Colleges in Arkansas

Why go to College in Arkansas?

Students looking to attend college in Arkansas can choose from a number of quality institutions, including multiple online options. The cost of living in the state is lower than the national average, as is the cost of in-state tuition for a four-year college. Students who love the outdoors may be especially attracted to Arkansas’ abundant natural areas, including the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, the Arkansas River Valley, and a number of beautiful state and national parks.

Population

The population of Arkansas currently is around 2.9 million people. The state’s most populous region is the metropolitan area of Little Rock, located in the central part of Arkansas around the state's capitol, and home to over 900,000 people.

Climate

The climate is Arkansas is hot and humid in the summer -- with high temperatures in the 90’s -- and relatively mild winters. Snow is not unusual in the northern half of the state during the winter, but the average low winter temperatures are in the low 30’s or upper 20’s. Sub-zero temperatures are rarely seen.

Number of Higher Learning Institutions

There are 108 institutions of higher learning in Arkansas, giving students a wealth options for finding a school that is right for them. The state has two major university systems: the Arkansas State University System and the University of Arkansas System, both of which include multiple campuses across Arkansas. There are additional public universities outside those systems, as well as private nonprofit universities and public community colleges. A variety of trade and technical schools and other for-profit institutions are scattered across the state, as well. Students also have many options for online higher education in Arkansas.

Sporting Events

The most popular sport in Arkansas is college football, with the University of Arkansas Razorbacks having the highest profile. The state also has two minor league baseball teams that compete in the Texas League: the Arkansas Travelers of North Little Rock, and the Northwest Arkansas Naturals of Springdale.

Nightlife

The larger cities in Arkansas feature a variety of restaurants, shopping destinations, and live music clubs. Blues and folk music are particularly popular, and Arkansans celebrate them at the annual King Biscuit Blues Festival and Ozark Folk Festival.

What Options are Available for Colleges in Arkansas?

Popular Degree Programs in Arkansas

The degrees most commonly conferred by online colleges in Arkansas reflect the types of jobs that are most prevalent in the state. The world's largest company, Walmart, is headquartered in Arkansas. Many of the jobs associated with Arkansas’ most popular industries, however, do not require a bachelor's degree.

According to Business Insider, these are two of the most popular majors pursued by students enrolled in college on-campus or online in Arkansas.

• General Education

  An associate degree in general education is the state’s most commonly pursued major. Those with an associate degree have an advantage over workers with no college education, and credits from most associate degrees earned from an accredited institution transfer if one decides to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

• Agriculture Production and Management

  griculture is one of the state's primary industries. Chicken farming and processing are a major part of this industry, including at large employers like OK Foods and Tyson Foods, Inc. Catfish farming is also a significant business; 16% of the catfish consumed in the United States originates in Arkansas.

What are the Best Online Colleges in Arkansas?

If you are considering an online college in Arkansas, you have some excellent options. Depending on your chosen field of study, you may be able to complete most or all of the required classes for your degree online. This can make it easier and more affordable to achieve your career goals without sacrificing the quality of your education. To assist you in your search, we have outlined the best online colleges in Arkansas here. You can use this as a resource to decide which online program is the best fit for your educational needs and priorities.

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1	John Brown University Siloam Springs, AR		ADMISSIONS RATE 74% GRADUATION RATE 62% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 11% RETENTION RATE 81% DEFAULT RATE 4% Located in the northwestern corner of Arkansas in the burgeoning arts community of Siloam Springs, John Brown University is a private Christian college established in 1919. The university offers five online undergraduate degrees built upon the foundation of liberal arts and Christ-centered values. JBU is one of the leading online colleges in Arkansas and emphasizes a holistic approach to online learning, while also promoting professional skills and spiritual growth. Students have the opportunity to pursue degrees in areas such as business administration, management accounting, and psychology. The university's liberal arts degree allows students to apply prior credit toward their online degree and graduate in less than two years. This generalist degree synthesizes a student's prior learning experiences with skills such as communication and problem solving.	Visit Site
2	University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR		ADMISSIONS RATE 60% GRADUATION RATE 62% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 8% RETENTION RATE 82% DEFAULT RATE 7% Nestled along the edge of the Ozark Mountains, the University of Arkansas provides more than breaktaking views. It also enrolls more than 25,000 students and offers accessible and convenient distance education programs. This premier research institution features five fully online undergraduate degrees in areas such as communication, interdisciplinary studies, business, and nursing. The school's degree in human resource and workforce development education is unique among online schools in Arkansas. The program features coursework in workplace diversity, professional and leadership development, and a capstone course. In addition to its standard online offerings, U of A offers several online courses that are self-paced, which allows students to work independently and submit assignments at their own convenience.	Visit Site
3	Arkansas State University Jonesboro, AR		ADMISSIONS RATE 70% GRADUATION RATE 40% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 24% RETENTION RATE 76% DEFAULT RATE 17% With more than 70,000 alumni across the globe, ASU's innovative academic programs have been enriching lives since the university was established in 1909. Located in Jonesboro, ASU offers local residents and distance learners the opportunity to pursue several online undergraduate degrees in areas such as business administration and strategic communication. ASU's online bachelor of applied science prepares students for leadership roles and offers concentrations in technology or renewable energy technology. ASU is among the few online colleges in Arkansas that allows students to double major in select online degrees. The following degrees can be paired: communication studies, criminology, political science, and sociology. By double majoring, students receive an enriching education while also increasing their marketability in fields that require a broad-based knowledge of the social sciences.	Visit Site
4	University of Central Arkansas Conway, AR		ADMISSIONS RATE 92% GRADUATION RATE 45% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 9% RETENTION RATE 72% DEFAULT RATE 12% UCA's academic programs emphasize lifelong learning, cultural competence, and the pursuit of knowledge. Students enrolled in one of UCA's online undergraduate degrees receive the same quality instruction as on-campus students. They can also set their own pace through an asynchronous learning format. Courses are 8-16 weeks in length, and students access and submit assignments through Blackboard. UCA offers a flat-rate tuition to students enrolled in one of its online degrees regardless of residency status. UCA is one of the only online schools in Arkansas to offer an online bachelor of business administration in insurance and risk management. Students in the program acquire an integrated knowledge of liberal arts and business principles while also gaining specialized training in risk management and personal financial planning. Other online programs offered through UCA's distance learning platform include addiction studies, general business, and professional studies.	Visit Site
5	Arkansas Tech University Russellville, AR		ADMISSIONS RATE 89% GRADUATION RATE 44% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 15% RETENTION RATE 71% DEFAULT RATE 18% With an emphasis on community empowerment and personal enrichment, Arkansas Tech is one of the fastest growing online colleges in Arkansas and continues to reach new enrollment records each semester. Its technological roots and pragmatic approach to education attract students from all life stages, and the university's eTech online learning platform offers online undergraduate degrees in subjects such as applied science, emergency management and administration, and history. Arkansas Tech's accelerated degree in professional studies features eight concentrations in areas such as public relations, workforce technology, and agricultural business. This degree option allows students to quickly launch their careers while gaining leadership and communication skills. Students enrolled in the program have the opportunity to earn 12 credits toward their degree through documentation of prior learning and work experience.	Visit Site
6	University of Arkansas at Little Rock Little Rock, AR	ADMISSIONS RATE 90% GRADUATION RATE 30% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 17% RETENTION RATE 72% DEFAULT RATE 14% Established in 1927 as a junior college with 100 students, UA Little Rock has undergone numerous expansions over recent decades to serve the evolving needs of its growing student body. Today the university enrolls more than 12,000 students and offers a variety of fully online undergraduate degrees in areas such as accounting, business information systems, applied communication, criminal justice, and education. UA Little Rock is also one of the few online schools in Arkansas to offer an online degree in professional and technical writing. The 120-credit degree features coursework in theories of rhetoric and writing, document design, and persuasive writing. To be admitted, applicants must submit an online application, official high school transcripts, and ACT or SAT scores. Transfer students must submit college transcripts and have a minimum GPA of 2.0.	Visit Site
7	Central Baptist College Conway, AR	ADMISSIONS RATE 47% GRADUATION RATE 28% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 5% RETENTION RATE 65% DEFAULT RATE 14% Located just 30 miles from the state's capital in the college city of Conway, Central Baptist College was founded in 1892 by the Arkansas Baptist State Convention as a school for women. The school was later purchased by its current operator, the Arkansas Missionary Baptist Association. Today the college is a coeducational facility that offers Christ-centered academic programs to on-campus students and distance learners. The college's unique distance education program PACE secures CBC's place as one of the top online schools in Arkansas for working professionals. PACE uses CBC's WebStudy learning management system to deliver online undergraduate degrees remotely. Students choose from bachelor's degrees in areas such as business administration, leadership, and organizational management. The college's new degree in church administration equips students with skills in human resource management and church leadership.	Visit Site
8	Ecclesia College Springdale, AR	ADMISSIONS RATE 60% GRADUATION RATE 10% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 31% RETENTION RATE 57% DEFAULT RATE 21% Ecclesia College offers a Bible-based curriculum that prepares students for contemporary Christian leadership. With online undergraduate degrees in areas such as business administration, psychology and counseling, and biblical studies, Ecclesia College serves local Springdale residents and the greater community through its accessible and convenient online programs. Online courses are taught asynchronously and are available in two sessions each 16-week quarter. All courses take eight weeks to complete, and students enroll in a maximum of two courses per session. Ecclesia is one of top online colleges in Arkansas for students who desire to learn more about scripture. The school's unique political science degree explores the intersection of public policy and Christianity, and students gain practical experience through the completion of an internship. The college's bachelor of biblical studies also provides students with an in-depth examination of the Old and New Testaments, the life of Christ, and theology.	Visit Site

What are the Best Online Community Colleges in Arkansas?

Community colleges typically offer the general education courses students complete within the first two years of a four-year degree. Students can earn not only an associate degree at these smaller colleges, but also particular professional certifications that do not require a bachelor's degree or higher. When you eventually decide to pursue your bachelor’s degree, you can be assured that most community college courses will transfer to four-year universities.

Community colleges serve the people living in the surrounding community, so most do not have on-campus housing. Many students at these schools already work full-time, and take courses to further their education in order to expand their job opportunities. For added convenience, these community colleges now include a number of online schools in Arkansas, which are easier for students with work and family commitments to fit into their schedules.

You can use this ranking of the best online colleges in Arkansas to help find the right fit for your educational needs.

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1	Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas De Queen, AR		GRADUATION RATE 37%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 9%	RETENTION RATE 65%	DEFAULT RATE 0%	Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas is a public institution located in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains. Thanks to a small student body of approximately 1,500, CCCUA students enjoy an intimate educational atmosphere and one-on-one faculty assistance. Distance learners seeking an online community college in Arkansas also find that CCCUA provides an individualized, supportive learning environment for students pursuing one of eight available online associate degrees. Including majors such as business, criminal justice, and psychology, each two-year degree presents a broad survey of core concepts. While graduates are ready to take on entry-level roles in the workforce, many transfer to a four-year program. Classes begin seven times a year. Some degrees include embedded technical certifications within the standard curriculum. Applicants need only provide official high school transcripts.	Visit Site
2	Arkansas State University-Newport Newport, AR		GRADUATION RATE 36%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 23%	RETENTION RATE 60%	DEFAULT RATE 17%	Founded in 1971, ASUN is a public, two-year institution serving approximately 2,700 students every year. Known as one of the most affordable online community colleges in Arkansas, ASUN offers web-based associate degrees in seven fields, including business and education. The college also maintains concurrent and dual-enrollment programs that let high school students jump-start their college careers. Distance learners interact regularly with professors and fellow students through discussion boards, email, and group chats. While the vast majority of courses are presented through ASUN's online portal, a few degrees may include on-campus components, such as labs or exams. Prospective students should provide official high school transcripts or GED scores and register for an E.N.G.A.G.E. orientation session. ASUN offers several tuition payment plans.	Visit Site
3	Southern Arkansas University Tech Camden, AR		GRADUATION RATE 43%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 20%	RETENTION RATE 66%	DEFAULT RATE 27%	SAU Tech may be based in East Camden, but its state-of-the-art online campus serves students across Alabama and beyond. This public community college offers several online associate degrees in fields such as business administration, fire science, and emergency response. While fulfilling the general education requirements defined by most four-year colleges, each curriculum also presents the core skills and concepts needed for entry-level positions. Some plans of study, such as the computer information technology program, include preparatory coursework for professional certification exams. This online community college in Arkansas sponsors several institutional scholarships, and those majoring in fire service or law enforcement may receive additional funding opportunities. After submitting high school transcripts or GED scores, applicants must schedule a placement exam through SAU Tech's testing center.	Visit Site
4	Arkansas Northeastern College Blytheville, AR		GRADUATION RATE 28%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 15%	RETENTION RATE 55%	DEFAULT RATE 23%	ANC sits on the Arkansas-Tennessee border, in the city of Blytheville. Established in 1975, ANC stands out among online community colleges in Arkansas for its commitment to making higher education accessible for all. The college offers free daycare services for on-campus students, and approximately half of the student body attends classes on a part-time basis. ANC's online associate degrees are as flexible as they are rigorous, and each 60-credit program takes two years or less to complete. Majors include general studies, criminology, and an early childhood education program with concentrations in elementary or mid-level education. Prior to enrollment, applicants should provide high school transcripts or GED scores. Applicants who cannot provide recent ACT or Asset test scores must schedule a Compass placement exam at the college.	Visit Site
5	NorthWest Arkansas Community College Bentonville, AR		GRADUATION RATE 13%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 15%	RETENTION RATE 56%	DEFAULT RATE 19%	Many online community colleges in Arkansas offer two-year degrees, but this Bentonville institution offers an accelerated online associate degree in general studies that may be earned in even less time. Candidates enroll in two eight-week, cohort-style courses at a time, completing coursework as quickly as possible. Despite this fast-paced structure, the rigorous liberal arts-based curriculum was developed to meet the transfer guidelines of most four-year undergraduate programs. Online students receive access to virtual tutoring, academic advisement, and library services. Some courses may require proctored exams. Prior to registration, distance learners are paired with an online advisor to guide them through the enrollment and orientation processes. Along with high school transcripts, prospective students are expected to provide ACT scores, or take the Accuplacer exam on campus.	Visit Site
6	University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton Morrilton, AR	GRADUATION RATE 25%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 4%	RETENTION RATE 50%	DEFAULT RATE 18%	Established in 1961 as an adult vocational school, UACCM converted to a two-year college in 1997 and joined the University of Arkansas system in 2001. UACCM offers four online and hybrid associate degrees that transfer to both academic- and career-specific institutions. While at least 60% of each program may be completed online, the associate of general studies is entirely web-based. Coursework is self-paced, and each class consists of three lecture hours per week. All courses include a proctored exam component, which may be taken on campus or at an approved off-site facility. Prospective students must submit high school transcripts or GED scores. Like most community colleges in Arkansas, UACCM requires that applicants provide standardized test scores demonstrating a composite ACT score of 15 or an SAT combined score of 691.	Visit Site
7	Black River Technical College Pocahontas, AR	GRADUATION RATE 26%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 11%	RETENTION RATE 53%	DEFAULT RATE 28%	Black River offers two-year degree programs, technical education, and personal enrichment courses at its Pocahontas campus, as well as numerous online degree options. Many of Black River's web-based associate degrees are unique to online community colleges in Arkansas, such as crime scene investigation and fire science management. The college also offers proficiency certificates in medical coding, medical transcription, and microcomputer repair that may be completed in only one semester. While at least 50% of Black River's distance education programs are offered online, some core courses must be taken on campus. First-time freshmen should provide official high school transcripts or GED scores, as well as recent SAT, ACT, or Accuplacer scores. Some students may be eligible for special funding opportunities under the Arkansas Career Pathways grant program.	Visit Site
8	North Arkansas College Harrison, AR	GRADUATION RATE 23%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 10%	RETENTION RATE 56%	DEFAULT RATE 27%	Known to students as Northark, this public college was founded in Harrison in 1974. Along with a variety of web-based professional certificate programs, Northark offers online associate degrees in business, general studies, accounting, and business management. Developed with prospective transfer students in mind, each curriculum encourages mastery of the basic competencies required to pursue undergraduate work. Like many online community colleges in Arkansas, Northark provides distance learners with access to academic, library, and technical services; however, the college also offers counseling programs and career assistance for online students. Northark sponsors several institutional scholarships, and military personnel and veterans may be entitled to additional financial assistance. After submitting official transcripts and placement exam scores, applicants must complete an online orientation session before enrolling in classes.	Visit Site

Education Trends in Arkansas

Recent data shows that Arkansas spends more money per full-time student on postsecondary education than the national average, although the state allocates a smaller proportion of its overall tax revenue to higher education. The percentage of adults age 25 and older who have some type of college degree also is below the national average, which may be attributed to the significant proportion of jobs in Arkansas which do not require a college degree.

Paying for College in Arkansas

Cost is one of the most important factors to consider as you research online colleges in Arkansas. Fortunately, in-state tuition and fees at four-year public universities in Arkansas cost less than the national average, and prices at two-year institutions are very close to the national average. It’s important to note that education costs can be reduced by obtaining financial aid such as scholarships, grants, and loans. Even a college which appears rather expensive may be affordable if you thoroughly research your options and devise a workable plan.

Tuition Prices

In the table below, you can see how the average prices of Arkansas colleges compare to the national average. The cost of a two-year college in Arkansas is similar to the national average, and significantly lower for a four-year college. The prices shown here are only for in-state tuition and fees, and do not include other costs such as transportation, room and board, books, and other necessary items. It is important to consider these factors to judge the true affordability of a given institution.

Financial Aid

Every student should fully explore their financial aid options considering higher education, and the first step toward is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA determines one's eligibility for federal aid including grants, loans, and work-study programs. Many private providers of grants and scholarships also require the FAFSA to determine what portion of a student's education costs may be covered before awarding any additional monies to a student.

Many students combine multiple sources of financial aid to pay for college expenses. Grants and scholarships are the most desirable types of financial aid, as they do not need to be paid back. Scholarships may be awarded based on academic performance, financial need, or other factors, while grants usually are given to students who demonstrate financial need. Work-study programs allow students to earn money for their education by working part-time in a community service position -- or a job related to their chosen field -- while still attending school. Loans also are helpful, but they create post-graduation debt, so they should be taken only after other grants and scholarships have been applied. Federal loans have much lower interest rates than those offered on private bank loans, and will likely be best option for minimizing the amount of student debt students may incur.

Cost for Online Programs in Arkansas

Most online colleges in Arkansas allow financial aid to be applied just as it would be for an on-campus program, and the tuition prices tend to be about the same. However, an online program may prove to be less expensive than an on-campus option when the overall cost is tallied. Online students may pay fewer fees than on-campus students, and other associated costs are mitigated, such as transportation and child care. Digital textbooks often can be rented instead of purchased, and tend to cost less than physical books. Online programs also allow students to maintain a full-time job, or to live at home instead of going away to a school where they must pay for room and board. All of these factors add up to make an online college education more affordable.

Cost of Living by Region

When determining your education costs, tuition is only one part of the equation. You also need to know what you may need to spend on room and board, transportation, and other needs, and these prices can change dramatically from city to city. It is important to research the cost of living in any town where you consider going to college so you understand the impact on the price of your education, as well as any effect it may have on your career and earning potential after graduation.

Scholarships for Arkansas College Students

Academic Challenge Scholarship

Amounts vary by type of school and year; available to Arkansas residents who have been accepted for admission to an approved institution of higher education in a program that leads to a baccalaureate degree, associate degree, qualified certificate or a nursing school diploma.

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Arkansas Future Grant (ArFuture)

Amount varies; covers tuition, fees, and other charges not covered by other financial aid; available to Arkansas residents who have graduated high school or earned a GED, who are enrolled in a program that leads to an associate degree or a certification in a STEM or regional high-demand field.

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Arkansas High-Tech Scholarship Program

$250 per semester/$500 per academic year; applicants must be Arkansas residents who are United States citizens, graduated (or will graduate) from an Arkansas high school, and will be enrolled full-time in an approved highly technical program at an Arkansas public post-secondary school; applicants must also demonstrate leadership capabilities and meet certain academic criteria.

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ASTATE Scholar Scholarship

$15,000 annually; applicant must be a high school senior who has been admitted to Arkansas State University for the following academic year with a minimum ACT composite score of 32 and a high school minimum GPA of 3.5 on a six-semester transcript.

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AT&T War Memorial Scholarship Fund

$2,500; the applicant must be a veteran of the U.S. Armed Services and current Arkansas resident who plans to attend an accredited two- or four-year college or university in Arkansas and demonstrates financial need; applicants must also demonstrate community leadership and the potential to succeed in college.

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Ellen Carpenter HBCU Scholarship

$1,000-$5,000; applicants must be minority students who have been accepted to these approved, participating historically black colleges and universities in Arkansas: Arkansas Baptist, Philander Smith College, and University of Arkansas- Pine Bluff.

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Governor's Distinguished Scholarship

Up to $10,000 per year; offered to graduating seniors in Arkansas who scored either 32 on the ACT or 1410 on the SAT, and have either a 3.50 GPA or were named National Merit Finalists or National Achievement Scholars.

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Military Dependents Scholarship (MDS)

Covers any portion of tuition, mandatory fees, room, and meal plan unpaid after other financial aid is applied; must be an Arkansas resident and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien who is the biological, legally adopted child OR spouse of an eligible Arkansas veteran and has been accepted to an approved Arkansas public institution.

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Washington Center Scholarship

$4,000-$7,000; available to Arkansas students who attend private or public four-year institutions in Arkansas and are accepted to The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars in Washington, D.C.

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Woodruff Scholarship

$1,000; available to Arkansas residents who will be attending a postsecondary education institution in Arkansas; applicants must complete a quiz online and submit an essay.

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Can all Scholarships be Used for Online Programs?

It is always a good idea to find out exactly what -- if any -- restrictions exist on any scholarship you receive. Many scholarships are designed to help cover the various educational expenses you may have, from tuition and fees, to books or room and board. Most cover online programs just the same as on-campus study, but a particular scholarship may have certain requirements attached. You are encouraged to check with the administrators of the scholarship first if you are unsure whether online classes are eligible.

Employment Outlook in Arkansas

The employment outlook in Arkansas is stable. Arkansas is home to six Fortune 500 companies: Dillard's, J.B. Hunt, Murphy USA, Tyson Foods, Walmart, and Windstream. As you can see from the tables below, the state's unemployment rate is lower than the national average. The annual mean wage is also lower, but this is offset by the fact that the cost of living in Arkansas is also lower than the national average.

Top Employers and Industries in Arkansas

Accreditation for Colleges in Arkansas

While looking into online schools in Arkansas, it is crucial that you ensure any school you consider is accredited. Unaccredited schools often try to appeal to potential students with cheaper tuition prices, but their true cost to you is hidden. A degree from an unaccredited college does not have the same value to potential employers as one from an accredited institution. Accreditation by a recognized agency indicates that the school's curriculum and admission practices have been reviewed and deemed acceptable based on an established standard. The accreditation agency itself must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, which confirms that the agency's standards are valid. When a potential employer sees you have a degree from an accredited institution, they know that you took care to choose a school that offers a quality education. The accrediting agency which oversees colleges in Arkansas is the Higher Learning Commission.

An institution may be either regionally or nationally accredited. Major universities usually receive regional accreditation from an agency which oversees schools located in a certain geographic area. Regional accreditation offers more prestige and higher perceived value for potential employers. National accreditation is mostly held by for-profit institutions such as technical or trade schools, or those who focus primarily on distance learning. Accreditation may be applied to an entire institution, or to a particular program offered by a school. This works the same for online programs as it does for traditional ones, so be sure to choose an accredited online program. Because different accredited schools meet similar standards, credits tend to transfer easily from one school to another. However, credits from an unaccredited school rarely transfer to an accredited one, which means that the time and money you spent on those credits may be wasted.