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2025 Best Online Community Colleges in Arkansas

By Jordan Beliles • Edited by Bailey Fletcher • Updated 7/16/2024

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Online degrees in Arkansas come from an array of accredited institutions. Students can pursue various fields, including business, education, healthcare, and technology, through flexible and affordable programs designed to accommodate working professionals and non-traditional students. 

Key Takeaways:

  • Arkansas Northeastern College stands out for its high median graduate earnings of $61,616, which situates this online school in the top 14% nationally. 
  • NorthWest Arkansas Community College is leading in online enrollment with 2,310 students, placing it in the top 19% among the most popular online schools in the country.

Our categorizes these colleges based on high Salary Scores, affordability, and our picks for Honorable Mentions. 

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

We've got them. Let's get started.

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Best by Salary Score

We often evaluate online schools based on alumni salaries to help prospective students determine which offers the best long-term financial investment. From this analysis, each is assigned a Salary Score using a letter grade that compares schools to determine which produces top-earning graduates across majors. The highest earning community college in Arkansas has median graduate earnings above $61,600.

Arkansas Northeastern College

Key Metrics:

  • Salary Score: A
  • Median Earning: $61,616

Why We Like Them:

ANC secures its spot due to its impressive earnings potential, with graduates achieving a median salary of $61,616, positioning the college among the top 14%. This robust earning potential reflects the institution's commitment to aligning its programs with the job market's demands, ensuring you gain both relevant skills and valuable credentials. Adding to this is the notable percentage of students receiving financial aid, which stands at 100% and places the college in the top 18% for this metric. With this support, you can pursue a wide range of online programs, tailored to help you meet your academic and career goals.

Best by Affordability

We present institutions in Arkansas that show the lowest tuition costs for online bachelor’s degrees. Each school must offer a uniform tuition rate below $30,000 for the majority of its programs, ensuring transparency and predictability in costs. All of our most affordable community colleges in Arkansas have annual tuition costs below $6,000.

Southern Arkansas University Tech

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $4,680

Why We Like Them:

SAU Tech has a very affordable tuition of $4,680, putting it among the top 11% for affordability. This economic advantage is paired with a favorable student-to-faculty ratio of just 11:1, ensuring you receive plenty of support throughout your studies. SAU Tech also stands out for its comprehensive online campus which offers a variety of fully online degree programs. These include associate degrees in general studies, business administration, computer information technology, and other in-demand fields such as criminal justice, environmental management, and fire science management.

National Park College

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $4,710

Why We Like Them:

NPC offers a tuition rate of just $4,710, making it one of the most budget-friendly options available for online community colleges in Arkansas. This low tuition matches NPC's commitment to accessibility, as evidenced by the fact that 92% of students receive financial aid. This indicates a solid support system to ensure that higher education remains within financial reach for many. NPC's online offerings include various associate degrees and certificates across disciplines such as general studies, business, education, and more, which you can complete remotely, adding flexibility to your educational journey.

Arkansas State University - Newport

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $5,010

Why We Like Them:

ASUN makes our affordability list thanks to its yearly tuition of $5,010. While this thrifty tuition is a key advantage, another aspect we highly value is the small student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, ensuring professors won't overlook your efforts. Furthermore, 100% of students at ASUN receive financial aid, showcasing its commitment to making higher education accessible. ASUN's online programs offer various associate degrees and certificates in fields like business, computer information technology, and healthcare, allowing you to advance your career with flexible and affordable education options.

NorthWest Arkansas Community College

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $5,100

Why We Like Them:

NWACC stands out for its affordability with a tuition of $5,100. This cost-effective tuition places it among the top 26% of the most affordable online community colleges in the country. In addition, NWACC has a high online enrollment with 2,310 students studying remotely. NWACC's online offerings include degrees that can be completed entirely or almost entirely online, such as the Associate of Arts Transfer Degree or an Associate of Science in Business General Transfer. Programs like the Associate of Applied Science in Business Management offer various specializations, although these require in-person internships.

Arkansas State University - Beebe

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $5,700

Why We Like Them:

ASUB has a low tuition cost of $5,700, making it an affordable option for those seeking a cost-effective community college. This focus on affordability is complemented by the fact that 100% of students receive financial aid with an average of $6,434 loaned to each student. An online education at ASUB offers various associate degrees, including the Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts and the Associate of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences, allowing students to complete their first two years of a bachelor's degree before transferring to a four-year institution.

Honorable Mention

During your college search, it's important not to overlook institutions that don't fall into standard categories. Our Honorable Mention section features schools that warrant your consideration for reasons such as a strong presence of online students and solid student-to-faculty ratios. All Arkansas schools on our Honorable Mention list have hundreds, if not over 1,000, students enrolled in remote or online programs.

University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College

Key Metrics:

  • Online Students: 1,889

Why We Like Them:

The UAPTC stands out primarily because of its substantial online enrollment figures. With 1,889 students studying online, it is in the top 24% of institutions for online enrollment, indicating a strong virtual community. With tuition set at $7,050, it's a relatively affordable choice for students on a budget. Additionally, 91% of students receive financial aid packages that average $7,804, which also helps students pursue their online education. Combined, these aspects underscore the institution's commitment to providing accessible, quality online education that you can trust.

North Arkansas College

Key Metrics:

  • Online Students: 404

Why We Like Them:

There are 404 online students enrolled at NAC, paying an average tuition rate of just $5,136. Among this cohort, 100% receive financial aid, positioning the institution among the top 18% for financial support, which is a significant relief for prospective students. Northark offers a wide array of online degree programs including associate degrees in business and general studies, alongside numerous certificates in fields like accounting and supply chain. With formats such as fully online courses, live online sessions, hybrid models, and site-to-site deliveries, NAC provides versatile learning modalities to suit diverse needs and schedules.

South Arkansas Community College

Key Metrics:

  • Online Students: 334

Why We Like Them:

With 334 online students, 97% of whom receive financial aid, SACC provides a solid option for those looking for an accessible education. Additionally, a small student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1 ensures that you receive personalized attention, facilitating a more engaging and supportive learning environment. Furthermore, SACC's manageable tuition of $5,124 positions it favorably for those seeking a cost-effective education option. SACC's online programs are delivered through various modalities, including video instruction, online tutorials, and discussion boards.

University of Arkansas Community College - Batesville

Key Metrics:

  • Online Students: 238

Why We Like Them:

UACCB earns its place in our Honorable Mention category largely due to its high percentage of students receiving financial aid, which stands at 100%, placing it among the top 18% of colleges in this regard. Additionally, UACCB's online programs are made even more appealing by its affordable tuition of $3,750, which, while not in the top echelon, remains highly accessible. UACCB also stands out with its substantial array of online offerings, encompassing various associate degrees and professional certificates in fields like criminal justice, business, health professions, and STEM disciplines.

Student Reviews of Online Associate Programs

TaKierra Harris, Graduated 2024

i love the experience, the staff, and resources. this is the most wonderful academy (college) i have ever attend. 10/10 and i recommend. 🙌🏽⭐️🧡💓

this academy will help you earn your degree faster other than the traditional colleges. and they have partnering colleges that you can transfer your previous college credits. WHICH IS EVEN BETTER. CHOOSE UMA.

Review Date: 5/7/2024

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

TaKierra Harris, Graduated 2024

Charlene Muse, Graduated 2024

I have been a student of UMA since 2023. I am currently attending courses online in Health Information Technology Management. I really appreciate all the team at Academic Services and the instructors for the program have been really supportive. UMA is excellent.

Review Date: 5/8/2024

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Charlene Muse, Graduated 2024

Courtney Rangel, Graduated 2023

Attended: Miller-Motte College Online

I am currently enrolled in school to get my associates degree in Early Childhood Education, I am about to graduate in June, and I have been in school for 2 years. I just found out that my degree is not credible which means my degree that I have been working on the past two years, I can't even use it. I have put my family in debt to get my degree in Teaching and to find out that I can't even use it makes me very upset and uneased. Before I even said yes to start, I even asked if these classes would... Read More

Review Date: 1/12/2023

Attended: Miller-Motte College Online

Overall Rating: 2/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

Courtney Rangel, Graduated 2023

Anon, Graduated 2019

Attended: Stark State College

The registration services and admissions services for this school suck. They never want to help and no one is ever on the same page about anything. Make sure if you choose this school you ask 20 different people the same question. No doubt you'll get different answers.

Review Date: 1/23/2017

Attended: Stark State College

Overall Rating: 3/5

Experience Rating: 2/5

Instruction Rating: 3/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: Yes

Anon, Graduated 2019

cdperrio, Graduated 2016

This program is not for everyone. It is a great program for sell motivated people who can study on their own and stay motivated. I love this school and the program!! Since day one, the staff has been very helpful and I have never felt alone on this journey. The classes are tough and you have to stay on top of things. There are webinars for most of the classes and they help give you the classroom feel. There is also a community to meet other students and get help with questions. This program is not... Read More

Review Date: 5/27/2015

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

cdperrio, Graduated 2016

VetTechStudent, Graduated 2016

Attended: San Juan College

The Vet Tech Distance Learning program is great at first, however, the last 10-15 units are very difficult. Dr. Wright mentioned that many students fail out of the video courses and are required to take them over again. The professor was not helpful at all and there is no remediation plan regardless of what the assignment paperwork states-- you will not be helped to come up with a solution when your veterinary practice doesn't do the type of procedure directly as stated in the video courses. The... Read More

Review Date: 10/30/2015

Attended: San Juan College

Overall Rating: 2.5/5

Experience Rating: 2/5

Instruction Rating: 2/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

VetTechStudent, Graduated 2016

Victoria McClain, Graduated 2016

Great school, excellent programs, awesome teachers. I enjoyed my time at UMA and upon graduation I was set up with a great job, they even helped with gas and interview attire. The staff here are really interested in your success and will do their best to help you achieve the goals you have set.

Review Date: 8/16/2016

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Victoria McClain, Graduated 2016

Angel F, Graduated 2015

Attended: University of Phoenix

I love this school, however I'm transferring out due to the bachelors programs not being available in Indiana or Michigan in Psychology. I've decided this because I could do without an associates and move quicker through a bachelors program at a different college. My advisors are wonderful at the moment, though they seem to change with the seasons. Some of them can be quite annoying and don't really know what they're doing- thank GOODNESS they got rid of him. I love the teaching curriculum, it's... Read More

Review Date: 11/29/2014

Attended: University of Phoenix

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Experience Rating: 3/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Angel F, Graduated 2015

Anonymous, Graduated 2012

Attended: Western Governors University

This school is perfect for adult learners currently working full-time and interested in pursuing their degree towards career advancement. You have to be able to utilize the resources provided: mentors, books, webinars, and of course being computer saavy is important.

Review Date: 12/1/2012

Attended: Western Governors University

Overall Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Anonymous, Graduated 2012

CHCP Student, Graduated 2023

Attended: The College of Health Care Professions

It is unfortunate to say that the idea of this place is much better than the execution. Very unprofessional staff expecting very professional students. Mandatory dress code requirements from easily the 50's. Natural hair colors, no visible tattoos, white only shoes... Etc. While I understand a uniform and promoting student professionalism -- if you are hired to work in an OR in Austin,Texas you would be hard-pressed to find any staff, surgeons included, without body art or modifications. Financial... Read More

Review Date: 8/9/2021

Attended: The College of Health Care Professions

Overall Rating: 2/5

Experience Rating: 3/5

Instruction Rating: 3/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

CHCP Student, Graduated 2023

Hillary, Graduated 2023

Attended: Red Rocks Community College

I am so lucky to have attended RRCC rad tech program! Charlotte, the director of the program is absolutely amazing. She is a talented instructor and has an engaging way of teaching. She always made herself available to me over the two year program and gave me great one on one tutoring. I cannot say enough great things about her! She has a way of explaining difficult concepts in a fun and interesting way. Teresa, the clinical instructor was also great and always available if needed. Red rocks has... Read More

Review Date: 1/29/2024

Attended: Red Rocks Community College

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Hillary, Graduated 2023

Micha Conard, Graduated 2014

Attended: Hawkeye Community College

I started out in the Graphics Program as just a filler for Photography, but grew to love it within the first month. I was taught in depth about advertisement and how it was created along with great techniques and skills the professionals use. By the time I was a second year in the program I was amazed by the professors giving us more free range as artists and designers. Still following a set of standard rules we were given the opportunity to fix problems on our own. I found my professors very encouraging,... Read More

Review Date: 8/6/2014

Attended: Hawkeye Community College

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Micha Conard, Graduated 2014

Name, Graduated 2013

Attended: Vance-Granville Community College

You can learn a lot in this program. You can also do very little and still pass. The majority of instructors pass students no matter how little work they do. That said, the instructors do provide interesting and useful learning experiences. I would recommend this school.

Review Date: 5/10/2016

Attended: Vance-Granville Community College

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Name, Graduated 2013

Bobbie Davis, Graduated 2011

Attended: Southeastern Illinois College

Academic advisors seemed to be very organized and informative knowing what they were doing. Teachers seemed to be attentive to students always have open office hours for questions and help outside of class. All buildings are very close so there's no long walks to get from class to class. I also never felt unsafe on campus even while walking from class to my car at night.

Review Date: 7/9/2016

Attended: Southeastern Illinois College

Overall Rating: 2.5/5

Experience Rating: 0/5

Instruction Rating: 3/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Bobbie Davis, Graduated 2011

PTA Grad, Graduated 2022

Attended: Herzing University

The PTA program is great! It is an accelerated program, so it moves fast, but you learn a lot. The instructors are amazing and really care about the success of their students. They teach not only learning material but also practical knowledge and experience from their own careers. The other Herzing faculty I interacted with were friendly and helpful. I would definitely recommend the Herzing PTA program!

Review Date: 5/28/2023

Attended: Herzing University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

PTA Grad, Graduated 2022

Do your homework!, Graduated 2019

Attended: ATA Career Education

Due your homework. This Program was not ACEN accredited therefore I have to work as an LPN until I attend an accredited BSN program. We had many issues during the program. Poor communication was a big factor with are class and management. We pushed eachother and the entire class passed boards less than a month after graduation.

Review Date: 2/28/2019

Attended: ATA Career Education

Overall Rating: 3/5

Experience Rating: 3/5

Instruction Rating: 3/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

Do your homework!, Graduated 2019

Domo, Graduated 2017

Attended: Fortis College

I attended Fortis College from 2015-2017. The school is a great enviornment to learn and my instructors were amazing and willing to help whenever needed. The school even helps you get a job at the end of the program, and they really did set me up with a sucessful job near my house. Overall, a wonderful school to attend.

Review Date: 11/5/2018

Attended: Fortis College

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Domo, Graduated 2017

Kaitlin Bishop, Graduated 2016

Attended: Des Moines Area Community College

Growing up, I had always been taught that college would be costly. I had seen employed adults around me, whom were still paying off their student loans, most who were over the age of 40. This always made me weary of what college I would choose, and what career path I would dedicate my 4+ years towards. Being scared to make a commitment towards a school, let alone your dream, because of money is a terrible thing. However, during my senior year of high-school, our guidance counselor introduced me to... Read More

Review Date: 8/12/2014

Attended: Des Moines Area Community College

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Kaitlin Bishop, Graduated 2016

Dental Assistant JRH, Graduated 2016

Upon coming to ECPI, I was immediately embraced with a warm sense of belonging. The staff and faculty were of the highest caliber. The students, whether young or not so young were accepted by one another as equals on a level learning field. The instruction given was well explained and consistent with the course syllabus. The amount of knowledge that was available to be tapped into was astounding. I attended the Dental Program and could not have been more pleased with the attention given to every... Read More

Review Date: 1/15/2016

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Dental Assistant JRH, Graduated 2016

Brion, Graduated 2015

Attended: MTI College

I spent two years at MTI and can say that you will get out of it what you put into it. The instructors track attendance and will come down on you if you don't show up to class. But, if you are paying for it, why would you make a habit of missing it? The programs, at least the tech ones, are definitely not to be taken lightly. You don't attend one night a week and skate by on homework. It was an intense program, but I can say that I feel tremendously well prepared for my certifications and I already... Read More

Review Date: 1/4/2016

Attended: MTI College

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Brion, Graduated 2015

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

We've got them. Let's get started.

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