As one of the member states of the Southern Regional Education Board, the state works proactively and closely with schools, colleges, universities and government sectors to continuously find ways to improve education in Arkansas. In 2013, the state approved the Digital Learning Act, providing standards around online courses for distance learners K-12 participating in online education. The rationale behind emphasizing primary and secondary education is that it prepares and develops students for greater excellence in a post-secondary academic environment.
The state’s investment in distance learning also covers online colleges and universities in Arkansas. Furthermore, the state has allocated funds to support online learning programs and standards to improve course offerings available to students throughout Arkansas.
By 2020, almost 60% of Arkansas occupations must require job applicants to have some form of higher education. As a result, the emergence of top online schools offering high-quality online degree programs in Arkansas help both in-state and out-of-state students earn their degrees due to the program’s accessibility, convenience, and flexibility.
METHODOLOGY
To give college students a glimpse of the best online schools to choose in the State, the researchers and writers at OnlineSchoolsCenter.com have created a list of the 5 Top Online Schools in Arkansas. This list presents the best possible choices for prospective college students who are interested in web-based education and earn a degree:
- Commitment to providing high-quality learning using the best virtual education platforms that provide students ease of access to their online coursework,
- Student-to-faculty ratio that allows for a more focused and student-centered instruction from competent teachers,
- Extensive online program curricula and rigorous coursework that enables students to become adequately prepared and highly skilled for their job,
- High student satisfaction.
To learn about our ranking process, visit our Methodology Page.
University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas delivers minors, eight bachelor’s, 22 master’s, four doctoral, various specialist, and several licensure degree programs, all offered online. The areas of study for undergraduate degree programs include business administration, nursing, education, and liberal arts. Students may also choose among 17 certifications offered by the public university, most concentrated in education, project management, business, and psychology.
The majority of undergraduate programs require 120-credit hours for completion. Professors deliver the set of coursework in a completely online format. UofA online students utilize the Blackboard Learn platform as their course management system, allowing them to access projects, assignments, and courses in the comfort of their own home. Also, the university offers a Self-Paced Online Course (SPOC), allowing students to take courses that run about 12 weeks. Most courses are delivered in an asynchronous format.
The tuition rate is $312.83/credit hour for in-state enrollees and $862.42/credit hour for out-of-state students.
Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas
Admission Requirements:
- 3.0 GPA or higher
- SAT and ACT scores
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Arkansas Tech University
Arkansas Tech University has a wide selection of online degrees offered through the College of eTech, Arkansas Tech’s online hub for online resources and online training/degree programs. Undergraduates can choose from more than 20 different programs, including bachelor’s degrees in business administration, nursing, applied science, criminal justice, and history programs. Graduates may pursue nine different master’s degrees online in specific areas of study, such as education, business administration, nursing, and criminal justice.
The majority of the programs require 120-credit hours for completion. Graduation requirements and program length vary for each program. All courses are taken and completed through Blackboard Learn. Also, distance learners have access to the Virtual Training Center, a platform that contains free training for hundreds of current software applications.
Arkansas Tech University facilitates meeting over the web every two weeks through the Adult and Online Student Organization, helping ATU distance learners in their academic and professional ventures.
In-state tuition is $696.00/credit hour and $1392.00/credit hour for out-of-state enrollees.
Location: Russelville, Arkansas
Admission Requirements:
- GPA: 3.0 or Higher
- Standardized Tests: ACT and SAT
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
University of Central Arkansas
The University of Central Arkansas features 29 online degree programs ranging from certifications, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctoral degrees to specialty programs. Undergraduate students select from online degree programs in different areas of study, such as business administration, general studies, and nursing. Opportunities for students who want to pursue graduate studies include education and business administration areas of study.
Admission Requirements include an SAT or ACT score and a minimum GPA of 3.0. The set of coursework at UCA are accessible any time of the day or night from anywhere with internet connectivity, enabling students to earn their degrees at their own pace and flexibility. The majority of the undergraduate programs require 120-credit hours for completion. Distance learners have access to 24/7 technical support while studying and completing their courses through the Blackboard Learn platform.
UCA offers flat-rate tuition of $285/credit hour for all its online degree programs, varying from each level of study.
Location: Conway, Arkansas
Admission Requirements:
- GPA: 3.0 or Higher
- SAT or ACT scores:
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Arkansas State University
Students will find a variety of online degree programs at Arkansas State University. Online students may choose from many undergraduate and graduate programs in different areas of study, including criminology, business administration, digital innovation, applied science, political science, sociology, and communication studies. Other unique major fields include media management, sports administration, public administration, and strategic communications. Furthermore, the university has an accelerated RN-to-BSN track that students can earn in 12 months or less.
The majority of the online undergraduate programs are in an asynchronous format and don’t require face-to-face requirements. Most degree programs require 120-credit hours or more; however, distance learners obtain their degrees in less than four years due to the flexibility and self-paced availability offered by the university. Also, the school has multiple start dates throughout the school year, allowing students to start anytime they want.
Arkansas State University offers flat-rate tuition of $248.25 for all in-state students and out-of-state students.
Location: Jonesboro, Arkansas
Admission Requirements:
- Admission Requirements
- GPA: 2.75 or Higher
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Southern Arkansas University
Southern Arkansas University provides numerous online degree programs for undergraduate and graduate students. Online undergraduate degree programs include management, and RN-to-BSN completion programs. Graduate students may choose from a total of 21 online master’s degrees, with areas of study in business administration, computer science, education, agriculture, and mental health counseling.
Competency-based distance learning focuses on personalized learning. Distance learners complete a set of coursework asynchronously, enabling them to earn their degrees ahead of time. Bachelor’s degree programs require 120-credit hours of coursework for completion and take four years or less to complete. On the other hand, master’s degree programs require 30-50-credit hours of coursework and usually take two or more years to obtain.
Southern Arkansas University offers student support services to enhance their educational experience, providing distance learners the accessibility to Employment Resources, Student Support Services, Magale Library, Disability Support Services, and connected experience with an academic advisor.
Location: Magnolia, Arkansas
Admission Requirements:
- GPA 2.0 out of a 4.0 scale
- Standardized Tests: ACT or SAT
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
For prospective students identifying colleges in Arkansas, the state has more than 40 colleges and universities to choose from, the majority of which offer distance learning programs to appeal to a more diverse group of college students. Enrollment in business administration programs in Arkansas are rising, and more Arkansas academic institutions are offering online programs to address local job shortages in highly-educated fields such as management and healthcare.
Students interested in obtaining a degree in one of the online schools in Arkansas, must research and find answers to their questions on online tuition costs and financial aid. You also need to explore the affordable and quality colleges and universities in Arkansas that are offering distance education for prospective students who need more affordability in their chosen school.
The Arkansas Department of Workforce Services has projected its latest findings, stating that half of Arkansas’ fastest-growing occupations require a college education. Therefore, affordability in the online programs around Arkansas will significantly help both in-state and out-of-state students obtain these career opportunities due to the online program’s affordability, accessibility, convenience, and flexibility. Distance education has made higher learning more affordable and accessible than ever before. Students can balance their personal and professional obligations while earning their degrees online.
Moreover, Arkansas has membership in the Southern Regional Education Board, which utilizes the ACM to reduce tuition expenses for college students residing in its 16 member states. Out-of-state eligible students pay in-state tuition rates. However, some academic institutions participate in the ACM at the graduate-level only, where out-of-state undergraduate students pay out-of-state tuition fees.
METHODOLOGY
We gathered the latest and most relevant data to come up with our 5 Best Value Online Schools in Arkansas. These affordable schools, which present a variety of courses and degrees, prove that college education doesn’t have to break the budget. Delivering web-based learning toward completing courses and earning a college degree, these online schools offer pocket-friendly tuition rates.
Arkansas State University-Beebe
Arkansas State University-Beebe is one of the most affordable colleges that offer several associate degrees and certification programs. Opportunities for associate level include Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts, Associate of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences, as well as Associate of Science in Business, Associate of General Studies, and Certificate of General Studies. The tuition rate is $100 and $172 per credit hour for in-state and out-of-state students, respectively.
ASUB Online’s associate distance learning degree programs have 60 credits in length. Professors deliver the majority of the classes asynchronously, enabling distance learners to work at their own pace and enroll part- or full-time. Also, they can earn their degrees without compromising their personal and professional obligations. The university also offers financial aid programs to students; Arkansas residents pay a lower tuition rate than out-of-state students.
Arkansas State University-Beebe has a detailed acceptance process, including proof of immunization for ASU-Beebe Admissions.
Location: Beebe, Arkansas (Main Campus)
Admission Requirements:
- Official high school transcript reflecting cumulative GPA and coursework
- ACT or SAT test scores
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
University of Arkansas-Little Rock
University of Arkansas-Little Rock boasts a wide selection of online degree programs that cater to distance learners earning their degrees in a variety of fields. Opportunities for distance learners can choose from UALR’s certificate programs, minors, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Undergraduates can choose from more than ten bachelor’s degrees in different areas of study, including business administration, sociology, social work, psychology, education, health education, and nursing. Opportunities for graduate studies include majors in information science, education, mass communication, health, writing, and criminal justice.
Online bachelor’s degree programs at UALR requires 120-credit hours for completion and typically takes four years or less to earn. Professors deliver courses entirely online and asynchronously, allowing students to complete their degrees at their time frames and convenience.
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
Admission Requirements:
- GPA of 2.6 out of a 4.0 scale and minimum 15 ACT composite or 830 SAT
- Standardized Tests: ACT, SAT, Accuplacer or Compass
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Southern Arkansas University Tech offers a selection of associate degree programs and certificate programs for students who want to earn a completely online degree program. A total of ten online programs that are offered 100% online, enabling students to earn their degrees in the convenience of their own homes. Undergraduates can take up majors in computer information technology, business administration, arts, environmental management, and teacher education. Online certificate programs include areas of study, such as office software specialist, general studies, and medical transcription.
While some are offered in a hybrid format, the majority of the degrees mentioned above are delivered entirely online. Most online associate programs at SAU Tech consist of 60-credit hours for completion, enabling students to earn their degrees in as little as 24 months or even lesser. The university uses BrightSpace, an online platform of learning administered by SAU Tech.
Location: East Camden, Arkansas
Admission Requirements:
- GPA
- Standardized Tests: ACT, SAT, Accuplacer, Asset, Compass
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
NorthWest Arkansas Community College
NorthWest Arkansas Community College offers several associate degree programs for students who want to earn their degree programs at the undergraduate level. Offerings include Associate of Applied Science- Environmental and Regulatory Science, Associate of Science- Business General Transfer, and Associate of Arts Transfer Degree. For prospective students who would like an internship program opportunity, they can enroll in the Associate of Applied Science-Banking and Finance, Associate of Applied Science-Entrepreneurship, Associate of Applied Science in General Business, Associate of Applied Science in Retail, and Associate of Applied Science in Logistics Management.
Most online associate programs at NWACC consist of 60-credit hours; however, some programs range up to 62-credit hours. Instructors deliver the set of coursework entirely online. Depending on the degree chosen by the student, he or she will complete an internship program after completing all the required courses.
Location: Bentonville, Arkansas
Admission Requirements:
- GPA
- Standardized Tests: ACT or Accuplacer
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
University of Arkansas Pulaski Tech
University of Arkansas Pulaski Tech has several fully online certificate programs and associate degrees to help students match their busy schedules. Prospective students can choose from associate degree offerings, namely Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality Management, and Associate of Science in Health Information Technology. For students interested in proficiency certifications, they can choose UAPTC’s program offerings such as Hospitality and Bar Operations Certificate of Proficiency, Hospitality and Lodging Certificate of Proficiency, and Hospitality and Restaurant Operations Certificate of Proficiency. The AAS in Hospitality Management receives accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration, the only two-year academic institution in Arkansas to receive such accreditation.
The majority of the associate programs can be earned in as little as 24 months or less, consisting of 60-credit hours for completion. The set of coursework is delivered 100% online in an asynchronous learning format. Certificate programs require 30-credit hours for completion.
To complete the program successfully, a grade of “C” or better in all degree-specific courses is a must. University of Arkansas Pulaski Tech earns regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
Location: North Little Rock, Arkansas
Admission Requirements
- GPA: 2.0 on a 4.0 Scale
- Standardized Tests: ACT, SAT, Accuplacer, Compass
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission