2026 Best Value Engineering Schools in Arkansas

1

University Of Arkansas Fort Smith
Fort Smith, AR

For return on investment in engineering, no school beat University Of Arkansas Fort Smith this year. Located in the city of Fort Smith, University Of Arkansas Fort Smith is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,334, compared with $12,182 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for engineering graduates is $20,333. Engineering graduates of University Of Arkansas Fort Smith earn a median of $39,204 early in their careers. Set against $20,333 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arkansas Fort Smith admits about 80% of applicants.

2

Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, AR

A rank of #2 makes Arkansas Tech University one of the best values for engineering. Set in the town of Russellville, Arkansas Tech University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,674, while out-of-state students pay about $14,668. Students borrow a median of $17,445 to complete the engineering program here. Early-career engineering graduates make about $71,440. That is a strong return on a $17,445 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

3

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus
Magnolia, AR

Students looking for strong value in engineering will find it at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus, which ranked #3. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Magnolia. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,960, with out-of-state students paying around $15,690. Typical student debt for engineering graduates is $20,385. Engineering graduates of Southern Arkansas University Main Campus earn a median of $41,723 early in their careers. Set against $20,385 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%.

4

Arkansas State University Main Campus
Jonesboro, AR

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Arkansas State University Main Campus earned it the #4 place for engineering. Located in the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,090, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,399 to complete the engineering program here. Soon after graduation, engineering degree recipients from Arkansas State University Main Campus generally make around $74,284. That is a strong return on a $23,399 median debt. Arkansas State University Main Campus admits about 82% of applicants.

5

University Of Arkansas At Little Rock
Little Rock, AR

Students looking for strong value in engineering will find it at University Of Arkansas At Little Rock, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Little Rock, University Of Arkansas At Little Rock is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,911 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,721. Typical student debt for engineering graduates is $27,093. Engineering graduates of University Of Arkansas At Little Rock earn a median of $47,170 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 59%.

6

University Of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR

University Of Arkansas ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value engineering schools. University Of Arkansas is a very large public school located in the city of Fayetteville. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for engineering graduates is $25,158. Engineering graduates of University Of Arkansas earn a median of $78,731 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arkansas admits about 74% of applicants.

7

Harding University
Searcy, AR

Harding University earned the #7 position for value in engineering this year. Harding University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Searcy. In-state tuition and fees average $25,962. Typical student debt for engineering graduates is $27,000. Engineering graduates of Harding University earn a median of $53,229 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted.

8

John Brown University
Siloam Springs, AR

John Brown University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value engineering schools. Set in the town of Siloam Springs, John Brown University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $31,756 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,488 to complete the engineering program here. Early-career engineering graduates make about $50,420. That is a strong return on a $25,488 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%.