Best Universities in Arkansas

By | September 19, 2024

1. University of Arkansas (U of A)

Overview of University of Arkansas

Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas
Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas (U of A) is the flagship institution of the University of Arkansas System. Known for its strong programs in business, agriculture, and architecture, U of A is one of the leading research universities in the state. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs and is a member of the prestigious Southeastern Conference (SEC).

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #151 National Universities
  • Number of Students: Approximately 29,000
  • Degrees Offered: Over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 78%
  • Average SAT Score: 1130-1310

Extracurricular Activities

  • Razorback Athletics (NCAA Division I)
  • Associated Student Government
  • Greek life
  • Volunteer Action Center
  • Outdoor Recreation Club

Famous Alumni

  1. Bill Clinton – 42nd President of the United States
  2. Asa Hutchinson – Former Governor of Arkansas
  3. Jerry Jones – Owner of the Dallas Cowboys
  4. J. William Fulbright – U.S. Senator and creator of the Fulbright Program
  5. Pat Summerall – Former NFL player and sports broadcaster

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Walmart
  2. Tyson Foods
  3. J.B. Hunt Transport Services
  4. Deloitte
  5. Mercy Health

2. Arkansas State University (A-State)

Overview of Arkansas State University

Location: Jonesboro, Arkansas
Founded in 1909, Arkansas State University (A-State) is a public research university and the second largest in the state. It has grown from a regional agricultural school into a comprehensive university, well known for its programs in nursing, education, and engineering. A-State plays a vital role in the economic development of northeastern Arkansas.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #299-391 National Universities
  • Number of Students: Approximately 14,000
  • Degrees Offered: More than 150 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 67%
  • Average SAT Score: 1020-1220

Extracurricular Activities

  • Red Wolves Athletics
  • Student Government Association
  • Greek life
  • Honors College activities
  • International student organizations

Famous Alumni

  1. Mike Beebe – Former Governor of Arkansas
  2. Rodger Bumpass – Voice actor for “SpongeBob SquarePants”
  3. Debbye Turner – Former Miss America
  4. Chris Roberts – Entrepreneur and founder of Panda Restaurant Group
  5. Carla J. Cooke – Notable educator and author

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. St. Bernards Healthcare
  2. Arkansas State University
  3. Walmart
  4. Tyson Foods
  5. NEA Baptist Health System

3. Hendrix College

Overview of Hendrix College

Location: Conway, Arkansas
Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is a private liberal arts college with a focus on experiential learning. Known for its rigorous academics and close-knit community, Hendrix is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the U.S. It has a strong reputation for sending students to top graduate and professional schools, especially in law, medicine, and education.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #96 National Liberal Arts Colleges
  • Number of Students: Approximately 1,100
  • Degrees Offered: Over 30 undergraduate majors and minors
  • Acceptance Rate: 71%
  • Average SAT Score: 1180-1380

Extracurricular Activities

  • Hendrix Dance Marathon
  • Environmental Concerns Committee
  • Ultimate Frisbee
  • Volunteerism through Hendrix College Volunteer Action
  • Campus media outlets

Famous Alumni

  1. Jo Luck – CEO of Heifer International
  2. James S. Harris – Notable nuclear physicist
  3. Mary Steenburgen – Academy Award-winning actress
  4. Glen Tullman – CEO of Livongo Health
  5. Max Howell – Radio personality and sports commentator

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Arkansas Children’s Hospital
  2. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)
  3. Acxiom Corporation
  4. Ernst & Young
  5. Fidelity Investments

4. University of Central Arkansas (UCA)

Overview of University of Central Arkansas

Location: Conway, Arkansas
Established in 1907, the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) is a public university that has grown into one of the premier higher education institutions in the state. UCA is known for its strong programs in education, health sciences, and business. It also has a vibrant performing arts program, and its campus is home to the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #59 Regional Universities South
  • Number of Students: Approximately 10,000
  • Degrees Offered: Over 160 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 91%
  • Average SAT Score: 990-1190

Extracurricular Activities

  • Bear Marching Band
  • Greek life
  • Student Government Association
  • Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre
  • UCA Sports (NCAA Division I)

Famous Alumni

  1. Scottie Pippen – Hall of Fame NBA player
  2. Gilbert Baker – Former Arkansas state senator
  3. Kris Allen – Singer and winner of “American Idol”
  4. Justin Acri – ESPN radio host
  5. Natalie Canerday – Actress in “Sling Blade”

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Baptist Health
  2. Acxiom
  3. Conway Public Schools
  4. Walmart
  5. University of Central Arkansas

5. Harding University

Overview of Harding University

Location: Searcy, Arkansas
Founded in 1924, Harding University is a private Christian university affiliated with the Churches of Christ. Harding offers a values-based education with a strong emphasis on faith, leadership, and service. It is particularly known for its health science programs, including nursing, pharmacy, and physical therapy, as well as its strong liberal arts foundation.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #239 National Universities
  • Number of Students: Approximately 5,000
  • Degrees Offered: Over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 55%
  • Average SAT Score: 1060-1260

Extracurricular Activities

  • Harding University Marching Band
  • Student Association
  • Mission trips
  • Harding Athletics (NCAA Division II)
  • Chorus and acapella groups

Famous Alumni

  1. Ken Starr – Lawyer and former U.S. Solicitor General
  2. Willie Robertson – CEO of Duck Commander and star of “Duck Dynasty”
  3. Sarah Huckabee Sanders – Former White House Press Secretary and current Governor of Arkansas
  4. Rodger K. Hill – Noted business leader
  5. Cale Dodds – Country music artist

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Harding University
  2. Unity Health
  3. Walmart
  4. Tyson Foods
  5. Arkansas Children’s Hospital

6. Ouachita Baptist University (OBU)

Overview of Ouachita Baptist University

Location: Arkadelphia, Arkansas
Founded in 1886, Ouachita Baptist University (OBU) is a private, Christian liberal arts university that emphasizes academic excellence, personal growth, and spiritual development. OBU is known for its programs in music, education, and business, and it has a close-knit, supportive campus community.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #154 National Liberal Arts Colleges
  • Number of Students: Approximately 1,500
  • Degrees Offered: Over 50 undergraduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 62%
  • Average SAT Score: 1030-1250

Extracurricular Activities

  • Tiger Tunes competition
  • Student Senate
  • Ouachita Singers
  • Greek life
  • Campus Ministries

Famous Alumni

  1. Mike Huckabee – Former Governor of Arkansas and Presidential candidate
  2. William Jefferson Blythe Jr. – Biological father of President Bill Clinton
  3. Rex Nelson – Journalist and commentator
  4. Cliff Harris – Former NFL player for the Dallas Cowboys
  5. Gary Weir – Host of the “Bozo the Clown Show”

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Ouachita Baptist University
  2. Baptist Health
  3. Walmart
  4. Arkansas Department of Education
  5. Arkansas Baptist State Convention

7. Arkansas Tech University (ATU)

Overview of Arkansas Tech University

Location: Russellville, Arkansas
Established in 1909, Arkansas Tech University (ATU) is a comprehensive public university known for its strong engineering, business, and education programs. ATU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, with a focus on practical, career-oriented education.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #94 Regional Universities South
  • Number of Students: Approximately 10,000
  • Degrees Offered: Over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 97%
  • Average SAT Score: 980-1180

Extracurricular Activities

  • ATU Marching Band
  • Greek life
  • Student Government Association
  • Outdoor recreation programs
  • Tech Sports (NCAA Division II)

Famous Alumni

  1. John Daly – Professional golfer
  2. Natalie White – Winner of “Survivor: Samoa”
  3. Jerry The King Lawler – Professional wrestler and commentator
  4. Tom Cotton – U.S. Senator from Arkansas
  5. Bobby Petrino – College football coach

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Arkansas Nuclear One
  2. Walmart
  3. J.B. Hunt Transport Services
  4. Arkansas Department of Transportation
  5. Pope County Schools

8. University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UA Little Rock)

Overview of University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
Founded in 1927, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UA Little Rock) is a public research university located in the state’s capital city. It is known for its law school, business programs, and research opportunities in the urban environment. UA Little Rock has strong connections with the state’s government and business communities.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #299-391 National Universities
  • Number of Students: Approximately 8,000
  • Degrees Offered: Over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 56%
  • Average SAT Score: 1000-1200

Extracurricular Activities

  • Student Government Association
  • Law Review (for law students)
  • Greek life
  • UA Little Rock Trojan Athletics
  • Debate and Speech Team

Famous Alumni

  1. Tim Griffin – Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas
  2. Win Rockefeller – Former Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas
  3. Jermain Taylor – Professional boxer and Olympic gold medalist
  4. Joe T. Robinson – Former U.S. Senator
  5. Brooks Robinson – Hall of Fame baseball player

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Arkansas Department of Human Services
  2. Walmart
  3. Dillard’s
  4. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)
  5. Little Rock School District

9. University of the Ozarks

Overview of University of the Ozarks

Location: Clarksville, Arkansas
Established in 1834, the University of the Ozarks is a private, Presbyterian-affiliated liberal arts college known for its small class sizes and personalized education. It offers a wide variety of undergraduate programs and is especially strong in the fields of environmental science, communication, and education.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #5 Regional Colleges South
  • Number of Students: Approximately 800
  • Degrees Offered: Over 30 undergraduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 61%
  • Average SAT Score: 1060-1250

Extracurricular Activities

  • Environmental Stewardship Committee
  • Student Government Association
  • Campus Ministries
  • Intramural sports
  • Art and Theatre clubs

Famous Alumni

  1. Roy Buchanan – Influential blues guitarist
  2. Dale Bumpers – Former U.S. Senator and Governor of Arkansas
  3. William Nash – Journalist and media consultant
  4. Lucille Jane Piggott – Educator and author
  5. John Paul Hammerschmidt – Former U.S. Congressman

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Walmart
  2. Clarksville Public Schools
  3. Mercy Health
  4. University of the Ozarks
  5. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

10. Philander Smith College

Overview of Philander Smith College

Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
Founded in 1877, Philander Smith College is a private, historically black college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It is recognized for its commitment to social justice and leadership, particularly among African American students. Philander Smith offers a range of undergraduate programs, with strong emphases in the social sciences, business, and education.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #49 Regional Colleges South
  • Number of Students: Approximately 1,000
  • Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s degrees in more than 25 areas of study
  • Acceptance Rate: 54%
  • Average SAT Score: 880-1050

Extracurricular Activities

  • Social Justice Institute
  • Greek life
  • Philander Smith Panthers Athletics
  • Student Government Association
  • Leadership Development Program

Famous Alumni

  1. Vince Foster – Deputy White House Counsel under President Bill Clinton
  2. Lottie Shackelford – First African American female mayor of Little Rock
  3. Joe T. Robinson – U.S. Senator
  4. Olivia Hooker – Civil rights activist and one of the first African American women to serve in the U.S. Coast Guard
  5. Pine Bluff School District officials – Several prominent education administrators

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Arkansas Department of Human Services
  2. Walmart
  3. Little Rock School District
  4. Philander Smith College
  5. Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield