Higher Education in Arkansas
In Arkansas the Possibilities Run Deep:
Scenery, Heritage, Education
Arkansas is a unique tapestry of mountains, prairies, fertile delta and clear waters. Our heritage is a culmination of Western frontier, Ozark pioneer and Old South. It is a treasure chest of historic destinations, cultural and educational opportunities and outdoor activities.
History buffs choose Arkansas for its archaeological sites, famous battlefields, wooden bridges, national and Confederate cemeteries, hundreds of antique shops and the only diamond mine open to the public in the country. Hunters flock to Arkansas for duck, wild turkey, deer and even elk! For water enthusiasts, Arkansas has more than 9,700 miles of streams and 600,000 acres of crystal clear lakes. Trout and bass fishing remain the most popular Arkansas water sports, but there are plenty of floating opportunities in the eighteen scenic rivers across the state, including the pristine Buffalo, the first national river. For the more adventurous, the Ozark Mountains offer endless opportunities for hiking, climbing, camping and hundreds of caves to explore.
Arkansas enjoys four distinct seasons, with warm summers and mild winters, as well as a low cost of living. It is the birthplace of the Blues and the King Biscuit Blues Festival (Helena,) the birthplace of former president Bill Clinton (Hope,) and home to the nation's fastest growing Hispanic population. In the state capitol of Little Rock sit the historic Capitol Building, the nationally-recognized Arkansas Arts Center, and the Old State House.
The educational opportunities in Arkansas are numerous, with 26 colleges and 18 universities, in both the public and private sectors. Of those, 10 institutions in the public sector offer master's degrees, and an additional 5 institutions offer doctoral degrees. In all, Arkansas offers 1,715 degree programs and 791 certificate programs and currently has over 125,000 students enrolled in higher education. Those institutions enrolling the largest population of international students are the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, with the majority of those students studying business, computer science and engineering, respectively.
With its beautiful scenery, rich culture, low cost of living, comfortable climate and excellent educational opportunities, Arkansas is a natural pick for higher education. The possibilities for success are limitless!