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2026 Best Value Social Work Schools in Arkansas

6 Colleges in the United States
$23,263 Avg Student Debt
$42,757 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Social Work Badge [Social Work](/majors/social-services-public-administration/social-work/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong social work education at a price that pays off.

College Factual analyzed 12 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value social work schools.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Social Work Schools in Arkansas

If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the social work degrees they offer, see the list below.

Best Value Social Work Schools

1

Leading the list is Phillips Community College Of The University Of Arkansas, our #1 best value for social work in Arkansas. 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 social work program here. Early-career social work graduates make about $45,190. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt.

2

A rank of #2 makes University Of Arkansas Fort Smith one of the best values for social work. 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. Social Work graduates carry a median of $23,500 in student loans. Social Work graduates of University Of Arkansas Fort Smith earn a median of $32,532 early in their careers. Set against $23,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arkansas Fort Smith admits about 80% of applicants.

3

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff earned it the #3 place for social work. Located in the town of Pine Bluff, University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,375, while out-of-state students pay about $17,955. Social Work graduates carry a median of $29,145 in student loans. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff generally make around $28,094. Set against $29,145 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 41% of applicants are accepted.

4

Students looking for strong value in social work will find it at Arkansas State University Main Campus, which ranked #4. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $14,522. Students borrow a median of $29,370 to complete the social work program here. Early-career social work graduates make about $42,180. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%.

5

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Arkansas At Monticello earned it the #5 place for social work. Located in the town of Monticello, University Of Arkansas At Monticello is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $9,292 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,857. Students borrow a median of $15,611 to complete the social work program here. Social Work graduates of University Of Arkansas At Monticello earn a median of $41,278 early in their careers. Set against $15,611 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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6

University Of Arkansas At Little Rock placed #6 among the best values for social work. University Of Arkansas At Little Rock is a large public school located in the city of Little Rock. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,911, compared with $22,721 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $26,980. Early-career social work graduates make about $43,709. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 59%.

7
University Of Arkansas crest
University Of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR

University Of Arkansas landed the #7 spot for social work value this year. Set in the city of Fayetteville, University Of Arkansas is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $27,000. Early-career social work graduates make about $43,962. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%.

8

Harding University landed the #8 spot for social work value this year. Harding University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Searcy. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,962. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $29,000. Social Work graduates of Harding University earn a median of $41,835 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Harding University admits about 70% of applicants.

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced 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 · 12 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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