Best test-optional colleges in Arkansas
Colleges that don't require the SAT or ACT for admission, ranked by Compass Score.
Best test-optional colleges in Arkansas10 schools
10 schools qualify, ranked by the Compass Score.
How this list is made
- Schools in Arkansas.
- Accredited four-year undergraduate colleges.
- Admission test policy: considered but not required, or neither required nor recommended (federal admissions data).
- Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
- Ordered by Compass Score, highest first. Schools with the same score share a rank.
Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.
- 1
- 2
John Brown University
Siloam Springs, AR · Private nonprofit#2 in Arkansas
- SAT or ACT not required
- 72% graduate
- 3
- 4
Ouachita Baptist University
Arkadelphia, AR · Private nonprofit#5 in Arkansas
- SAT or ACT not required
- 61% graduate
- 5
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, AR · PublicTop 23% for low net price
- SAT or ACT not required
- 55% graduate
- 6
University of the Ozarks
Clarksville, AR · Private nonprofit#8 in Arkansas
- SAT or ACT not required
- 51% graduate
- 7
- 8
- 9
Ecclesia College
Springdale, AR · Private nonprofitTop 15% for low debt
- SAT or ACT not required
- 40% graduate
- 10
Williams Baptist University
Walnut Ridge, AR · Private nonprofitSolid: Compass grade C+
- SAT or ACT not required
- 26% graduate
Compare cost and outcomes
| School | Net price a year | Median debt | Earnings 10 years out | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hendrix College | $24,149 | $26,688 | $60,376 | 72% |
| John Brown University | $20,397 | $21,250 | $53,907 | 72% |
| University of Arkansas | $18,209 | $21,500 | $58,191 | 71% |
| Ouachita Baptist University | $22,409 | $21,050 | $51,673 | 61% |
| Arkansas State University | $12,366 | $20,500 | $42,617 | 55% |
| University of the Ozarks | $17,360 | $20,875 | $44,384 | 51% |
| University of Central Arkansas | $16,511 | $20,346 | $45,938 | 54% |
| Lyon College | $19,616 | $21,500 | $44,232 | 47% |
| Ecclesia College | $22,075 | $13,019 | $40,650 | 40% |
| Williams Baptist University | $15,745 | $21,820 | $38,484 | 26% |
Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.
This list in other states
- Alabama 23
- Arizona 12
- California 100
- Colorado 16
- Connecticut 18
- Delaware 3
- District of Columbia 5
- Florida 35
- Georgia 42
- Hawaii 5
- Idaho 6
- Illinois 56
- Indiana 40
- Iowa 29
- Kansas 24
- Kentucky 25
- Louisiana 21
- Maine 15
- Maryland 25
- Massachusetts 59
- Michigan 40
- Minnesota 35
- Mississippi 10
- Missouri 42
- Montana 7
- Nebraska 14
- Nevada 5
- New Hampshire 11
- New Jersey 33
- New Mexico 5
- New York 125
- North Carolina 54
- North Dakota 7
- Ohio 68
- Oklahoma 14
- Oregon 21
- Pennsylvania 113
- Puerto Rico 32
- Rhode Island 11
- South Carolina 30
- South Dakota 10
- Tennessee 28
- Texas 65
- Utah 8
- Vermont 9
- Virginia 43
- Washington 20
- West Virginia 13
- Wisconsin 34