1. University of Arkansas
Overview
The University of Arkansas (U of A), founded in 1871, is a public research university located in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It is the flagship campus of the University of Arkansas System and is known for its strong emphasis on research, innovation, and student success. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
U.S. News Ranking
Ranked #162 in National Universities.
Number of Students
Approximately 27,000 students.
Degrees Offered
Over 200 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
Acceptance Rate
77%
Average SAT Score
1120-1310
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Greek Life
- Student Government
- Razorback Athletics
- Volunteer Programs
- Research Opportunities
Famous Alumni
- Bill Clinton – 42nd President of the United States
- Jerry Jones – Owner of the Dallas Cowboys
- Mike Huckabee – Former Governor of Arkansas
- J. William Fulbright – U.S. Senator
- Sarah Huckabee Sanders – Governor of Arkansas
Top Hiring Companies
- Walmart
- Tyson Foods
- J.B. Hunt Transport Services
- University of Arkansas
- Arvest Bank
2. Arkansas State University
Overview
Arkansas State University (A-State), founded in 1909, is a public university located in Jonesboro, Arkansas. A-State is the flagship campus of the Arkansas State University System and offers a variety of degree programs. The university is known for its strong programs in education, business, and agriculture.
U.S. News Ranking
Ranked #293-#381 in National Universities.
Number of Students
Approximately 13,000 students.
Degrees Offered
More than 150 undergraduate and graduate programs.
Acceptance Rate
67%
Average SAT Score
1030-1230
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Greek Life
- Red Wolves Athletics
- Student Government
- Volunteer Programs
- Cultural Organizations
Famous Alumni
- Rodger Bumpass – Voice Actor (Squidward in SpongeBob SquarePants)
- Mike Beebe – Former Governor of Arkansas
- Deborah Mathis – Journalist
- James E. Smith – Former Mayor of Helena, Arkansas
- Mark Smith – Professional Baseball Player
Top Hiring Companies
- Arkansas State University
- St. Bernards Healthcare
- Walmart
- NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital
- Jonesboro Public Schools
3. University of Central Arkansas
Overview
The University of Central Arkansas (UCA), established in 1907, is a public university located in Conway, Arkansas. UCA offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its strong commitment to teaching and community service. The university is recognized for its programs in education, health, and the performing arts.
U.S. News Ranking
Ranked #293-#381 in National Universities.
Number of Students
Approximately 10,000 students.
Degrees Offered
More than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs.
Acceptance Rate
91%
Average SAT Score
1030-1210
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Greek Life
- Student Government
- UCA Bears Athletics
- Volunteer Programs
- Performing Arts Groups
Famous Alumni
- Conway Twitty – Country Music Singer
- Kris Allen – Musician and American Idol Winner
- Scotty Pippen – NBA Player
- Rena M. Donham – Former Arkansas Secretary of State
- Clifton E. Marsh – Author and Sociologist
Top Hiring Companies
- Acxiom
- Conway Regional Health System
- Walmart
- Arkansas Department of Education
- University of Central Arkansas
4. Harding University
Overview
Harding University is a private Christian university located in Searcy, Arkansas. Founded in 1924, Harding is known for its strong emphasis on faith-based education and its commitment to academic excellence. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a particular focus on business, education, and health sciences.
U.S. News Ranking
Ranked #263 in National Universities.
Number of Students
Approximately 5,000 students.
Degrees Offered
Over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs.
Acceptance Rate
61%
Average SAT Score
1060-1260
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Spiritual Life Programs
- Greek Life
- Harding Bisons Athletics
- Volunteer Programs
- Music and Theater Groups
Famous Alumni
- Ken Starr – Former U.S. Solicitor General
- Willie Robertson – CEO of Duck Commander
- James Simmons – Actor
- Jerry Mitchell – Investigative Reporter
- Michael Claxton – Author and Humorist
Top Hiring Companies
- Harding University
- Walmart
- Arkansas Children’s Hospital
- Acxiom
- Baptist Health
5. Henderson State University
Overview
Henderson State University (HSU) is a public liberal arts university located in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Established in 1890, HSU offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university is known for its strong focus on teaching and its supportive campus community. HSU is recognized for its programs in business, education, and the liberal arts.
U.S. News Ranking
Ranked #85 in Regional Universities South.
Number of Students
Approximately 3,500 students.
Degrees Offered
More than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs.
Acceptance Rate
94%
Average SAT Score
940-1150
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Greek Life
- Student Government
- Reddies Athletics
- Volunteer Programs
- Performing Arts Groups
Famous Alumni
- Billy Bob Thornton – Actor and Filmmaker
- Sid McMath – Former Governor of Arkansas
- Tim West – Country Music Artist
- Wanda Garner Cash – Journalist
- Cliff Harris – NFL Player
Top Hiring Companies
- Henderson State University
- Arkansas Department of Education
- Baptist Health
- Walmart
- Local School Districts
6. Ouachita Baptist University
Overview
Ouachita Baptist University (OBU) is a private liberal arts university located in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Founded in 1886, OBU is affiliated with the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. The university offers a variety of undergraduate programs and is known for its strong emphasis on faith-based education, community service, and academic excellence.
U.S. News Ranking
Ranked #2 in Regional Colleges South.
Number of Students
Approximately 1,500 students.
Degrees Offered
Bachelor’s degrees in a wide range of disciplines.
Acceptance Rate
64%
Average SAT Score
1070-1280
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Campus Ministries
- Greek Life
- Ouachita Tigers Athletics
- Music and Theater Groups
- Volunteer Programs
Famous Alumni
- Mike Huckabee – Former Governor of Arkansas
- David Whitfield – Gospel Music Artist
- Don Wilton – Pastor and Author
- Larry D. Wright – Educator
- Betsey Wright – Political Consultant
Top Hiring Companies
- Ouachita Baptist University
- Baptist Health
- Walmart
- Local School Districts
- Arkansas Baptist State Convention
7. University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Overview
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UA Little Rock) is a public research university located in Little Rock, Arkansas. Established in 1927, the university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. UA Little Rock is known for its strong programs in law, business, and engineering, as well as its commitment to community engagement.
U.S. News Ranking
Ranked #293-#381 in National Universities.
Number of Students
Approximately 9,000 students.
Degrees Offered
More than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs.
Acceptance Rate
56%
Average SAT Score
990-1210
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Student Government
- Trojan Athletics
- Volunteer Programs
- Greek Life
- Research Opportunities
Famous Alumni
- Dr. Mary Good – Former U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology
- Cliff Lee – MLB Player
- Pulaski Robinson – NBA Player
- Susan Burkett – Judge
- Gus Malzahn – College Football Coach
Top Hiring Companies
- Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield
- UAMS Medical Center
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock
- Dillard’s
- Arkansas State Government
8. Arkansas Tech University
Overview
Arkansas Tech University (ATU), founded in 1909, is a public university located in Russellville, Arkansas. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its strong focus on technical and professional education. ATU is recognized for its programs in engineering, business, and the applied sciences.
U.S. News Ranking
Ranked #93 in Regional Universities South.
Number of Students
Approximately 12,000 students.
Degrees Offered
More than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs.
Acceptance Rate
94%
Average SAT Score
980-1200
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Greek Life
- Student Government
- Wonder Boys Athletics
- Volunteer Programs
- Technical and Professional Organizations
Famous Alumni
- John Daly – Professional Golfer
- Natalie White – Basketball Player and Coach
- Bill Hogue – Software Developer
- Raye Montague – Naval Engineer
- Suzanne Alexander – Television Host
Top Hiring Companies
- Entergy Arkansas
- Arkansas Nuclear One
- Tyson Foods
- Dillard’s
- Arkansas Tech University
9. John Brown University
Overview
John Brown University (JBU) is a private Christian university located in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Established in 1919, JBU is known for its strong commitment to academic excellence and Christian values. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, with notable strengths in business, engineering, and education.
U.S. News Ranking
Ranked #11 in Regional Universities South.
Number of Students
Approximately 2,200 students.
Degrees Offered
More than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs.
Acceptance Rate
77%
Average SAT Score
1080-1290
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Student Government
- Golden Eagle Athletics
- Chapel Services
- Volunteer Programs
- Music and Theater Groups
Famous Alumni
- Maxie Carpenter – Business Consultant
- Brenda Reagan – Educator
- David Wright – Author and Journalist
- Clayton K. Andrews – Pastor
- Debbye Turner Bell – Former Miss America and Television Host
Top Hiring Companies
- Walmart
- J.B. Hunt Transport Services
- Tyson Foods
- John Brown University
- Simmons Foods
10. Southern Arkansas University
Overview
Southern Arkansas University (SAU) is a public university located in Magnolia, Arkansas. Established in 1909, SAU offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university is known for its strong emphasis on agriculture, business, and education, as well as its vibrant campus life and community involvement.
U.S. News Ranking
Ranked #94 in Regional Universities South.
Number of Students
Approximately 4,500 students.
Degrees Offered
More than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs.
Acceptance Rate
69%
Average SAT Score
960-1160
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Mulerider Athletics
- Greek Life
- Student Government
- Volunteer Programs
- Agricultural Clubs
Famous Alumni
- Monica Potts – Author and Journalist
- William T. Dillard – Founder of Dillard’s Department Stores
- Rusty Jackson – NFL Player
- Mallory Everson – Educator
- Morris Arnold – Federal Judge
Top Hiring Companies
- Murphy USA
- Southern Arkansas University
- Dillard’s
- Magnolia Regional Medical Center
- Tyson Foods