Comprehensive guide to Arkansas education systems, colleges, universities, and resources for students, educators, and parents.
Higher Education Students
Colleges & Universities
School Districts
K-12 Students
Arkansas supports a robust network of 51 colleges and universities serving 155,446 students as of Fall 2024. The state's higher education system consists of 33 public institutions, 14 nonprofit private schools, and four for-profit private institutions. This comprehensive system provides pathways from two-year community colleges to prestigious research universities.
Arkansas has two major university systems: the Arkansas State University System and the University of Arkansas System, which collectively serve the majority of the state's higher education students. The college-going rate in Arkansas stands at 41.9%, compared to the national average of 62%, indicating significant opportunities for growth in enrollment and attainment.
Arkansas hosts 23 accredited four-year universities offering bachelor's and graduate degrees across diverse academic disciplines.
The flagship institution of the University of Arkansas System with over 33,000 students enrolled. A public land-grant research university offering comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs across engineering, business, education, and liberal arts.
Website: www.uark.edu
Set a record enrollment of over 15,000 students in Fall 2024, marking a 12% increase from the previous year. Offers extensive undergraduate and graduate programs in agriculture, engineering, business, education, and sciences.
Website: www.astate.edu
A comprehensive public university serving 9,790 students with emphasis on teacher education, business, sciences, and fine arts. Located in Conway with strong community engagement programs.
Website: uca.edu
A public research university in Arkansas' capital city offering engineering, business, liberal arts, and criminal justice programs. Provides accessibility for working adults and non-traditional students.
Website: ualr.edu
A public liberal arts university serving western Arkansas communities with undergraduate degree programs. Emphasizes practical, career-focused education and regional accessibility.
Website: uafs.edu
A comprehensive public university emphasizing agriculture, forestry, and technology programs. Serves southeastern Arkansas with strong land-grant mission and regional partnerships.
Website: www.uamont.edu
A historically Black land-grant university offering comprehensive programs in agriculture, education, engineering technology, and business. Serves 1,200+ students with focus on minority educational access.
Website: www.uapb.edu
A comprehensive public university with 5,128 students offering liberal arts, business, education, and agricultural programs. Emphasizes personalized education and student success.
Website: www.saumag.edu
A private Presbyterian liberal arts university offering small class sizes and personalized education. Known for strong liberal arts curriculum and engaged learning opportunities.
Website: ozarks.edu
A private historically Black Methodist liberal arts college. Provides comprehensive undergraduate education with emphasis on developing leaders committed to service and justice.
Website: www.philander.edu
A private Christian liberal arts university offering personalized education and faith-centered community. Strong emphasis on biblical worldview integration across curriculum.
Website: www.williamsba.edu
Four-year Arkansas institutions increased tuition and fees by an average of 4% for the 2024-25 school year. Per-student spending by Arkansas was $9,616 in 2014, compared with a national average of about $11,000.
Arkansas operates 27 community and technical colleges providing affordable access to higher education, workforce training, and transfer pathways to four-year universities. Two-year colleges increased tuition and fees by 4.6% for 2024-25.
Arkansas' largest technical college offering career-focused programs in healthcare, manufacturing, IT, and business. Features advanced healthcare training center with simulation labs.
Ranked third among Arkansas community colleges with rapidly expanding Advanced Healthcare Training Center for nursing, allied health, and EMS programs.
Serves the rapidly growing northwest region with transfer pathways to University of Arkansas and career programs in emerging fields.
Located in northeast Arkansas providing accessible higher education and workforce training for rural communities.
Technical college offering practical career training in healthcare, industrial maintenance, and business technologies.
Two-year campus of Arkansas State University offering transfer opportunities and technical career programs.
Arkansas community colleges have established clear transfer agreements with University of Arkansas and other four-year institutions, allowing students to complete general education requirements at lower cost before transferring to bachelor's degree programs. Many colleges offer robust scholarship, grant, and work-study programs.
Arkansas' K-12 public education system serves 474,826 students across 989 schools within 233 independent school districts. Approximately 94% of K-12 students attend public schools, above the national average of 90%.
Arkansas implements the Smart Core program, a set of college-focused and career-focused courses serving as the state's default curriculum for all public high schools. The curriculum emphasizes integrated learning across academic disciplines with practical applications.
Every public school district is required to offer at least three Career and Technical Education programs from three different career pathways, ensuring students have access to diverse educational pathways.
Arkansas received over 75% of public education revenue from state funds (as of 2014). The state spent $9,616 per student compared with the national average of approximately $11,000, placing Arkansas 19th nationally in per-student spending.
Arkansas's largest school districts serve the state's major metropolitan areas and regions, providing comprehensive educational services to hundreds of thousands of students.
| School District | Enrollment | Number of Schools | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Springdale School District | 22,745 students | 29 schools | Northwest Arkansas |
| Little Rock School District | 21,456 students | 44 schools | Central Arkansas |
| Bentonville School District | 18,674 students | 24 schools | Northwest Arkansas |
| Rogers School District | 15,964 students | 23 schools | Northwest Arkansas |
| Fort Smith School District | 14,291 students | 27 schools | Western Arkansas |
Springdale School District became the largest district in Arkansas in 2018-2019, surpassing Little Rock School District by enrollment. Central and northwest Arkansas dominate the top 10 largest districts. District boundaries may not align with city or county boundaries; some cities are served by multiple districts while others fall within single district jurisdictions.
The Arkansas Division of Career and Technical Education oversees vocational and technical education statewide, delivering high-quality, cutting-edge CTE programs to equip students with competitive skills for career success.
Arkansas CTE programs encompass 15+ nationally recognized career clusters including:
Arkansas maintains two state technical institutes under ADCTE oversight:
Located in Springdale, serving Washington and Benton counties with advanced technical training in manufacturing, healthcare, and technology fields.
Located in Grady (Lincoln County), providing technical education in skilled trades and emerging industries for Lincoln County and surrounding regions.
WATC offers a variety of career and technical education programs across multiple industries, including advanced manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, and skilled trades. The center serves western Arkansas students with practical, hands-on training leading to high-demand occupations.
Arkansas CTE Resources: Division of Career and Technical Education
Arkansas provides comprehensive special education services to students with disabilities ages 3 to 21 through Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) as mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Part of DESE, collaborates with local districts, educational cooperatives, and state agencies to ensure all children with disabilities receive appropriate services.
Federally funded Protection & Advocacy system providing free advocacy for all Arkansans with disabilities. Services include legal representation and client assistance.
Provides technical assistance and professional development to school districts serving secondary transition-age students with disabilities at no cost.
The Center for Parent Information and Resources provides extensive topical resources for families of children with disabilities.
Arkansas supports meaningful access and improved outcomes for all students, including those with disabilities, through the Arkansas State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP). The state emphasizes inclusive practices, evidence-based interventions, and collaborative approaches to support student success.
The Arkansas Office for the Gifted & Talented and Advanced Placement, established by Act 106 of 1979, provides oversight and support for gifted education programs throughout the state.
The curriculum framework emphasizes four core process areas fundamental to developing a differentiated curriculum for advanced learners:
Arkansans for Gifted Talented Education (AGATE) provides additional advocacy and resources for gifted education in the state.
Arkansas offers multiple tuition-free online and virtual learning options serving K-12 students throughout the state, providing flexibility and personalized learning experiences.
Tuition-free, full-time online public school serving K-12 students since 2003. Features personalized learning with Arkansas-licensed teachers, provided instructional materials, and loaner computers with internet stipend for qualifying families.
Tuition-free, full-time online public school for grades K-12 throughout Arkansas. Receives state funding directly, providing high-quality education with support from Arkansas-certified teachers.
Tuition-free, fully online education for grades 7-12 with personalized learning at students' own pace. Arkansas certified teachers provide support and guidance throughout the program.
State virtual school partnering with 220+ public school districts to provide supplemental online course options. Especially valuable for students in districts unable to offer certain courses locally. Uses Moodle learning management system for course delivery. Covers courses across all major academic areas.
Arkansas schools offering remote digital programs must seek State Board of Education approval. The state emphasizes quality, student support, and teacher certification in all online education offerings. The Arkansas Distance Learning Association (ARDLA) hosts annual conventions dedicated to advancing online and virtual learning initiatives.
Arkansas provides comprehensive early childhood education and child care services for children from birth through age 12, with emphasis on quality, accessibility, and family support.
FREE infant, toddler, and pre-K childcare program serving 22 counties with numerous centers. Provides comprehensive early education services at no cost to families.
Established in 1991 to offer high-quality early education services to children birth to five with developmental and socio-economic risk factors.
Initiative elevating quality of child care and early childhood education through quality star rating system and learning environment improvements. Simplifies selection of child care for families.
University of Arkansas program providing comprehensive training and professional development for early childhood professionals since 1992. Offers up-to-date training for childcare and preschool staff.
Arkansas Office of Early Childhood - Comprehensive resources and support
Arkansas offers numerous state scholarship and financial aid programs supporting students pursuing higher education and workforce training.
Need-based scholarship supporting eligible Arkansas students pursuing higher education. Administered through ADHE's Scholarship Application Management System (SAMS).
Most academically rigorous state scholarship awarding up to $10,000 annually toward tuition, mandatory fees, room, and board for selected graduating seniors.
Offers up to $6,000 per semester for undergraduate studies. Recipients commit to teaching in Arkansas public schools for each year of funding received.
Provides tuition assistance for students pursuing high-demand fields (healthcare, IT, manufacturing). No FAFSA required; apply through ADHE at least 30 days before enrollment.
Flexible financial aid for single parent students in most Arkansas counties (and Bowie County, Texas). Maximum award: $1,600 per semester.
Newest state grant program designed to expand access to higher education and workforce training for underrepresented populations.
Most Arkansas state scholarships are available through the Scholarship Application Management System (SAMS):
Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to access federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Arkansas offers state-specific loan programs and additional grant opportunities for qualifying students.
The five largest Arkansas school districts by enrollment are: Springdale (22,745 students), Little Rock (21,456 students), Bentonville (18,674 students), Rogers (15,964 students), and Fort Smith (14,291 students). Springdale became the largest district in Arkansas during the 2018-2019 school year, surpassing Little Rock. These districts serve the state's major metropolitan areas with comprehensive educational programs and services.
Arkansas has 51 colleges and universities, consisting of 33 public institutions, 14 nonprofit private schools, and four for-profit private institutions. These include 23 four-year universities (public and private) and 27 community and technical colleges. The state also operates two major university systems: the University of Arkansas System and the Arkansas State University System.
Arkansas offers numerous state scholarship programs through the Scholarship Application Management System (SAMS), including the Academic Challenge (Lottery) Scholarship, Governor's Distinguished Scholarship (up to $10,000 annually), Arkansas Teacher Academy Scholarship (up to $6,000 per semester), Arkansas Workforce Challenge Grant, Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund ($1,600 per semester), and Arkansas Future (ArFuture). The July 1st deadline applies to most programs for the following school year. Check individual program deadlines at sams.adhe.edu.
Yes, Arkansas offers several tuition-free online school options. Arkansas Virtual Academy (ARVA), Arkansas Connections Academy, and iSchool Virtual Academy of Arkansas all provide full-time K-12 online education. Additionally, Virtual Arkansas provides supplemental online courses to students in the 220+ participating public school districts. All programs feature Arkansas-certified teachers and comprehensive student support services.
Arkansas provides comprehensive special education services to students ages 3-21 through Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) mandated by IDEA. Services include individualized education programs (IEPs), accessible curriculum, related services, and transition planning. The Office of Special Education coordinates services across districts. Disability Rights Arkansas (DRA) provides free advocacy and legal support for families. Arkansas Transition Services offers technical assistance for secondary transition planning.
Arkansas requires every public school district to offer at least three CTE programs from three different career pathways. The state offers 40+ virtual CTE courses through Virtual Arkansas. Major programs cover 15+ nationally recognized career clusters including architecture, agriculture, IT, healthcare, manufacturing, education, business, and public safety. Two technical institutes (Northwest Technical in Springdale and Riverside Vocational Technical in Grady) provide advanced technical training. Western Arkansas Technical Center offers programs across multiple industries.
Arkansas provides comprehensive early childhood services including Arkansas Early Learning (free infant, toddler, and pre-K childcare in 22 counties), Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) program for at-risk children birth to five, and School Readiness Assistance for low-to-middle income families. AR Better Beginnings improves child care quality through star ratings. Early Care and Education Projects (ECEP) at the University of Arkansas provides professional training for childcare staff. An online search tool helps families locate licensed child care providers.
To become a teacher in Arkansas, you must complete bachelor's or master's degree education programs from approved universities. Required professional development includes courses in Science of Reading, Child Maltreatment, Parental Involvement, Teen Suicide Prevention, and Dyslexia Awareness (available free on ArkansasIDEAS). License renewal requires 60 hours of professional development over five years, with 36 hours annually of Scheduled Professional Development. Teachers must maintain credentials in specific subject areas and grade levels as determined by the Arkansas Department of Education.
Arkansas supports gifted education through the Office for the Gifted and Talented (established by Act 106 of 1979). Programs include Advanced Learning and Gifted Program (ALGP) support, Advanced Placement (AP), Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) offerings. The state curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creative thinking, independent investigation, and personal growth. G/T Specialists in each region provide professional development, enrichment opportunities, and technical assistance. Arkansans for Gifted Talented Education (AGATE) offers additional advocacy and resources.
Arkansas schools are evaluated using an A-F letter grading system established by A.C.A. § 6-15-2105. Grades are determined using ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) School Index scores and stakeholder recommendations. The ADE Data Center provides comprehensive K-12 data systems, performance reports, and school accountability information. Parents can search individual schools and compare districts using "My School Info" portal. Academic performance is measured through proficiency in math, reading, and ACT scores.
Last updated on November 24, 2025