7 Top Arkansas Outlets Of Higher Education

With its hot springs, good food, and the Ozarks, Arkansas is an appealing place to pursue a college education. The Natural State has a range of schools for students to choose from, some in the capital city of Little Rock, some focused on the liberal arts, and others geared towards those looking for technical skills. This list, in no particular order, highlights several notable colleges in the state.

The #1 entry is the University of Arkansas Community College Batesville. It offers many specialized programs such as cosmetology, nursing, and industrial technology. The school has agreements with several four-year universities, allowing students to continue their education in an affordable, seamless way.

UACCB has a Community Education initiative, which offers non-credit, low-cost classes, programs, seminars, workshops, and camps to all ages. Classes vary and address variety of topics including gardening, first aid, different languages, dancing, and more.

Coming in at #2 is the University of Central Arkansas, located in Conway. This public college has many student activities available, including a robust fraternity and sorority scene, with over 20 Greek organizations that do community service and host various events throughout the year.

UCA offers a range of academic opportunities, with majors in the arts and humanities, business, education, the natural sciences, and more. In addition, advanced scholars can pursue graduate-level degrees or professional certificate programs; online, on-campus, and hybrid classes are all available for maximum flexibility.

For #3, we have the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, a metropolitan research school. Its coursework blends in-class work with real-world experience, providing a springboard for internships and later careers in fields such as nursing, engineering, data quality, criminal justice, and education.

UA Little Rock nursing students have access to a simulation hospital, known as SimCare. It trains these scholars in all areas of care as they work with interactive manikins that simulate a variety of medical-surgical scenarios. Applied Design, a program to study contemporary studio craft such as ceramics, metalsmithing, and woodworking, is the only degree program of its kind in the state.

Next up, at #4, we have Arkansas State University at Newport. A two-year community college, it offers associate's degrees in fields such as criminal justice, education, and business. Its IGNITE Academy provides high school students an opportunity to earn workforce-ready credentials in high demand industry fields while simultaneously earning their diploma.

Students can also pursue a number of certificate programs, in areas like cosmetology, welding, and hospitality services. There are general adult learning classes, for those seeking to complete their GED or study English as a second language.

The #5 entry is John Brown University, a private, interdenominational, Christian school located in Siloam Springs. JBU boasts small class sizes, so students can receive more personalized attention; majors at the university include communication, computer science, and finance.

There are a number of faith-centered majors, such as biblical studies and Christian ministry and formation. Athletic students can pursue several sports, including cross country, basketball, and tennis. The Walton Lifetime Health Complex offers cardio and weight rooms, a pool, a jogging track, and more.

Clocking in at #6 is the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. It is located in Little Rock. UAMS is one of the region's larger academic health centers, with outreach programs operating in every county and eight regional campuses in the state. It has five colleges that focus on various disciplines such as nursing, pharmacy, and public health.

UAMS' Graduate School is home to several programs leading to graduate certificates, master's, or doctoral degrees. It has a dedicated simulation center to allow students hands-on experiences with medical scenarios; learners can engage in active education with real scrub sinks, compressed medical gases, wall suction, overhead lamps, and simulated trauma bays.

Last but not least, at #7, we present Arkansas Tech University, a public institution of higher education offering credentials at the certificate, associate, baccalaureate, master, and doctoral levels. ATU offers instruction in locations across the Arkansas River Valley; it also has online classes.

ATU's Center for Leadership and Learning is a graduate department designed to help prepare future school leaders, and its Tech Career Center offers programs in various career pathways leading to high demand jobs in the local area, such as culinary arts, cosmetology, and metal fabrication.