Top 10 Cheapest Colleges in Arkansas

If you're looking to complete your education, then you know how expensive college can be. Here are some Arkansas colleges that won't break the bank.

Arkansas students, keep reading. In this article, we'll take a look at 10 cheap colleges with degrees available in Arkansas.

We'll also answer some questions you may have and discuss how to make college more affordable.

Top Cheap Colleges in Arkansas

In this section of the article, we'll take a look at the 10 cheapest colleges in Arkansas, some of the degree programs they offer, and tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students.

1. University of Arkansas - Fort Smith

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is a public school and part of the University of Arkansas System.

Some of the degree programs it offers include:

• Chemistry
• Dental Hygiene
• Electrical Engineering Technology
• Graphic Design
• Marketing

In-state and regional tuition rates start at $188 per credit hour. Out-of-state tuition rates start at $474 per credit hour.

2. University of Arkansas - Pine Bluff

The University of Arkansas - Pine Bluff is also part of the University of Arkansas System. It enrolls around 2,600 students.

A variety of degree programs are offered, including:

• Agricultural Engineering
• Art
• Business Administration
• Middle-level Education
• Nursing

In-state undergraduate tuition starts at $188 per credit hour, while out-of-state rates begin at $427.

3. University of Arkansas - Little Rock

Yet another member of the University of Arkansas System, the University of Arkansas - Little Rock has over 8,000 students.

Some of the degrees available include:

• Communication Sciences and Disorders
• Professional and Technical Writing
• Astronomy
• Philosophy
• Special Education

Tuition varies depending on the program but starts at $220 per credit hour for in-state students and $635 for out-of-state students.

4. Southern Arkansas University

Southern Arkansas University is located in Magnolia. It serves a little over 5,000 students in campus-based and online programs.

Choose from various degrees such as:

• Comparative Literature
• Elementary Education
• Exercise Science
• Foreign Language
• Game Design

In-state students pay $240 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $426 per credit hour. All students enjoy a reduced rate of $115 for all credit hours above 15 per semester.

5. Henderson State University

Henderson State University is located in Arkadelphia. Though founded by the Methodist church, it is now a public college.

Degree programs include:

• Aviation
• Natural Sciences
• Digital Media Production
• Finance
• Social Work

Undergraduate tuition per credit hour is $245 for residents and $337 for nonresidents.

6. Arkansas Tech University

Arkansas Tech University is a public school in Russellville enrolling nearly 9,000 students.

Choose from a variety of degree programs, including:

• Anthropology and Geography
• Fisheries and Wildlife Science
• Journalism
• Cybersecurity
• Creative Writing

In-state undergraduate tuition costs $249.78 per credit hour, while out-of-state students can expect to pay $499.56.

7. University of Arkansas - Main Campus

The main campus of the University of Arkansas is located in Fayetteville. It is one of the largest schools in the state with over 32,000 students.

More than 200 programs are available, including:

• Architecture
• Biomedical Engineering
• Classical Studies
• Economics
• Hospitality Management

Undergraduate students who live in Arkansas can expect to pay $255.53 per credit hour, while nonresident students are charged $889.67.

8. University of Arkansas - Monticello

The University of Arkansas-Monticello is a small member of the University of Arkansas System with under 4,000 students.

Among the various degrees offered are the following:

• Land Surveying
• Nursing
• Applied Science
• Music
• Natural Resources Management

In-state tuition starts at $295.67 per credit hour, while out-of-state tuition costs $490.67.

9. Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University is located in Jonesboro and is one of the largest schools in the state.

It offers many degree programs, including:

• Organizational Supervision
• Political Science
• Criminology
• Sociology
• Health Studies

In-state tuition costs $322.67 per credit hour. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $575.67.

10. Arkansas Baptist College

Arkansas Baptist College is a private Christian school located in Little Rock.

Degree programs include:

• Christian Education
• Human Services
• Public Administration
• Criminal Justice
• Interdisciplinary Studies

Tuition for all students, regardless of residency, costs $365 per credit hour.

How Much Will a College Degree Cost?

The total cost of your degree will depend on where you attend school and what level of degree you are pursuing.

The schools in this article have tuition rates ranging between $188 and $400 per credit hour. For a bachelor's degree of 120 credit hours, total tuition costs will be between $22,560 and $48,000.

This does not account for fees, books, and other college expenses you may accrue.

How to Make College Affordable

Even cheap colleges cost a lot of money. Let's talk about some different ways you can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

The first thing you'll want to do is apply for federal aid by filling out the FAFSA. This will also determine your eligibility for some state-based grants as well as tuition waivers and financial aid offered through your school.

You should also consider applying for scholarships through your school or various private organizations. Scholarships are often competitive, but it doesn't hurt to try.

Tuition Assistance and Work-Study Programs

Many employers offer tuition assistance as part of their benefits package. If you have a job, find out whether you are eligible to receive this benefit.

Another option is to become involved in a work-study program through your school. Many schools offer these programs to help students earn money toward their degree or work off some of the expenses.

Transfer Credits

Students who already have existing transfer credits typically graduate both quickly and cheaply. Transfer credits can be obtained through community colleges, AP classes, and other programs.

High school students who obtain college credit often do so for much cheaper than it would cost to take the same courses as an undergraduate.

Community colleges also offer a wealth of transferable courses, usually for a lower cost than courses offered at four-year colleges.

Do Cheap Colleges in Arkansas Offer High-Quality Education?

Yes. Every school discussed in this article is accredited, and they are all high-quality state-funded or private institutions that offer legitimate and respected degrees.

In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition Rates

In most of the schools discussed above, tuition costs more for out-of-state students than for those who are residents of Arkansas.

In-state tuition rates among the above schools range between the following:

• Cheapest: University of Arkansas - Fort Smith and Pine Bluff campuses ($188 per credit hour)
• Most expensive: Arkansas Baptist University ($365 per credit hour)

For out-of-state students, costs range as follows:

• Cheapest: Henderson State University ($337 per credit hour)
• Most expensive: University of Arkansas - Main Campus ($889.67 per credit hour)

Find an Affordable College in Arkansas Today

If you're ready to start school, check out the above list of the cheapest colleges in Arkansas to find one that will work for you.

Also, keep in mind that there are affordable online colleges all around the U.S.