Best value colleges in the South in Arkansas
Colleges in the South with an Academic Excellence grade of B+ or better, ranked by Value: net price after aid, earnings and debt.
Best value colleges in the South in Arkansas5 schools
5 schools qualify, ranked by Value.
How this list is made
- Schools in Arkansas.
- Accredited four-year undergraduate colleges.
- Academic Excellence grade B+ or better (the top 35% of rated colleges).
- In the South (U.S. Census Bureau region).
- Has a Value score from federal data (College Scorecard).
- Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
- Ordered by Value, highest first.
Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.
- 1
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR · Public#3 in Arkansas
- Value grade B+ · Top 31%
- Net price $18,209 a year
- 2
John Brown University
Siloam Springs, AR · Private nonprofit#2 in Arkansas
- Value grade B · Top 45%
- Net price $20,397 a year
- 3
Ouachita Baptist University
Arkadelphia, AR · Private nonprofit#5 in Arkansas
- Value grade B
- Net price $22,409 a year
- 4
- 5
Harding University
Searcy, AR · Private nonprofit#4 in Arkansas
- Value grade B-
- Net price $22,130 a year
Compare cost and outcomes
| School | Net price a year | Median debt | Earnings 10 years out | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | $18,209 | $21,500 | $58,191 | 71% |
| John Brown University | $20,397 | $21,250 | $53,907 | 72% |
| Ouachita Baptist University | $22,409 | $21,050 | $51,673 | 61% |
| Hendrix College | $24,149 | $26,688 | $60,376 | 72% |
| Harding University | $22,130 | $26,500 | $52,876 | 69% |
Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.