10 Most Affordable Online Colleges in Arkansas (2024)

It is no secret that the costs of college degrees have skyrocketed in recent years. Due to the rising tuition rates, many individuals have become reluctant to pursue a degree.

In response, many institutions have created online degree programs that are easily accessible and flexible. Not only that, students can achieve their educational goals more affordably through the online route.

Best Accredited Colleges identifies the 10 most affordable online degree programs in Arkansas and helps answer commonly asked questions about earning an online degree in the state.

Featured Online Degree Programs in Arkansas

The following list contains the 10 most affordable online degree programs in the state of Arkansas.

1. Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University offers an endless number of accredited online degree programs to its students. The online degree programs available consist of both undergraduate and graduate programs that are directed toward providing students with a credible education.

Once admitted, students can choose from programs in:

Other features of the university include:

  • 100% coursework
  • student-centered approaches
  • high-impact learning
  • diverse perspectives

2. Arkansas Tech University

Arkansas Tech University is a public institution that offers degree programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. The university's mission is to provide students with numerous degree programs that are fully online.

Once enrolled, online students will receive customized, one-on-one advising with an academic advisor who is responsible for providing students with guidance.

The university is one of the most affordable online colleges available in the state with credit hour costs ranging from $249.78 to $499.56.

3. University of Arkansas Little Rock

The University of Arkansas Little Rock is a research university that is committed to providing accessible and flexible coursework and internship opportunities. The university prepares more than 9,000 students to be leaders within their respective industries.

The university offers more than 60 undergraduate and 40 graduate programs that exposes students to careers in:

  • nursing
  • engineering
  • data quality
  • criminal justice
  • education

The institution has dozens of accredited degrees that are delivered fully online and convenient, allowing students to balance family, work, and school responsibilities on a flexible schedule.

4. Southern Arkansas University

Southern Arkansas University is another institution in Arkansas that offers affordability for its students. The university is dedicated to offering high-quality educational experiences.

Online learners enrolled in the institution include:

  • current students looking to complete degree requirements
  • future students who seek to have the college experience
  • graduate students pursuing advanced degrees while managing their careers
  • retirees looking to broaden their horizons

The online degree programs available include:

  • Master of Science in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling
  • Master of Science in Computer and Information Science
  • Master of Public Administration
  • Master of Education
  • Master of Business Administration

The tuition rates for master's degrees are around $312 per credit hour.

5. University of Arkansas Fort Smith

The University of Arkansas Fort Smith offers a rich, vibrant learning environment for nearly 6,000 students each semester. The university's mission is to offer high-quality, affordable education to diverse groups of students.

In-state tuition rates for undergraduate courses range from $188 to $474 per credit hour while graduate courses are between $394 and $633 per credit hour.

The online coursework is fully flexible and is eligible to be completed around each student's schedule.

6. University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas is one of the nation's top public research universities. The university has around 32,000 students who represent 49 states and more than 100 countries. The institution has 10 colleges and schools and offers more than 265 academic programs.

Their online degree programs are delivered in a self-paced format and are given flexible scheduling. The university also values affordability and allows online students to be charged in-state tuition rates.

Students enrolled in an undergraduate online program pay $255 per credit hour and graduate students are charged $437 per credit hour.

7. John Brown University

John Brown University is a private Christian university that is also a top-ranked institution in the state.

From the university, students learn to:

  • think critically and pursue the truth
  • engage in faith and community
  • develop practical careers skills and serve others

The institution offers online bachelor's degree programs in:

The online programs are affordable with each credit hour priced at $315.

8. University of Central Arkansas

The University of Central Arkansas is a public university that offers around 160 academic programs. Many of these programs are available as online programs that allow students to meet their educational goals in a flexible way.

Other features of the online programs are:

  • 24/7 technical support for online coursework
  • access to program coordinators for coursework
  • affordable tuition rates
  • financial aid eligibility for qualified students
  • access to instructors for coursework

Students who are admitted into an online degree program receive a flat-rate tuition of $295 per credit hour regardless of residence or location.

9. Harding University

Harding University offers many different online bachelor's and master's degree programs for students who are interested in enrolling in a flexible program. The programs can be completed anytime and consist of high-quality educational experiences.

The online programs will:

  • offer professional development opportunities
  • foster innovation for online learning and teaching
  • provide resources for teachers new to online teaching
  • provide resources for contractual and project management of online initiatives

Online undergraduate students can expect to have tuition rates of around $24,000 for the entire academic year.

10. University of Arkansas Monticello

The University of Arkansas Monticello is recognized as a model regional institution that offers many different benefits for its students. Alumni of the university can demonstrate an endless number of values within their industries.

These core values include:

  • ethic of care
  • professionalism
  • collaboration
  • evidence-based decision making
  • diversity

The university provides numerous online degree programs in:

  • education
  • business
  • arts and humanities
  • general studies
  • math and natural sciences
  • nursing

Although the majority of the online coursework is set with deadlines, students can still take advantage of discussion threads and chat rooms to stay in contact with their peers and instructors.

What Is the Cheapest Online College in Arkansas?

The cheapest online college in Arkansas is Arkansas Tech University. Tuition and fees for in-state students are expected to be around $7,200 for an academic year.

How Much Does an Online Degree Cost in Arkansas?

The cost of an online degree in Arkansas typically falls between $30,000 to $35,000. Several factors, such as institution and degree type, can greatly impact the cost of an online degree.

How To Pay for an Online Degree in Arkansas

Online students who are enrolled in a degree program can seek out many different financial aid resources.

The most common methods are:

Find an Online College in Arkansas Today

The state of Arkansas has made it easier for students to pursue an affordable degree through online learning. If any of these programs interest you, please visit the institution's official website for further assistance on their admission process.

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