduates make an average of $31,453 annually. Around 54% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of Arkansas Community College - Morrilton

#15

Black River Technical College

Pocahontas, Arkansas
995 Total Awards
$33,301 Average Earnings
$16,463 Avg Student Debt

Black River Technical College landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Black River Technical College is a small public school situated in Pocahontas, Arkansas. It awarded 995 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Black River Technical College accumulate an average of $16,463 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Black River Technical College graduates make an average of $33,301 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

Full Black River Technical College Report

950 Total Awards
$66,760 Average Earnings
$28,023 Avg Student Debt

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences ranked #16 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Arkansas list. Located in Little Rock, Arkansas, the small public school awarded 950 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,023 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $59. Once they receive their degree, UAMS graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $66,760 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 70% were women.

Read full report on University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

#17

Henderson State University

Arkadelphia, Arkansas
808 Total Awards
$36,312 Average Earnings
$23,312 Avg Student Debt

Henderson State University came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Arkansas ranking. This small public school is located in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and it awarded 808 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $23,312 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Henderson State University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,312 during the early years of their career. Around 67% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Henderson State University Report

#18

National Park College

Hot Springs, Arkansas
781 Total Awards
$36,255 Average Earnings
$17,080 Avg Student Debt

National Park College ranked #18 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Arkansas list. National Park College is a public institution located in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The school has a small population, and it awarded 781 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $17,080 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, National Park College graduates make an average of $36,255 annually. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Full National Park College Report

#19

South Arkansas Community College

El Dorado, Arkansas
772 Total Awards
$27,687 Average Earnings
$18,041 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #19, South Arkansas Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Located in El Dorado, Arkansas, the small public school awarded 772 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $18,041 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, SouthArk graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $27,687 during the early year of their career. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

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724 Total Awards
$36,388 Average Earnings
$8,595 Avg Student Debt

Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #20 on the list. Located in De Queen, Arkansas, the small public school awarded 724 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UA Cossatot accumulate an average of $8,595 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, UA Cossatot graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,388 during the early year of their career. Around 42% of those degree recipients were women.

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650 Total Awards
$33,220 Average Earnings
$13,390 Avg Student Debt

Southern Arkansas University Tech landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in Camden, Arkansas, the very small public school handed out 650 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $13,390 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, SAU Tech graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $33,220 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 37% were women.

Read full report on Southern Arkansas University Tech

627 Total Awards
$53,794 Average Earnings
$12,320 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #22, University of Arkansas Community College - Batesville did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. UACCB is a public institution located in Batesville, Arkansas. The school has a small population, and it awarded 627 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $12,320 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, UACCB graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $53,794 during the early year of their career. Around 70% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of Arkansas Community College - Batesville

#23

Ozarka College

Melbourne, Arkansas
593 Total Awards
$13,458 Avg Student Debt

Ozarka College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #23 on the list. Ozarka College is a public institution located in Melbourne, Arkansas. The school has a small population, and it awarded 593 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $13,458 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 74% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Ozarka College

#24

Southeast Arkansas College

Pine Bluff, Arkansas
575 Total Awards
$23,915 Average Earnings
$12,433 Avg Student Debt

Southeast Arkansas College came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Arkansas ranking. Southeast Arkansas College is a very small public school located in Pine Bluff, Arkansas that handed out 575 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $12,433 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, SEARK College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $23,915 during the early year of their career. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

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#25

Arkansas State University - Mountain Home

Mountain Home, Arkansas
566 Total Awards
$31,319 Average Earnings
$20,703 Avg Student Debt

Arkansas State University - Mountain Home came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Arkansas ranking. This small public school is located in Mountain Home, Arkansas, and it awarded 566 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,703 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, ASUMH graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $31,319 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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