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Best Universities in Arkansas for International Students

Darshan Shah
Darshan Shah

20 Sep 2024

Arkansas is known for its beautiful beauty and historical cultural heritage. It offers high-quality academic education in the universities. It is one of the most attractive destinations for international students who want to experience different cultures and the best academics. A few top universities include the University of Arkansas (U of A), Arkansas State University (ASU), and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR). These universities are known to provide the best programs, extensive research opportunities, and support for international students. They are known for their programs in business, engineering, agriculture, and health science. The tuition fees are very competitive and the cost of living is moderate. They offer welcoming communities to make international students feel comfortable. They offer many research activities, internships, and co-curricular activities. Comparatively, the state has a lower cost of living compared to other US states, making it an attractive option for students. To provide a blend of academic excellence and affordability, making an ideal choice for international students. In this blog, we tell you about the cost of living in Arkansas, why Arkansas is a desirable option, and which are the top universities in Arkansas.

Why choose Arkansas?

Arkansas is one of the most attractive locations for international students for their education. Here, a few reasons why international students must choose Arkansas.

  • The tuition fees and the cost of living is comparatively much low than other states in the US. Budget is one of the most important considerations that international students do before deciding on a University. These universities also offer scholarships and financial aid to Finance international students' education.
  • The state offers many prestigious universities like the University of Arkansas (U of A), Arkansas State University (ASU), and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR). They offer a wide range of diverse programs in undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD levels. 
  • Universities in the state have very strong programs in the fields of engineering, health, science, agriculture, and business administration. They also offer specialization courses for students to pursue skills in their interest field. This leads to higher opportunities, career-wise.
  • These universities are known to provide very strong research opportunities for international students. They get a chance to experience and explore different fields. They particularly focus on engineering, agriculture, and environmental science. 
  • The universities in Arkansas provide international students, with support services, counseling, assistance, and orientation programs to help them adjust in the new environment. They help students to complete their transition smoothly.
  • Arkansas believes in cultural and social integration. Universities have many student communities which are friendly and welcoming to international students. They offer many cultural activities and seminars to help international students adapt to local culture. 
  • Arkansas is known for its natural beauty and beautiful environment, mental landscapes. It also makes it very attractive because of different activities such as hiking, Kayaking, and camping. This provides students a very balanced lifestyle with both academics and outdoor activities.
  • Arkansas offers students many internships and job placement opportunities in diverse sectors like business, healthcare, and technology. This gives international students practical experience and a taste of the global market.
  • Arkansas isn’t an attractive option because it is centrally located in the US. It is very easy for students to travel for internships and networking opportunities to different major cities of the US. 
  • Arkansas allows students to engage with each other with different cultural backgrounds. by the students can create diverse networking and friendships. This can also help them in creating business contacts and future partnerships.

Cost of living in Arkansas for international students 

Arkansas is an attractive destination because of its lower cost of living compared to other US states. We have mentioned a breakdown of the average cost of living for international students in Arkansas. Make a note that these may change, depending on the students, lifestyle, and personal preferences.

  • Housing cost

On-campus housing- the university provides dorms and apartments on the campus itself for international students. This makes traveling easy for them. Students can expect an approximate range of around $3500 to $7000 for one academic year.

Off-campus housing- if students go for off-campus apartments and flats on rent, they can expect an approximate range of around $500-$900 monthly. This is comparatively higher than on-campus housing.

  • Utility

Utility mainly includes electricity, water, heating, cooling, and the Internet. The approximate expense of this completely depends on the usage and the size of the apartment. On average, international students can expect around $150 to $250 monthly.

  • Food and grocery

Universities provide students with food in the campus itself. The approximate expense for that is around $2000 to $4000 yearly. This depends on the number of meals that you take up every week.

For off-campus students, the cost of groceries is around $150 to $300 monthly.

If students go for dine-out options it is also an affordable option. The students will expect a bill of 10 $ to 15 $ for one meal.

  • Transportation cost

It is very common to use public transportation in these US states. A student is using public transportation. The monthly expenses will be around $20 to $50.

Many students rent or buy a used car. The expenses include gas, maintenance, insurance, and registration. The monthly expenses are around $150 to $200.

  • Health insurance

International students are required to have health insurance. Many universities provide different plans of health insurance to international students. The approximate expenses are around $1000 to $2000 yearly. There are many private organizations also providing health insurance and the expense may increase on the basis of the plan and the coverage that you choose.

  • Miscellaneous expense

The approximate expense for textbooks and other supplies is around $500 to $1000 per academic year. Students can also choose to rent or use second-hand books and supplies, this saves the cost.

Other personal expenses such as entertainment and shopping is a very personal expenses and may differ from student to student. But on average students usually spend around $100 to $300 monthly.

Average Tuition fees

With the cost of living, tuition fees are also an important thing that students see before deciding on the University. The average tuition fee in Arkansas is comparatively lower than other states in the US-

  • Undergraduate programs- the average tuition fee for undergraduate programs is around $13,000 to $15,000 yearly. 
  • Post-graduate programs- the average tuition fee for a master's is around $15,000 to $30,000 yearly 

Top universities in Arkansas for international students 

Arkansas is a very unique option for international students. It provides many academic opportunities, and co-curricular activities making it a very attractive option. The top universities in Arkansas include- the University of Arkansas (U of A), Arkansas State University (ASU), and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR). They offer many undergraduate and master's programs in diverse fields. They are known for different fields like engineering, health science, environmental science, and arctic research. The tuition fees are comparatively lower compared to many states and offer diverse programs and research opportunities.

John Brown University 

  • Location- Arkansas, Siloam Springs
  • Application fee- USD $25
  • Type- Private university 
  • The average tuition fee for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs is around $13,000 to $18,000 yearly.
  • Accreditation- Accreditation by regional HLC (higher learning commission) and special accreditation for programs like business, engineering, and education.
  • Degrees Offered-

Undergraduate degrees (Bachelors in arts, science, science in engineering, business administration)

Graduate degrees (Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in counseling, Higher Education, and Design)

Online courses- students can pursue full bachelor's and Masters programs online, with the same curriculum.

  • Popular courses include-

Digital media

Nursing

Business administration

Courses of engineering

Graphic design

Family and human service

  • Average class size- 15-20 students 
  • Student life-

around 40 student clubs 

On-campus housing is available 

Many cultural and entertainment events are hosted at the university for the students 

Encourage sports and athletic programs 

  • Scholarship-

around 90% of the students get financial aid from the university.

Few scholarship programs available are- merit-based, need-based, graduate assistantship, and student loans. 

Henderson State University 

  • Location- Arkansas, Arkadelphia
  • Application fee- USD $75
  • Type- Public liberal arts university 
  • The average tuition fee for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs is around $15,000 to $18,000 yearly.
  • Accreditation- Accreditation by regional HLC (higher learning commission) and special accreditation for programs like business, nursing, and teacher education.
  • Degrees Offered-

Undergraduate degrees (Bachelors in arts, science, business administration, music, and more)

Graduate degrees (Master of business administration, Master of science in education, liberal arts, and science in nursing)

Online courses- students can pursue full bachelor's and master's programs online, with the same curriculum.

  • Popular courses include-

Business administration

Education

Nursing

Biological science

Aviation

Psychology

  • Special program- provides a specialization in aviation and flight training for a certificate for a professional pilot.
  • Average class size- 20-30 students 
  • Student life-

around 60 student clubs 

On-campus housing is available 

Many cultural and entertainment events are hosted at the university for the students 

Encourage sports and athletic programs 

  • Scholarship-

around 90% of the students get financial aid from the university.

Few scholarship programs available are- merit-based, athletics-based, need-based, graduate assistantship, and student loans. 

Southern Arkansas University 

  • Location- Arkansas, Mansfield
  • Application fee- USD $90
  • Type- public university 
  • The average tuition fee for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs is around $13,000 to $18,000 yearly.
  • Accreditation- Accreditation by regional HLC (higher learning commission) and special accreditation for programs like business, Nursing, and education.
  • Degrees Offered-

Undergraduate degrees (Bachelors in arts, science, science in engineering, business administration, music and more)

Graduate degrees (Master of business administration, Master of education, science in Agriculture, science in Kinesiology and much more)

Online courses- students can pursue full bachelor's and master's programs online, with the same curriculum.

  • Popular courses include-

Business administration

Agriculture

Nursing

Education

Engineering

Computer science

  • Specialization- the university provides special specialization programs in agriculture and computer science.
  • Average class size- 20-25 students 
  • Student life-

around 60 student clubs 

On-campus housing is available 

Many cultural and entertainment events are hosted at the university for the students 

Encourage sports and athletic programs 

  • Scholarship-

around 90% of the students get financial aid from the university.

Few scholarship programs available are- merit based, need-based, graduate assistantship, and student loans. 

University of Central Arkansas

  • Location- Arkansas, Conway
  • Application fee- USD $50
  • Type- public university
  • The average tuition fee for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs is around $13,000 to $18,000 yearly.
  • Accreditation- Accreditation by regional HLC (higher learning commission) and special accreditation for programs like business, Nursing, and education.
  • Degrees offered-

Undergraduate degrees (Bachelors in arts, science, fine arts, business administration, and more)

Graduate degrees (Master of business administration, master of science in Education, science in Agriculture, PhD Physical Therapy, masters in Fine Arts and much more)

Online courses- students can pursue full bachelor's and Masters programs online, with the same curriculum.

  • Popular courses include-

Business administration

Agriculture

Nursing

Education

Psychology

Computer science

Health professions

  • Average class size- around 25 students 
  • Student life-

around 200 student clubs 

On-campus housing is available 

Many cultural and entertainment events are hosted at the university for the students 

Encourage sports and athletic programs 

  • Scholarship-

around 90% of the students get financial aid from the university.

Few scholarship programs available are- merit-based, need-based, graduate assistantship and student loans. 

Harding University 

  • Location- Arkansas, Searcy
  • Application fee- USD $50
  • Type- private university 
  • The average tuition fee for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs is around $13,000 to $18,000 yearly.
  • Accreditation- Accreditation by regional HLC (higher learning commission) and special accreditation for programs like business, Nursing, pharmacy, and education.
  • Degrees offered-

Undergraduate degrees (Bachelors in business administration, arts, music and more)

Graduate degrees (master of business administration, master of science in Education, doctor of Pharmacy, masters in mental health counseling and much more)

Online courses- students can pursue full bachelor's and Masters programs online, with the same curriculum.

  • Popular courses include-

Business administration

Nursing

Education

Psychology

Pharmacy 

  • Average class size- around 20 students 
  • Student life-

around 100 student clubs 

On-campus housing is available 

Many cultural and entertainment events are hosted at the university for the students 

Encourage sports and athletic programs 

  • Scholarship-

around 90% of the students get financial aid from the university.

Few scholarship programs available are- merit-based, need-based, graduate assistantship, and student loans. 

University of Arkansas-Fayetteville 

  • Location- Arkansas, Fayetteville
  • Application fee- USD $60
  • Type- public flagship university 
  • The average tuition fee for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs is around $13,000 to $18,000 yearly.
  • Accreditation- Accreditation by regional HLC (higher learning commission) and special accreditation for programs like business, Nursing, and education.
  • Degrees offered-

Undergraduate degrees (Bachelors in arts, science, business administration, architecture, and more)

Graduate degrees (masters of business administration, masters of science, fine arts, law, Dr of education, and much more)

Online courses- students can pursue full bachelor's and Masters programs online, with the same curriculum.

  • Popular courses include-

Business administration

Nursing

Engineering

Architecture

Architectural science

Communication

  • Average class size- around 20-30 students 
  • Student life-

around 200 student clubs 

On-campus housing is available 

Many cultural and entertainment events are hosted at the university for the students 

Encourage sports and athletic programs 

  • Scholarship-

around 90% of the students get financial aid from the university.

Few scholarship programs available are- merit-based, need-based, graduate assistantship, and student loans. 

Other top universities include- 

1.Arkansas Tech University 

  • Location- Arkansas, Russellville
  • Application fee- USD $95
  • The average tuition fee for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs is around $13,000 to $18,000 yearly.

2. Arkansas State University 

  • Location- Arkansas, Jonesboro
  • Application fee- USD $50
  • The average tuition fee for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs is around $13,000 to $18,000 yearly.

3. Hendrix college 

  • Location- Arkansas, Conway
  • Application fee- USD $75
  • The average tuition fee for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs is around $13,000 to $18,000 yearly.

4. University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture 

  • Location- Arkansas, Arkansas City
  • Application fee- USD $95
  • The average tuition fee for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs is around $13,000 to $18,000 yearly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, universities in Arkansas are known for their high-quality education and affordable costs for international students. Some of the top universities are the University of Arkansas (U of A), Arkansas State University (ASU), and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR). They are known to provide very strong academic programs, research opportunities, and very comprehensive support staff for international students. The tuition fees and the cost of living is comparatively lower than other states in the US making it an attractive option for international students. We at D-vivid Consultants with our team will help you choose your top university. We will help you in the application procedure and provide you with the best resources and our valuable time. We will help you in both personal and professional growth.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Mention a few top universities in Arkansas for international students.

Some of the top universities are the University of Arkansas (U of A), Arkansas State University (ASU), and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR).

What are few scholarship programs available in the university for international students?

Few scholarship programs available are merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, and government grants for international students. 

Mention a few popular programs offered by universities in Arkansas.

A few popular programs include engineering, business, computer science and health science. They also offer many specialization courses.

What is the approximate average fee?

The average tuition fee for undergraduate programs is around $13,000 to $15,000 yearly and the average tuition fee for masters is around $15,000 to $30,000 yearly.

Is it compulsory for international students to take health insurance?

International students are required to have health insurance. Many universities provide different plans of health insurance to international students. The approximate expenses are around $1000 to $2000 yearly. There are many private organizations also providing health insurance and the expense may increase on the basis of the plan and the coverage that you choose.

How international students get support from universities

The universities in Arkansas provide international students, with support services, counseling, assistance, and orientation programs to help them adjust to the new environment. They help students to complete their transition smoothly.