7 Best Online Colleges in Arkansas 2025

There are many online colleges in Arkansas, and nearly 25% of college students in the state are enrolled in fully online college programs, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Perhaps you'd like to learn more about the available online degrees in Arkansas and the top online colleges offering them.

Keep reading as we explore some of the best colleges for online students in Arkansas. We'll look at some top online degrees available at each school and provide some general information to help you determine if online learning is right for you.

Best Accredited Online Colleges in Arkansas

Students can find affordable options at some of the best colleges online � many of which also provide flexibility without sacrificing academic merit. Below, we'll take an in-depth look at some high-quality Arkansas online colleges.

1. University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas is located in Fayetteville and is the flagship campus of the University of Arkansas System. It offers various undergraduate and graduate programs in subjects such as:

• communication
• agriculture
• educational studies
• social work
• engineering

The school provides financial aid for 73% of students and offers affordable tuition rates for online learners. Each program is unique, taught by expert faculty, and designed to meet the needs of busy students who can't make it to campus every day.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $9,748

Out-of-State: $28,772

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $10,500

Out-of-State: $28,560

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 72%

Retention Rate: 86%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. University of Arkansas Little Rock

The University of Arkansas Little Rock is another member of the state's university system. Students can earn graduate and undergraduate degrees, certificates, and minors online. Options include:

• political science
• business analytics
• sociology
• information science
• health education and promotion

As many as 99% of students receive financial aid at this school. All online learners pay the same affordable tuition rates, and classes are asynchronous to provide the greatest degree of flexibility for busy students.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $8,455

Out-of-State: $19,210

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $5,850

Out-of-State: $13,266

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 58%

Retention Rate: 71%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: HLC

3. University of Arkansas Fort Smith

Another member of the University of Arkansas System, this school is notable for making college highly affordable and accessible. It provides several online programs at associate, bachelor's, and master's levels. Areas of study include:

• organizational leadership
• early childhood education
• dental hygiene
• criminal justice
• healthcare administration

Financial aid goes to 99% of students, and the school boasts some of the lowest undergraduate tuition rates in the state. Online programs are taught by experienced faculty, ensuring they don't compromise quality.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $6,906

Out-of-State: $13,770

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $7,092

Out-of-State: $11,394

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 81%

Retention Rate: 72%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: HLC

4. Arkansas Tech University

Arkansas Tech University is a public school in Russellville. Students can pursue a range of online options, including certificates, endorsements, and undergraduate and graduate degrees. Some of the areas of study are:

• history
• creative writing
• applied science
• nursing
• health informatics

Financial aid is available for up to 94% of students. The school combines affordable tuition with high acceptance and retention rates to ensure students receive a valuable educational experience.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $8,508

Out-of-State: $14,502

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $5,661

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 96%

Retention Rate: 71%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: HLC

5. Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University is a large public school headquartered in Jonesboro. Online students at this school can pursue an array of online associate, bachelor's, master's, and specialist degrees and certificates in areas like:

• digital technology and design
• fashion merchandising and marketing
• construction management
• disaster preparedness and emergency management
• nutrition and dietetics

The school awards 96% of students with some form of financial aid. In addition to affordable tuition and the diverse range of programs available, this school features a generous transfer policy and multiple yearly start dates to bring education within reach for many students.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $7,754

Out-of-State: $13,826

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $6,534

Out-of-State: $11,970

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 70%

Retention Rate: 78%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: HLC

6. University of Central Arkansas

The University of Central Arkansas is located in Conway. It offers online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in various disciplines. Options include:

• finance
• addiction studies
• special education
• nursing
• sports management

Up to 96% of students receive financial aid, including those who take advantage of affordable online tuition rates. All courses are highly flexible, enabling students to study anytime and from any location they have an internet connection.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $10,118

Out-of-State: $17,258

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $5,281

Out-of-State: $10,562

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 90%

Retention Rate: 73%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: HLC

7. Southern Arkansas University

Southern Arkansas University is a public school in Magnolia. Online undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates are available, with programs covering topics like:

• elementary education
• management
• public administration
• criminal justice
• clinical and mental health counseling

All students who attend this school receive some form of financial aid. Online degrees provide both quality and accessibility, making them a great option for students who need programs that works around their busy schedules.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $9,820

Out-of-State: $15,400

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $5,616

Out-of-State: $8,820

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 67%

Retention Rate: 69%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: HLC

Other Featured Online Schools

Online higher education programs give students the option to attend school anywhere in the country without leaving their homes. Let's check out some accredited online colleges providing online degrees for students throughout the country, including those in Arkansas.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private school serving more than 135,000 students. Most of those students attend online, enrolling in programs such as:

• accounting
• creative writing
• digital photography
• psychology
• business administration

The school features flexible eight-week course sessions, low tuition rates for all students, and a generous transfer policy. It is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University Global is a public online school. It offers bachelor's and master's degrees in various disciplines such as:

• cybersecurity
• human resources management
• project management
• business management
• criminal justice

Programs are designed with nontraditional students in mind, making it easy for them to transfer credits and complete assignments on their own schedules. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Liberty University

Liberty University is a private school in Virginia. It offers hundreds of online academic programs at every program level. Options include:

• aviation
• Biblical counseling
• commercial music
• education
• ethnomusicology

The school offers affordable tuition rates and discounts for online students, along with flexible eight-week courses and the ability to transfer up to 75% of your degree requirements. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

How We Rank Schools

We used data from the NCES and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard to choose the schools featured in this article. The following selection criteria were considered:

• Accreditation: Each school is accredited by a Department of Education-recognized organization like the Higher Learning Commission.
• Reputation: Each school has a reputation for providing top-notch online academic programs.
• Accessibility: The schools in this article offer a variety of online programs, affordable tuition rates, flexible coursework, financial aid opportunities, and other features to make them accessible for online students from all walks of life.

Pros and Cons of Online Degrees in Arkansas

There are both benefits and drawbacks of online education. Let's look more closely at some of the most common pros and cons of attending online colleges in Arkansas.

Pros of earning an online degree:

• Affordability: Online college programs are often more affordable than their in-person counterparts.
• Study from anywhere: Since there is no physical classroom, online degrees make it possible to study from wherever you have an internet connection.
• Flexible: Online degree programs are highly flexible, offering either self-paced classes or classes with no set study times, enabling students to set their own schedules.

Cons of earning an online degree:

• Feeling isolated: Online students sometimes feel isolated from their professors and peers, which can make them feel unsupported.
• Lack of structure: The flexibility of online courses can make it hard for some students to stay on track.
• Skepticism from employers: Some employers worry about the quality of online degrees, preferring to hire those who completed their education on-campus.

How To Choose the Best Online College in Arkansas

When choosing a school to attend online, it's extremely important to make sure any institution you consider is accredited and has a good reputation. This will increase your chances of earning a degree that's respected in the workforce.

You'll also want to consider factors like which schools offer your desired major, how much tuition and related expenses cost, what the financial aid options are, and whether the school offers online student resources. If you are a transfer student, look for schools that will accept your previous credits. Consider all of these factors and choose the school that most closely aligns with your needs and desires.

How Much Does an Online Degree in Arkansas Cost?

Tuition rates vary widely but are generally more affordable for in-state students and those attending public schools. Among the schools featured in this article, average yearly tuition ranges from $5,200 to nearly $29,000.

These averages do not account for additional expenses that may raise the overall cost of your degree further. These expenses may include books and technology costs along with mandatory fees.

Tips on How To Make Online College in Arkansas More Affordable

Even affordable online degrees in Arkansas are not cheap. Fortunately, you can take advantage of various financial aid options to save money on school.

Completing the FAFSA can help you obtain grants, loans, and work-study programs from the federal government; it may also be necessary for some state- and school-based programs. Private scholarships are another great option. Finally, using transfer credits, utilizing payment plans, and attending schools that don't charge application fees can all help you go to college on a budget. Learn more about each of these options below:

• online colleges that accept FAFSA
• online colleges with payment plans
• online colleges that accept the Pell Grant
• online colleges that accept transfer credits
• online colleges with scholarships
• online colleges with no application fee

Arkansas Scholarships & Grants

Scholarships are a great way to get free money for school. Here are some top options for Arkansas students:

Art Porter Music Education Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship, available through the Art Porter Music Foundation, provides scholarships for graduating high school seniors in Arkansas with demonstrated musical talent. Students must maintain a GPA of 2.5 and intend to pursue a music-related degree and career.

Award Amount: $3,000

Deadline: March 31, 2025

Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship

The Arkansas Division of Higher Education provides this scholarship, which is available to both residents of Arkansas currently enrolled or planning to enroll in a college program of study. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and meet other basic eligibility standards depending on their enrollment status.

Award Amount: up to $14,000

Deadline: July 1, 2025

Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund

The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to help single parents begin or return to college. Applicants must meet basic eligibility criteria as single parents, be U.S. citizens, demonstrate financial need, and have a high school diploma or GED and a GPA of at least 2.0.

Award Amount: varies

Deadline: September 1, 2025

Top Majors for Arkansas Graduates

Students can enroll in accredited colleges online and select from a range of degree programs. Some common distance learning majors in Arkansas include:

• Organizational Leadership: This distance education program prepares students for a wide range of careers in leadership and management positions. It is usually offered as an online bachelor's degree but may be available at other program levels as well.
• Business Administration: Business administration degrees prepare students to work in all facets of business, with titles ranging from department manager to company CEO to entrepreneur. It is available at all program levels.
• General Studies: General studies degrees provide a wide range of courses, allowing students to prepare for a multitude of careers. Some programs allow them to pursue concentrations to tailor their studies. These programs often lead to associate and bachelor's degrees.
• Interdisciplinary Studies: Interdisciplinary studies programs are similar to general studies degrees. They allow students to take core courses from two or more disciplines to create their own specialized programs of study. They are common online bachelor's degrees.
• Nursing: Online nursing degrees are commonly available for aspiring registered nurses hoping to further their education and pursue career advancement. Bachelor's, master's, and doctoral nursing degrees are all popular.

FAQs About Accredited Online Colleges for Learners in Arkansas

If you still have questions about taking online classes in Arkansas, keep reading. Below, we'll answer some common questions you may be asking.

How Quickly Can I Earn My Degree Online in Arkansas?

It typically takes about four years for a full-time student to earn a bachelor's degree and about two years for that same student to graduate with a master's degree. However, accelerated online degrees in Arkansas can speed up the process considerably, making it possible to earn a bachelor's degree in one to three years and a master's degree in one year or less.

Are Any Online Colleges Worth It?

There are plenty of online schools that provide high-quality and respected academic programs. Many students find these programs to be well worth the time and money because they can earn these degrees in a flexible format and timeframe and they are typically more affordable than on-campus programs.

What Is the Easiest Online Degree To Get in Arkansas?

Few students consider any degree program to be ''easy.'' However, associate degrees are often thought to be the easiest type of degree to earn. This is because associate degree programs typically contain introductory courses and can be finished in two years or less.

How Much Does an Affordable Online MBA Cost in Arkansas?

Various online schools in Arkansas offer business administration degrees, and each one charges different tuition rates. Average in-state tuition costs may range from around $5,200 to $10,500 per year, with most MBA programs lasting from one to two years.

Discover Online Degree Programs in Arkansas

If you're ready to explore online colleges in Arkansas, consider the schools featured on Learn.org. Reach out to any of these schools directly to find out more about what they have to offer and which one is the best fit for you.