Best Private Colleges in Arkansas
Known for its abundant natural parks and waterways, Arkansas is also home to several renowned private universities. This article delves into the best private colleges in Arkansas, exploring their programs’ unique features, annual costs, enrollment figures, and the SAT ranges for admitted students.
Harding University
Harding University is a private Christian institution located in Searcy, Arkansas.
Information About Private Programs
Harding University offers various undergraduate and graduate programs in Business Administration, Education, Engineering, and the Liberal Arts.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost is approximately $20,530. The university enrolls nearly 5,000 students, and the average SAT range for admitted students is 1060-1260.
John Brown University
John Brown University, located in Siloam Springs, is a private Christian university offering a solid liberal arts education.
Information About Private Programs
John Brown University offers over 40 undergraduate majors, including Business, Engineering, Nursing, and Visual Arts. It also offers a variety of graduate programs.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The estimated annual cost is around $28,288. The university enrolls about 2,200 students, and the average SAT range for admitted students is 1100-1320.
Ouachita Baptist University
Ouachita Baptist University is a private, liberal arts undergraduate institution in Arkadelphia.
Information About Private Programs
The university offers over 60-degree programs across seven schools, including the School of Business, the Fine Arts, and Natural Sciences.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The estimated annual cost is around $26,790. The university has approximately 1,500 students, and the average SAT range is 990-1220.
Hendrix College
Located in Conway, Hendrix College is a private liberal arts college known for its commitment to innovative undergraduate education.
Information About Private Programs
Hendrix offers more than 30 major fields of study, including Biology, Economics and Business, English, and Politics and International Relations.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The average annual cost is approximately $47,600. The college has 1,200 students, and the average SAT score range is 1200-1410.
University of the Ozarks
The University of the Ozarks is a private, four-year liberal arts university in Clarksville.
Information About Private Programs
The university offers over 50 undergraduate programs, including Business Administration, Psychology, Elementary Education, and Environmental Studies.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The estimated annual cost is around $24,230. The university enrolls about 850 students; the average SAT range is 970-1180.
Lyon College
Lyon College is a private liberal arts college in Batesville known for its rigorous academic programs.
Information About Private Programs
Lyon College offers undergraduate Biological Sciences, Business, English, and History undergraduate programs.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost is approximately $29,790. The college has around 700 students, and the SAT score range is 1010-1210.
Central Baptist College
Central Baptist College is a private institution in Conway, offering various degree programs from a Christian perspective.
Information About Private Programs
Central Baptist College offers associate and bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration, Behavioral Science, and Ministry.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The estimated annual cost is around $16,200. The college enrolls about 470 students; the average SAT range for admitted students is not publicly disclosed.
Williams Baptist University
In Walnut Ridge, Williams Baptist University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university.
Information About Private Programs
The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in Christian Ministries, Education, Business, and Psychology.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The average annual cost is approximately $18,700. The university enrolls around 500 students; the SAT score range is 880-1080.
Philander Smith College
Philander Smith College is a small, privately funded, historically black liberal arts institution in Little Rock.
Information About Private Programs
The college offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in more than 20 academic disciplines, including Business Administration, Biology, Criminal Justice, and Social Work.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The average annual cost is approximately $11,922. The college has about 1,000 students, and the average SAT score range is 720-860.
The University of Arkansas Grantham
The University of Arkansas Grantham, previously known as Grantham University, is an online private institution.
Information About Private Programs
The university offers online degree programs in Business Administration, Computer Science, Nursing, and Criminal Justice at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The estimated annual cost is around $6,500. The university enrolls over 8,000 students. As an online institution, it has an open admissions policy and does not require SAT scores for admission.
Best Private Colleges in Three Other States
Best Private Colleges in Louisiana
Louisiana is home to several prestigious private universities, including Tulane University in New Orleans, known for its vital programs in law, business, and liberal arts, and Loyola University New Orleans, a Jesuit institution known for its strong commitment to social justice.
Best Private Colleges in Texas
Texas boasts an impressive selection of private universities. Rice University in Houston is renowned for its vital programs in applied sciences, liberal arts, and music. Southern Methodist University in Dallas offers various undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its business school.
Best Private Colleges in Oklahoma
Oklahoma is home to several highly-ranked private colleges. The University of Tulsa is known for its vital law, engineering, and English programs. Oklahoma Christian University in Edmond is a Christian liberal arts university offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
How to Prepare for the SAT
Preparation for the SAT involves a blend of focused study, practice testing, and strategy development. To begin, familiarize yourself with the format and content of the test. Then, use practice tests to identify areas where you need to improve. A study schedule that involves consistent, daily study is critical to improving your score. Additionally, mastering test-taking strategies such as time management and educated guessing can help improve your performance on the exam. Use resources such as SAT prep books, online study programs, and, if necessary, tutoring services to ensure you are well prepared.
Arkansas boasts several excellent private colleges, each with unique strengths and offerings. From Harding University, with its Christian focus, to the University of Arkansas Grantham, with its online programs, there is a school and program to meet the needs and interests of nearly any student. As you consider these options, consider the overall fit, including aspects like campus culture, extracurricular opportunities, and location. Happy college hunting!
