The Best Business Administration Programs in Arkansas for 2026
The best business administration programs in Arkansas are the accredited schools that graduate their students and charge honestly for it, not the ones with the biggest name. Hakia analyzed 15 business programs in Arkansas on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes to rank where a bachelor's in business administration actually pays off. In-state tuition among the 15 ranked programs in Arkansas runs from $4,752 to $33,780 a year, a $29,028 spread for the same credential.
University of Arkansas tops the list with an 87.2 Hakia Score on a 71% graduation rate, at $7,896 a year in-state. Across all 15 ranked schools, the average graduation rate is 49%, ranging from 26% to 72%. The national median pay in the field is $105,770 a year per the BLS, the same benchmark every ranked school here feeds into regardless of tuition paid.
Below is the full ranked table, followed by a school-by-school look at every ranked program and what actually separates them: cost, completion, selectivity, and where the degree leads. Every figure is drawn from federal IPEDS and BLS data, and no school pays for placement.
Key Takeaways on the Best Business Administration Bachelor's Programs in Arkansas
- University of Arkansas ranks first among Arkansas's business programs with an 87.2 Hakia Score and a 71% graduation rate.
- In-state tuition across the 15 ranked Arkansas programs spans $4,752 to $33,780 a year, a $29,028 gap for the same bachelor's in business administration.
- The 15 ranked Arkansas programs graduate 49% of students on average, from 26% to 72%.
- 7 of the 15 ranked schools are public, where the in-state rate drives the lowest cost for Arkansas residents.
- 5 of the 15 offer a confirmed online option for students who cannot relocate.
- National median pay in the field is $105,770 (BLS), the benchmark every ranked Arkansas program feeds into regardless of tuition.
Hakia analyzed 15 accredited programs in Arkansas reported to IPEDS, scoring each on graduation rate, selectivity, in-state cost, and outcomes. No school is rewarded for sticker price alone, and none pays for inclusion.
The 15 Best Business Administration Bachelor's Programs in Arkansas, Ranked for 2026
| # | Program | Type | In-state tuition | Grad rate | Admit rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of ArkansasFayetteville, AR · online option | Public | $7,896 | 71% | 74% | 87.2 |
| 2 | John Brown UniversitySiloam Springs, AR · online option | Nonprofit | $30,374 | 72% | 76% | 82.3 |
| 3 | Harding UniversitySearcy, AR | Nonprofit | $25,290 | 69% | 71% | 80.1 |
| 4 | Ouachita Baptist UniversityArkadelphia, AR · online option | Nonprofit | $33,780 | 61% | 68% | 79.0 |
| 5 | Lyon CollegeBatesville, AR | Nonprofit | $29,900 | 47% | 63% | 74.2 |
| 6 | University of Arkansas at Little RockLittle Rock, AR · online option | Public | $6,810 | 42% | 59% | 73.1 |
| 7 | Arkansas State UniversityJonesboro, AR | Public | $7,488 | 55% | 82% | 72.1 |
| 8 | University of the OzarksClarksville, AR | Nonprofit | $24,950 | 51% | 60% | 71.9 |
| 9 | University of Arkansas at Pine BluffPine Bluff, AR | Public | $6,330 | 40% | 41% | 70.1 |
| 10 | University of Arkansas at MonticelloMonticello, AR | Public | $5,685 | 49% | NR | 69.1 |
| 11 | University of Arkansas-Fort SmithFort Smith, AR | Public | $4,752 | 38% | 80% | 68.7 |
| 12 | Central Baptist CollegeConway, AR | Nonprofit | $19,800 | 34% | 63% | 67.0 |
| 13 | Arkansas Tech UniversityRussellville, AR · online option | Public | $5,995 | 49% | 96% | 66.0 |
| 14 | Williams Baptist UniversityWalnut Ridge, AR | Nonprofit | $19,600 | 26% | 83% | 59.7 |
| 15 | Philander Smith UniversityLittle Rock, AR | Nonprofit | $11,804 | 30% | NR | 58.2 |
NR — not reported by the institution in the latest IPEDS collection.
The Top Business Administration Bachelor's Programs in Arkansas at a Glance
Each program scores 0 to 100 on the Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. Longer bars rank higher.
Inside the Top Business Administration Bachelor's Programs in Arkansas
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 71%
- Admit rate
- 74%
- In-state
- $7,896
- Out-of-state
- $27,758
University of Arkansas graduates 71% of its students, above the 49% average across this ranking, on an 87.2 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 87.2, #1 of 15
- 71% graduation rate
- $7,896 in-state vs $27,758 out-of-state
- Largest campus in this ranking
University of Arkansas is a public institution in Fayetteville, AR. Its Bachelor's in Business Administration program ranks #1 of the 15 analyzed here with an 87.2 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That is the highest score in the ranking, well above the 71.9 group average. The program graduates 71% of its students, above the 49% average across the ranked schools. University of Arkansas admits 74% of applicants, less selective than the 70% average for the group. That is more open than the 41% rate at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 26% to 72%.
On cost, University of Arkansas charges $7,896 a year in-state, roughly 4x the $27,758 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $31,584 in tuition for residents, against $111,032 for non-residents. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,752 at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith to $33,780 at Ouachita Baptist University. The spread makes the program a clearer value for AR residents than for out-of-state students. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with an online option.
John Brown University
Siloam Springs, AR · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 72%
- Admit rate
- 76%
- In-state
- $30,374
- Out-of-state
- $30,374
John Brown University graduates 72% of its students, above the 49% average across this ranking, on an 82.3 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 82.3, #2 of 15
- 72% graduation rate
- $30,374 tuition
- Top graduation rate on this list
John Brown University is a private, nonprofit institution in Siloam Springs, AR. Its Bachelor's in Business Administration program ranks #2 of the 15 analyzed here with an 82.3 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 71.9 group average, in the top third of the 15 ranked programs, 4.9 points behind top-ranked University of Arkansas. The program graduates 72% of its students, above the 49% average across the ranked schools. John Brown University admits 76% of applicants, less selective than the 70% average for the group. That is more open than the 41% rate at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the most selective program on this list.
On cost, John Brown University charges $30,374 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $121,496 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,752 at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith to $33,780 at Ouachita Baptist University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with an online option.
Harding University
Searcy, AR · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 69%
- Admit rate
- 71%
- In-state
- $25,290
- Out-of-state
- $25,290
Harding University graduates 69% of its students, above the 49% average across this ranking, on an 80.1 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 80.1, #3 of 15
- 69% graduation rate
- $25,290 tuition
- Admits just 71% of applicants
Harding University is a private, nonprofit institution in Searcy, AR. Its Bachelor's in Business Administration program ranks #3 of the 15 analyzed here with an 80.1 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 71.9 group average, in the top third of the 15 ranked programs, 7.1 points behind top-ranked University of Arkansas. The program graduates 69% of its students, above the 49% average across the ranked schools. Harding University admits 71% of applicants, less selective than the 70% average for the group. That is more open than the 41% rate at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 26% to 72%.
On cost, Harding University charges $25,290 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $101,160 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,752 at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith to $33,780 at Ouachita Baptist University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
Ouachita Baptist University
Arkadelphia, AR · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 61%
- Admit rate
- 68%
- In-state
- $33,780
- Out-of-state
- $33,780
Ouachita Baptist University graduates 61% of its students, above the 49% average across this ranking, on a 79.0 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 79.0, #4 of 15
- 61% graduation rate
- $33,780 tuition
- Online option available
Ouachita Baptist University is a private, nonprofit institution in Arkadelphia, AR. Its Bachelor's in Business Administration program ranks #4 of the 15 analyzed here with a 79.0 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 71.9 group average, in the top third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 61% of its students, above the 49% average across the ranked schools. Ouachita Baptist University admits 68% of applicants, more selective than the 70% average for the group. That is more open than the 41% rate at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 26% to 72%.
On cost, Ouachita Baptist University charges $33,780 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $135,120 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,752 at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith to $33,780 at Ouachita Baptist University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
Lyon College
Batesville, AR · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 47%
- Admit rate
- 63%
- In-state
- $29,900
- Out-of-state
- $29,900
Lyon College ranks #5 of the 15 bachelor's in business administration programs in this analysis, with a 74.2 Hakia Score and a 47% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 74.2, #5 of 15
- 47% graduation rate
- $29,900 tuition
- Admits just 63% of applicants
Lyon College is a private, nonprofit institution in Batesville, AR. Its Bachelor's in Business Administration program ranks #5 of the 15 analyzed here with a 74.2 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 71.9 group average, in the top third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 47% of its students, below the 49% average across the ranked schools. Lyon College admits 63% of applicants, more selective than the 70% average for the group. That is more open than the 41% rate at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 26% to 72%.
On cost, Lyon College charges $29,900 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $119,600 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,752 at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith to $33,780 at Ouachita Baptist University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its genuine selectivity.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Little Rock, AR · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 42%
- Admit rate
- 59%
- In-state
- $6,810
- Out-of-state
- $19,620
At $6,810 a year in-state, University of Arkansas at Little Rock is among the more affordable bachelor's in business administration programs ranked here, holding a 73.1 Hakia Score on a 42% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 73.1, #6 of 15
- 42% graduation rate
- $6,810 in-state vs $19,620 out-of-state
- Online option available
University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a public institution in Little Rock, AR. Its Bachelor's in Business Administration program ranks #6 of the 15 analyzed here with a 73.1 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 71.9 group average, in the middle third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 42% of its students, below the 49% average across the ranked schools. University of Arkansas at Little Rock admits 59% of applicants, more selective than the 70% average for the group. That is more open than the 41% rate at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the most selective program on this list.
On cost, University of Arkansas at Little Rock charges $6,810 a year in-state, roughly 2.9x the $19,620 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $27,240 in tuition for residents, against $78,480 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,752 at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith to $33,780 at Ouachita Baptist University. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with genuine selectivity.
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, AR · Public
- Grad rate
- 55%
- Admit rate
- 82%
- In-state
- $7,488
- Out-of-state
- $13,920
At $7,488 a year in-state, Arkansas State University is among the more affordable bachelor's in business administration programs ranked here, holding a 72.1 Hakia Score on a 55% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 72.1, #7 of 15
- 55% graduation rate
- $7,488 in-state vs $13,920 out-of-state
- Admits just 82% of applicants
Arkansas State University is a public institution in Jonesboro, AR. Its Bachelor's in Business Administration program ranks #7 of the 15 analyzed here with a 72.1 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 71.9 group average, in the middle third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 55% of its students, above the 49% average across the ranked schools. Arkansas State University admits 82% of applicants, less selective than the 70% average for the group. That is more open than the 41% rate at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 26% to 72%.
On cost, Arkansas State University charges $7,488 a year in-state, versus $13,920 for out-of-state students. Over four years that is about $29,952 in tuition for residents, against $55,680 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,752 at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith to $33,780 at Ouachita Baptist University. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
University of the Ozarks
Clarksville, AR · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 51%
- Admit rate
- 60%
- In-state
- $24,950
- Out-of-state
- $24,950
University of the Ozarks graduates 51% of its students, above the 49% average across this ranking, on a 71.9 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 71.9, #8 of 15
- 51% graduation rate
- $24,950 tuition
- Admits just 60% of applicants
Based in Clarksville, AR, University of the Ozarks is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Business Administration program lands at #8 of the 15 ranked here, earning a 71.9 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 71.9 group average, in the middle third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 51% of its students, above the 49% average across the ranked schools. University of the Ozarks admits 60% of applicants, more selective than the 70% average for the group. That is more open than the 41% rate at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 26% to 72%.
On cost, University of the Ozarks charges $24,950 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $99,800 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,752 at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith to $33,780 at Ouachita Baptist University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Pine Bluff, AR · Public
- Grad rate
- 40%
- Admit rate
- 41%
- In-state
- $6,330
- Out-of-state
- $14,910
At $6,330 a year in-state, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is among the more affordable bachelor's in business administration programs ranked here, holding a 70.1 Hakia Score on a 40% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 70.1, #9 of 15
- 40% graduation rate
- $6,330 in-state vs $14,910 out-of-state
- Most selective program here
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is a public institution in Pine Bluff, AR. Its Bachelor's in Business Administration program ranks #9 of the 15 analyzed here with a 70.1 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 71.9 group average, in the middle third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 40% of its students, below the 49% average across the ranked schools. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff admits 41% of applicants, more selective than the 70% average for the group. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 26% to 72%.
On cost, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff charges $6,330 a year in-state, roughly 2.4x the $14,910 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $25,320 in tuition for residents, against $59,640 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,752 at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith to $33,780 at Ouachita Baptist University. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with genuine selectivity.
University of Arkansas at Monticello
Monticello, AR · Public
- Grad rate
- 49%
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- $5,685
- Out-of-state
- $11,250
At $5,685 a year in-state, University of Arkansas at Monticello is among the more affordable bachelor's in business administration programs ranked here, holding a 69.1 Hakia Score on a 49% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 69.1, #10 of 15
- 49% graduation rate
- $5,685 in-state vs $11,250 out-of-state
- 2,856 students enrolled
Based in Monticello, AR, University of Arkansas at Monticello is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Business Administration program lands at #10 of the 15 ranked here, earning a 69.1 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 71.9 group average, in the middle third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 49% of its students, above the 49% average across the ranked schools. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 26% to 72%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 2,856 students.
On cost, University of Arkansas at Monticello charges $5,685 a year in-state, versus $11,250 for out-of-state students. Over four years that is about $22,740 in tuition for residents, against $45,000 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,752 at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith to $33,780 at Ouachita Baptist University. The spread makes the program a clearer value for AR residents than for out-of-state students. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
Fort Smith, AR · Public
- Grad rate
- 38%
- Admit rate
- 80%
- In-state
- $4,752
- Out-of-state
- $9,600
At $4,752 a year in-state, University of Arkansas-Fort Smith is among the more affordable bachelor's in business administration programs ranked here, holding a 68.7 Hakia Score on a 38% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 68.7, #11 of 15
- 38% graduation rate
- $4,752 in-state vs $9,600 out-of-state
- Lowest in-state tuition here
Based in Fort Smith, AR, University of Arkansas-Fort Smith is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Business Administration program lands at #11 of the 15 ranked here, earning a 68.7 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 71.9 group average, in the lower third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 38% of its students, below the 49% average across the ranked schools. University of Arkansas-Fort Smith admits 80% of applicants, less selective than the 70% average for the group. That is more open than the 41% rate at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 26% to 72%.
On cost, University of Arkansas-Fort Smith charges $4,752 a year in-state, roughly 2.0x the $9,600 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $19,008 in tuition for residents, against $38,400 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,752 at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith to $33,780 at Ouachita Baptist University. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its low in-state cost.
Central Baptist College
Conway, AR · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 34%
- Admit rate
- 63%
- In-state
- $19,800
- Out-of-state
- $19,800
Central Baptist College ranks #12 of the 15 bachelor's in business administration programs in this analysis, with a 67.0 Hakia Score and a 34% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 67.0, #12 of 15
- 34% graduation rate
- $19,800 tuition
- Admits just 63% of applicants
Central Baptist College is a private, nonprofit institution in Conway, AR. Its Bachelor's in Business Administration program ranks #12 of the 15 analyzed here with a 67.0 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 71.9 group average, in the lower third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 34% of its students, below the 49% average across the ranked schools. Central Baptist College admits 63% of applicants, more selective than the 70% average for the group. That is more open than the 41% rate at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 26% to 72%.
On cost, Central Baptist College charges $19,800 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $79,200 in tuition. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,752 at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith to $33,780 at Ouachita Baptist University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its genuine selectivity.
Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, AR · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 49%
- Admit rate
- 96%
- In-state
- $5,995
- Out-of-state
- $11,989
At $5,995 a year in-state, Arkansas Tech University is among the more affordable bachelor's in business administration programs ranked here, holding a 66.0 Hakia Score on a 49% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 66.0, #13 of 15
- 49% graduation rate
- $5,995 in-state vs $11,989 out-of-state
- Online option available
Based in Russellville, AR, Arkansas Tech University is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Business Administration program lands at #13 of the 15 ranked here, earning a 66.0 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 71.9 group average, in the lower third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 49% of its students, above the 49% average across the ranked schools. Arkansas Tech University admits 96% of applicants, less selective than the 70% average for the group. That is more open than the 41% rate at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 26% to 72%.
On cost, Arkansas Tech University charges $5,995 a year in-state, versus $11,989 for out-of-state students. Over four years that is about $23,980 in tuition for residents, against $47,956 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,752 at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith to $33,780 at Ouachita Baptist University. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
Williams Baptist University
Walnut Ridge, AR · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 26%
- Admit rate
- 83%
- In-state
- $19,600
- Out-of-state
- $19,600
Williams Baptist University ranks #14 of the 15 bachelor's in business administration programs in this analysis, with a 59.7 Hakia Score and a 26% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 59.7, #14 of 15
- 26% graduation rate
- $19,600 tuition
- Smallest campus in this ranking
Williams Baptist University is a private, nonprofit institution in Walnut Ridge, AR. Its Bachelor's in Business Administration program ranks #14 of the 15 analyzed here with a 59.7 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 71.9 group average, in the lower third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 26% of its students, below the 49% average across the ranked schools. Williams Baptist University admits 83% of applicants, less selective than the 70% average for the group. That is more open than the 41% rate at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the most selective program on this list.
On cost, Williams Baptist University charges $19,600 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $78,400 in tuition. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,752 at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith to $33,780 at Ouachita Baptist University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. It earns its place in the top 15 on the balance of cost, completion, and outcomes.
Philander Smith University
Little Rock, AR · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 30%
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- $11,804
- Out-of-state
- $11,804
Philander Smith University ranks #15 of the 15 bachelor's in business administration programs in this analysis, with a 58.2 Hakia Score and a 30% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 58.2, #15 of 15
- 30% graduation rate
- $11,804 tuition
- 780 students enrolled
Based in Little Rock, AR, Philander Smith University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Business Administration program lands at #15 of the 15 ranked here, earning a 58.2 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 71.9 group average, in the lower third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 30% of its students, below the 49% average across the ranked schools. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 26% to 72%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 780 students.
On cost, Philander Smith University charges $11,804 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $47,216 in tuition. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,752 at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith to $33,780 at Ouachita Baptist University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. That median runs roughly 9x the program's annual in-state tuition. It earns its place in the top 15 on the balance of cost, completion, and outcomes.
What a Bachelor's in Business Administration Costs in Arkansas
In-state tuition among the 15 ranked programs in Arkansas runs from $4,752 to $33,780 a year. University of Arkansas-Fort Smith anchors the low end at $4,752, while Ouachita Baptist University sits at the top at $33,780. At public schools that in-state figure is the resident rate; out-of-state students routinely pay two to three times as much, which can reorder this list entirely for anyone moving in from elsewhere.
Run the four-year math and the gap widens: about $19,008 in tuition at the low end against roughly $135,120 at the high end for the same bachelor's in business administration. Against the national median of $105,770 a year, the cheaper degree pays its tuition back far faster.
A higher price does not automatically buy a stronger degree. Weigh each school's graduation rate and net price, not just its sticker tuition, and use its net price calculator for your own situation before comparing.
Accreditation and Value: What to Check First
Every school ranked here is accredited and reports to the federal IPEDS system, so the Hakia Score never rewards an unaccredited program for being cheap or convenient. Accreditation is what makes a business degree count with employers, licensing boards, and other schools, so confirm it on the program's own page before enrolling, not after.
Low tuition only pays off when the degree finishes and counts. That is why this ranking weighs completion alongside cost: a cheap program that graduates a fraction of its students is not a bargain. Where a field carries programmatic accreditation on top of institutional accreditation, look for it too.
Online Business Administration Options in Arkansas
5 of the 15 ranked Arkansas programs offer a confirmed online or distance-education option, which widens access for working students who cannot relocate. An accredited online business degree carries the same standing as its on-campus version, since accreditation attaches to the program and school, not the delivery format.
What changes online is flexibility, not the credential. Before committing, confirm whether courses are self-paced, whether any on-campus intensives are required, and whether the online section charges the in-state rate to every student, which can erase the residency discount that makes a nearby public so cheap.
Business Administration Careers and Pay After an Arkansas Program
Every degree on this list points toward the same national labor market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts national median pay in the field at $105,770 a year, a figure that applies across the profession rather than to any single school here, and it holds whether a graduate paid $4,752 or $33,780 a year in tuition. That is the core tradeoff this ranking is built to expose: a higher price does not buy a higher starting salary in the federal wage data.
Full occupational detail, including job-growth projections and state-level wage breakdowns, is published by the BLS. Graduates of any ranked Arkansas program compete in that same national pay structure.
Business Administration Bachelor's Programs in Arkansas: Your Questions, Answered
What is the best business degree in Arkansas?
By Hakia Score, University of Arkansas ranks first among the 15 business administration programs in Arkansas we analyzed, with an 87.2 score and a 71% graduation rate. The score weighs graduation rate, selectivity, in-state cost, and outcomes, so the top school balances all four rather than winning on any one.
How much does a business degree cost in Arkansas?
In-state tuition among the ranked Arkansas programs runs from $4,752 to $33,780 a year. These are resident rates at public schools; out-of-state students pay more, so confirm your residency status and check the out-of-state column before comparing.
Is an online business degree respected by employers?
Yes, when the school is accredited. An accredited online degree lists the same on a transcript as the on-campus version, and accreditation, not delivery format, is what protects the credential. Every program ranked here is accredited and reporting to the federal IPEDS system.
What salary can graduates expect?
The BLS reports a national median of $105,770 a year for the field. That is a national benchmark, not an Arkansas-specific figure or a promised outcome for any single school, but it is the number every tuition dollar on this page should be measured against.
How the Business Administration Bachelor's Programs in Arkansas Are Scored
Every program earns a Hakia Score from 0 to 100, built only from federal data (IPEDS, the U.S. Department of Education, and BLS) and scored against its true peers: programs in the same field at the same degree level. No reputation surveys, no pay-to-play. Here is how the score is weighted:
- Outcomes44%
Graduation rate (26%) and real per-school graduate earnings (18%). Does the program get students to the finish line, and where do they land?
- Selectivity & academics38%
Admissions selectivity (24%) and the academic profile of admitted students (14%).
- Scale & value18%
Enrollment (7%), cost-to-earnings value (6%), and the number of graduates a program produces (5%).
Weights renormalize over the data each program actually reports, so a school missing a metric (many open-access colleges do not publish entrance scores or earnings) is never penalized for it. Scores are percentiles within the peer group, curved to a 0-to-100 scale. What the score does not measure: individual instructor quality, specific course content, or campus culture. Verify those directly with the program.