Arkansas Baptist College provides one of the most affordable private college experiences available, with exceptionally low net costs that make higher education accessible to students from low-income backgrounds.
The college's commitment to affordability creates opportunities for students who might otherwise be unable to attend a private institution.
Arkansas Baptist College is a small private nonprofit institution in Little Rock that serves students seeking an intimate college experience at an affordable price point. While the college faces challenges with completion rates and earnings outcomes that place it in the lower tier nationally, it offers significant value through its affordability structure and commitment to serving first-generation and Pell-eligible students.
The institution's primary strength lies in its accessibility for low-income families, with net prices of just $8,700 annually for students from low-income backgrounds. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, and about 45% are first-generation college students, reflecting the college's mission to serve students who might not otherwise have access to higher education. The small size creates opportunities for personalized attention and close faculty-student relationships that larger institutions cannot match.
For families prioritizing affordability over earnings outcomes, Arkansas Baptist College represents a pathway to higher education that won't create overwhelming debt burdens. The college's focus on serving underrepresented populations and maintaining low costs makes it a viable option for students seeking a private college experience without the typical private college price tag.
Arkansas Baptist College operates with a limited program portfolio that reflects its small size and specialized mission. Without detailed program-level data available, prospective students should carefully research the specific majors and career preparation opportunities offered by the college. The institution's small scale means that program offerings are likely concentrated in a few key areas, which may limit options for students with diverse academic interests.
Given the college's modest earnings outcomes and low completion rates, students considering enrollment should thoroughly investigate the strength and market relevance of their intended major. The college's size may provide opportunities for close faculty mentorship and individualized attention, but it also means fewer resources and potentially limited connections to employers and internship opportunities compared to larger institutions.
Prospective students should carefully evaluate whether the college's program offerings align with their career goals and whether the institution provides adequate support services to help students complete their degrees successfully. The combination of limited program data and concerning completion rates suggests that students need to be particularly proactive in researching their options and ensuring they have realistic expectations about their educational and career prospects.
Arkansas Baptist College graduates face significant challenges in the job market, with median earnings of $28,418 ten years after enrollment placing the institution in the bottom quintile nationally for long-term financial outcomes. These earnings are substantially below what similar students achieve at other institutions, reflecting both the college's small size and limited program offerings that may not align with high-demand career fields.
The college's completion rates present additional concerns, with only about 8% of students graduating within six years. This low completion rate means that many students who enroll do not finish their degrees, which significantly impacts their earning potential and career prospects. For the small number of students who do complete their programs, career outcomes vary widely depending on their chosen field and individual circumstances.
While earnings outcomes are modest, graduates who complete their degrees do enter the workforce with relatively manageable debt levels. The combination of low completion rates and modest earnings creates challenges for long-term financial success, making it essential for prospective students to carefully consider their academic preparation and career goals before enrolling.
Arkansas Baptist College stands out for its exceptional affordability, particularly for low-income students who pay just $8,700 annually in net costs. This represents one of the most affordable private college options available, making higher education accessible to families who might otherwise be priced out of private institutions. Middle-income families pay around $18,924 per year, while higher-income families see costs of about $20,431, all of which remain well below typical private college pricing.
The college's financial aid structure effectively reduces the sticker price for most students, with nearly half receiving Pell Grants and substantial institutional aid helping to bridge the gap between published tuition and what families actually pay. Federal student loan debt averages $25,375 for graduates, which is manageable relative to many private institutions, though the modest post-graduation earnings mean that even this level of debt requires careful budgeting and planning for successful repayment.
Arkansas Baptist College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
