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The list of top ranked private colleges in Arkansas include both small and large higher education institutions. From Conway to Searcy and from Little Rock to Walnut Ridge, there are a number of private colleges to research in the state of Arkansas. Private schools in Arkansas include Hendrix College and Lyon College as well as John Brown University and Harding University. The array of degree programs is as diverse as the geographic locations of each school. A private school will typically have smaller class sizes and lower student to teacher ratios that their state school counterparts. The size difference can translate to a more intimate campus setting with direct access to most professors.
2025 Best Private Colleges in Arkansas
John Brown University, a nonprofit private institution, offers a large number of degree programs, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, it resides in a rural setting for students to study in. Approximately 2,100 students are enrolled per year at John Brown University.
Students may choose from a few areas of study, including:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Education
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Family And Consumer Sciences
- Engineering
The admissions process begins with the submission of an application, transcripts, records, and test scores, which are then reviewed by the admissions committee. Most students admitted to this school achieve an SAT score in a range of 1520 to 1930, or an ACT composite score between 22 to 29. This school has an acceptance rate of about 70 percent of which only 47 percent chose to attend. More information regarding admissions can be found at jbu.edu.
The cost of undergraduate tuition is nearly $23,000, but may change each year. Students are encouraged to visit the school's price of attendance calculator to better understand their personal tuition costs. Financial aid may be offered to students that meet the required requirements by way of grants or student loans.
The mascot for John Brown University is the "Golden Eagles", and they participate in intercollegiate athletic programs through the oversight and organization of the NAIA. Available athletic programs offered may include:
- Basketball (NAIA Division I)
- Golf (NAIA Division I)
- Soccer (NAIA Division I)
- Tennis (NAIA Division I)
Students can visit the John Brown University website to get a complete list of academic programs offered, financial aid details, and more.
Enrollment
2,516
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
Hendrix College is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and helps students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Conway, AR, which is a predominantly rural area. The United Methodist affiliation at the school is an important part of the history, education and vision that defines the school. Over a thousand students enroll at Hendrix College yearly. Areas of study available at Hendrix College include:
- Psychology
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- English Language And Literature
- Social Sciences
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Field Hockey (NCAA Division III)
Enrollment
1,208
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
Harding University is a nonprofit private school that has many majors available for students to choose from. The school is located in Searcy, AR, in a predominantly rural area. The Churches of Christ affiliation of this school is an important part of the history, education and curriculum that defines the school. Approximately 6,700 students enroll at Harding University per year. Areas of study available at Harding University include but are not limited to:
- Education
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Baseball (NCAA Division II)
- Basketball (NCAA Division II)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division II)
Enrollment
5,121
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
Ouachita Baptist University, a nonprofit private institution, offers a variety of program options, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Arkadelphia, AR, the school resides in a rural setting for students to study in. The school maintains a Southern Baptist affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. OBU has a yearly student enrollment of approximately a thousand. A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Theology And Religious Vocations
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Communications And Journalism
- Baseball (NCAA Division II)
- Basketball (NCAA Division II)
- Football (NCAA Division II)
- Golf (NCAA Division II)
Enrollment
1,660
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
Lyon College is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and assists students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Batesville, AR, which is a predominantly rural area. The Presbyterian Church affiliation of this school is an important part of the history, education and vision that defines the school. The school's small size in terms of enrollment, about 650 students, offers students a more hands on education due to the size of the class and easier access to faculty. Areas of study offered at Lyon College include but are not limited to:
- Biology
- Psychology
- History
- Business Administration
- English
- Baseball (NAIA Division I)
- Basketball (NAIA Division I)
- Golf (NAIA Division I)
- Soccer (NAIA Division I)
Enrollment
655
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
Ozarks is a nonprofit private institution located in Clarksville, Arkansas and provides a large number of program options for students. The Presbyterian Church affiliation of this school is an important part of the history, education and mission that defines the school. Ozarks, with only about 630 students enrolled, offers a high ratio of teachers to students and personalized education as part of its commitment to students. Here is a list of some of the popular programs University of the Ozarks offers:
- Biology
- Business Administration
- Advertising and Marketing
- Elementary Education
- Accounting
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Soccer (NCAA Division III)
- Softball (NCAA Division III)
- Tennis (NCAA Division III)
Enrollment
872
Student to Faculty Ratio
15:1
Philander Smith College is a nonprofit private historically black institution located in Little Rock, Arkansas. Most historically black colleges and universities (also known as HBCUs) were founded after the civil war to provide newly freed African Americans with educational opportunities. The school's United Methodist affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's curriculum. The school enrolls 700 students per year, allowing for a more personalized education. A list of some of the programs offered are:
- Business Administration
- Business, Management, Marketing and Related Support Services
- Biology
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Basketball (NAIA Division I)
- Volleyball (NAIA Division I)
Enrollment
1,000
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
Williams Baptist College is a four-year, Christian, liberal arts college. Williams is known for its academic excellence and personal attention, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 13-to-1, as well as its warm, Christ-centered environment. There are over 500 students on WBC's main campus at Walnut Ridge, Ark., and a total enrollment of about 600. Most students live in on-campus residence halls and apartments.
Williams has over 25 majors and pre-professional programs to prepare students for a wide array of career options, and it is ranked in the top tier of southern colleges & universities by US News & World Report. It is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association and by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
WBC is owned and operated by the Arkansas Baptist State Convention.
Enrollment
496
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
Central Baptist College, a nonprofit private institution, offers a variety of educational opportunities, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Conway, AR, the school offers a rural setting for students to study in. The school maintains a Baptist affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. The school enrolls 700 students yearly, allowing for smaller more engaging class sizes.
Students may pick from many areas of study, including:
- Organizational Behavior Studies
- Biblical Studies
- General Studies
- Data Processing
- Social Work
Students applying for admission are most often asked to submit an application, transcripts, records, test scores and any requested application essays, which will then be reviewed by the school. Very common exam scores among students accepted to this school are between 19 - 23 on the ACT, or 1290 - 1580 on the SAT exam. An estimated 70 percent of all students that applied were admitted at this school, with 68 percent of those accepted choosing to attend. More information from the admissions office can be found at cbc.edu.
Tuition is approximately $13,000 for the year, though it may vary based on different types of circumstances. Students should visit the school's net price calculator to find what your personalized cost of attendance would be. Financial aid may be provided to students that meet the necessary requirements by way of scholarships, grants, and loans.
CBC has a variety of athletic programs overseen by the NAIA. Athletic programs offered include:
- Baseball (NAIA Division II)
- Basketball (NAIA Division II)
- Golf (NAIA Division II)
- Soccer (NAIA Division II)
Students should visit the CBC website to see a complete list of areas of study, programs, financial aid details, and more that is available at this school.
Enrollment
732
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Crowley's Ridge College is located in Paragould, AR and is a nonprofit private institution that assists students to meet their educational goals. The school maintains a Churches of Christ affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. The school enrolls 200 students yearly, allowing for smaller more engaging class sizes.
A list of some of the popular programs are:
- General Studies
- Education
- Religious Studies
- Business Administration
The school maintains an open enrollment policy, admitting all students that meet the minimum requirements for admission. Submission of transcripts, records, test scores, and admissions essays may be needed for certain programs.
The cost of undergraduate tuition is nearly $11,000, but may change per year. Students are encouraged to visit the school's tuition calculator to better estimate their cost of attendance. Students enrolled at Crowley's Ridge College may qualify for aid which is usually loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.
Students who wish to see more about this school can take a look at their website at http://www.crc.edu/.
Enrollment
198
Student to Faculty Ratio
8:1
Arkansas Baptist College is a nonprofit private historically black institution located in Little Rock, Arkansas. Most historically black colleges and universities (also known as HBCUs) were established after the civil war to provide newly freed African Americans with educational opportunities. The school's Baptist affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's curriculum. Nearly 1,100 students enroll at Arkansas Baptist College yearly. Areas of study offered at Arkansas Baptist College include:
- Business Administration
- Human Services
- Law and Justice Administration
- Religious Studies
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- African-American Studies
Enrollment
525
Student to Faculty Ratio
23:1
Arkansas Private School Majors and Online Degree Programs

As you align the private school offerings with your personal goals and aspirations, you will find a number of programs to choose from in the state. Whether you are an Arkansas resident or non-resident, students matriculating at a private school will find several degree tracks to consider.
List of Large 4-Year Private Universities in Arkansas
- Henderson State University in Searcy, AR
Small to Medium Sized 4-Year Universities
The 4-year schools listed below have a small to medium sized student body and may offer a wide range of associate and bachelor's degrees. Get more information about each school by clicking the links below.
- College of the Ouachitas (OBU) in Arkadelphia, AR
- Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas (UA Cossatot) in Conway, AR
- Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas (PCCUA) in Little Rock, AR
- South Arkansas Community College (SouthArk) in Walnut Ridge, AR
- University of Arkansas Community College - Morrilton (Petit Jean Technical College) in Clarksville, AR
Notes: Tuition & fee amounts are for both Arkansas in-state residents and out of state students, unless noted otherwise. The tuition information displayed is an estimate, which we calculated based on historical data and should be solely used for informational purposes only. Please contact the respective school for information about the current school year.
Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.