ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in Arkansas

26 Colleges in the United States
$16,631 Avg Student Debt
$37,069 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Badge [Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities](/majors/liberal-arts-sciences-humanities/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 43 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for liberal arts / sciences & humanities students.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/liberal-arts-sciences-humanities/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/liberal-arts-sciences-humanities/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/liberal-arts-sciences-humanities/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/liberal-arts-sciences-humanities/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/liberal-arts-sciences-humanities/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/liberal-arts-sciences-humanities/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/liberal-arts-sciences-humanities/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 4
DEBUG: ROOT LEVEL MAJOR detected (no cip4), lowering min_relevance to 0.5
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.5, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "General Studies (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "General Studies (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Liberal Arts & Humanities Bachelors Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Liberal Arts & Humanities Bachelors Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "AA in Liberal Arts" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "AA in Liberal Arts" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BA in General Studies" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BA in General Studies" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 4
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 2 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.5
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 2
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 2 offers with relevance >= 1.0

2026 Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in Arkansas

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools

1

For return on investment in liberal arts / sciences & humanities, no school beat Northwest Arkansas Community College this year. Set in the city of Bentonville, Northwest Arkansas Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,342, while out-of-state students pay about $5,238. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates carry a median of $10,876 in student loans. Early-career liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates make about $31,313. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

A rank of #2 makes Mid South Community College one of the best values for liberal arts / sciences & humanities. Set in the suburb of West Memphis, Mid South Community College is a small public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,126, compared with $4,824 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $31,857 ten years after entry.

3

A rank of #3 makes Phillips Community College Of The University Of Arkansas one of the best values for liberal arts / sciences & humanities. Phillips Community College Of The University Of Arkansas is a small public school located in the town of Helena. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,380, with out-of-state students paying around $4,550. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program here. Early-career liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates make about $27,137. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

Students looking for strong value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities will find it at Cossatot Community College Of The University Of Arkansas, which ranked #4. Set in the town of De Queen, Cossatot Community College Of The University Of Arkansas is a small public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,320, compared with $5,190 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates is $7,018. Early-career liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates make about $29,547. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

5

Students looking for strong value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities will find it at Rich Mountain Community College, which ranked #5. Rich Mountain Community College is a small public school located in the town of Mena. Students from in state pay about $3,696 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,272. Soon after graduation, liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree recipients from Rich Mountain Community College generally make around $17,381.

ADBLOCK #101
6

Arkansas Northeastern College earned the #6 position for value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities this year. Set in the town of Blytheville, Arkansas Northeastern College is a small public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,570, compared with $4,250 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates is $6,440. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates of Arkansas Northeastern College earn a median of $23,835 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $6,440 median debt.

7

Southern Arkansas University Tech landed the #7 spot for liberal arts / sciences & humanities value this year. Located in the rural area of Camden, Southern Arkansas University Tech is a small public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,040, while out-of-state students pay about $6,480. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates carry a median of $8,488 in student loans. Soon after graduation, liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree recipients from Southern Arkansas University Tech generally make around $34,302. That is a strong return on a $8,488 median debt.

8
Ozarka College crest
Ozarka College
Melbourne, AR

Ozarka College earned the #8 position for value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities this year. Set in the rural area of Melbourne, Ozarka College is a small public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,820 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,820. Typical student debt for liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates is $11,778. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates of Ozarka College earn a median of $48,116 early in their careers. Set against $11,778 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

9

East Arkansas Community College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value liberal arts / sciences & humanities schools. Set in the town of Forrest City, East Arkansas Community College is a small public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,300, with out-of-state students paying around $4,380. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates carry a median of $8,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree recipients from East Arkansas Community College generally make around $25,928. Set against $8,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

10

Black River Technical College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value liberal arts / sciences & humanities schools. Black River Technical College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Pocahontas. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,776, with out-of-state students paying around $7,488. Students borrow a median of $10,428 to complete the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program here. Early-career liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates make about $33,747. That is a strong return on a $10,428 median debt.

ADBLOCK #115
11

College Of The Ouachitas earned the #11 position for value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities this year. Located in the town of Malvern, College Of The Ouachitas is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $3,788 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,388. Median earnings reach $37,374 ten years out.

12

South Arkansas Community College placed #12 among the best values for liberal arts / sciences & humanities. South Arkansas Community College is a small public school located in the town of El Dorado. In-state tuition and fees average $3,324, while out-of-state students pay about $5,532. Students borrow a median of $17,650 to complete the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program here. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates of South Arkansas Community College earn a median of $59,370 early in their careers. Set against $17,650 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

13

Arkansas State University Beebe ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value liberal arts / sciences & humanities schools. Located in the town of Beebe, Arkansas State University Beebe is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,336, with out-of-state students paying around $5,232. Typical student debt for liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates is $9,156. Early-career liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates make about $24,763. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

14

University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville placed #14 among the best values for liberal arts / sciences & humanities. Located in the town of Batesville, University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville is a small public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,630, while out-of-state students pay about $4,662. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates carry a median of $6,027 in student loans. Soon after graduation, liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree recipients from University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville generally make around $64,187. That is a strong return on a $6,027 median debt.

15

University Of Arkansas Community College Hope earned the #15 position for value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities this year. Set in the town of Hope, University Of Arkansas Community College Hope is a small public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,885 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,565. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,162.

ADBLOCK #145
16

Arkansas State University Newport placed #16 among the best values for liberal arts / sciences & humanities. Located in the rural area of Newport, Arkansas State University Newport is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,312, with out-of-state students paying around $4,752. Typical student debt for liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates is $8,883. Soon after graduation, liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree recipients from Arkansas State University Newport generally make around $25,601. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

17

Arkansas State University Mountain Home came in at #17 for value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities this year. Arkansas State University Mountain Home is a small public school located in the town of Mountain Home. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,312, while out-of-state students pay about $4,776. Typical student debt for liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates is $13,750. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates of Arkansas State University Mountain Home earn a median of $28,907 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,750 median debt.

18

North Arkansas College came in at #18 for value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities this year. Located in the town of Harrison, North Arkansas College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,504, compared with $5,592 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates is $8,949. Early-career liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates make about $27,317. That is a strong return on a $8,949 median debt.

19

University Of Arkansas Fort Smith came in at #19 for value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities this year. Located in the city of Fort Smith, University Of Arkansas Fort Smith is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,334, while out-of-state students pay about $12,182. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates carry a median of $20,664 in student loans. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates of University Of Arkansas Fort Smith earn a median of $26,728 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%.

20

Southeast Arkansas College earned the #20 position for value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities this year. Southeast Arkansas College is a small public school located in the town of Pine Bluff. Students from in state pay about $5,200 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,650. Students borrow a median of $14,484 to complete the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program here. Early-career liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates make about $24,880. That is a strong return on a $14,484 median debt.

ADBLOCK #150
21

University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton earned the #21 position for value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities this year. Located in the town of Morrilton, University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,648, while out-of-state students pay about $4,728. Typical student debt for liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates is $8,950. Soon after graduation, liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree recipients from University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton generally make around $27,710. That is a strong return on a $8,950 median debt. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted.

22
Arkansas Tech University crest
Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, AR

Arkansas Tech University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value liberal arts / sciences & humanities schools. Set in the town of Russellville, Arkansas Tech University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,674, compared with $14,668 for out-of-state students. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates carry a median of $24,100 in student loans. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates of Arkansas Tech University earn a median of $36,292 early in their careers. Set against $24,100 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arkansas Tech University admits about 96% of applicants.

23

National Park Community College landed the #23 spot for liberal arts / sciences & humanities value this year. National Park Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of Hot Springs. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,600, with out-of-state students paying around $7,280. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates carry a median of $15,506 in student loans. Soon after graduation, liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree recipients from National Park Community College generally make around $26,073. That is a strong return on a $15,506 median debt.

24

University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff earned the #24 position for value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities this year. University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Pine Bluff. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,375, compared with $17,955 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates is $31,000. Early-career liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates make about $34,143. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 41%.

25

Arkansas State University Main Campus earned the #25 position for value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities this year. Arkansas State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Jonesboro. Students from in state pay about $8,090 in tuition and fees, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree recipients from Arkansas State University Main Campus generally make around $33,881. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%.

Rest of the Top 35 Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools

Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities:

26
27
Pulaski Technical College crest
Pulaski Technical College
North Little Rock, AR
28
Williams Baptist College crest
Williams Baptist College
Walnut Ridge, AR
29
30
31
32
Shorter College crest
Shorter College
N Little Rock, AR
33
34
35
Ecclesia College crest
Ecclesia College
Springdale, AR

ADBLOCK #173
View All Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 43 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 26 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options