2026 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas

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First-year retention rates measure the percentage of first-year students who come back to campus for a second year. This is an indicator of how happy students are generally with their decision to attend that institution as less students decide to drop out or transfer to another school.

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Rank	Institution	First Year Retention Rate	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	University of Arkansas	86.37	74.31	1,070 – 1,290	17475	49686	#1 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR Located in Fayetteville, the University of Arkansas accepted 74% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to pay $40 to apply. Approximately 39% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid. The first year retention rate is 86%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 86 % 0.1% Acceptance Rate 74.3% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $17,475 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,686
2	John Brown University	86.21	67.64	1,110 – 1,350	21464	46114	#2 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas John Brown University Siloam Springs, AR John Brown University sits on a 200-acre campus featuring the Cathedral of the Ozarks and the Windgate Visual Art Buildings. A fairly selective school, 36% of those accepted decided to enroll. It offers up to Master's degrees, and popular programs include andGeneral Studies. First Year Retention Rate 86 % Acceptance Rate 67.6% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $21,464 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,114
3	Harding University	84.4	39.42	1,080 – 1,310	21069	43555	#3 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas Harding University Searcy, AR In the last admissions cycle, Harding University 93% of accepted students decided to attend the following fall. In addition, 98% of students attending Harding receive institutional grant aid to help them afford tuition. Student athletes are known as the Bisons, and they wear black and gold....Read more First Year Retention Rate 84 % Acceptance Rate 39.4% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $21,069 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,555
4	Ouachita Baptist University	81.9	67.52	1,110 – 1,310	22087	41697	#4 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas Ouachita Baptist University Arkadelphia, AR Ouachita Baptist University, associated with the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, first opened in 1886. 577 athletes are known as the Tigers wear purple and gold while competing in Football, Baseball, Soccer, Swimming, and other sports....Read more First Year Retention Rate 82 % 1.0% Acceptance Rate 67.5% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $22,087 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,697
5	Hendrix College	79.9	55.63	1,240 – 1,400	24236	39913	#5 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas Hendrix College Conway, AR Most students at Hendrix College are undergraduates, but it awards up to Master's degrees. The school gives 100% of students institutional grant aid, with each package averaging $25,518. There are 26 majors and programs available, with many choosing to study Psychology, General. First Year Retention Rate 80 % 2.4% Acceptance Rate 55.6% SAT Score 1,240 – 1,400 Avg. Net Price $24,236 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,913
6	Arkansas State University	78.06	79.59	970 – 1,180	13002	38944	#6 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas Arkansas State University Jonesboro, AR Located in Jonesboro, Arkansas State University accepts 80% of applicants. They request $30 for undergraduate applications. About 87% of students attending Arkansas State University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. 78% of students continued studying at Arkansas State University......Read more First Year Retention Rate 78 % 0.4% Acceptance Rate 79.6% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $13,002 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,944
7	Arkansas Tech University	74.1	95.89	930 – 1,140	11443	37638	#7 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas Arkansas Tech University Russellville, AR Based in Russellville, Arkansas Tech University accepted 96% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 75% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. 74% of students continued......Read more First Year Retention Rate 74 % 4.2% Acceptance Rate 95.9% SAT Score 930 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $11,443 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,638
8	University of Central Arkansas	73.3	89.49	1,010 – 1,210	16362	36670	#8 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas University of Central Arkansas Conway, AR Found in Conway, the University of Central Arkansas accepts 89% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. About 70% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 73 % 0.1% Acceptance Rate 89.5% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $16,362 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,670
9	University of Arkansas-Fort Smith	72.2	81.47	1,010 – 1,180	10387	35925	#9 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Fort Smith, AR Based in Fort Smith, the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith accepted 81% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 82% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 72 % Acceptance Rate 81.5% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $10,387 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,925
10	University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff	70.2	57.54	880 – 1,050	11649	31161	#10 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Pine Bluff, AR The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is a public HBCU that has eight academic divisions, though Business Administration and Management, General is the most popular area of study. It’s a fairly selective school, and has a 15 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. Alumni include professional athletes, jazz musicians, and politicians. First Year Retention Rate 70 % Acceptance Rate 57.5% SAT Score 880 – 1,050 Avg. Net Price $11,649 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $31,161
11	Philander Smith University	69	100	800 – 1,010	14986	25254	#11 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas Philander Smith University Little Rock, AR Based in Little Rock, Philander Smith University accepted 100% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to send in $25 to apply. Approximately 60% of students attending Philander Smith University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The......Read more First Year Retention Rate 69 % Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score 800 – 1,010 Avg. Net Price $14,986 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $25,254
12	University of the Ozarks	68.62	59.51	1,040 – 1,200	16651	37651	#12 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas University of the Ozarks Clarksville, AR Based in Clarksville, the University of the Ozarks accepts 60% of applicants and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 100% of students attending the University of the Ozarks will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 69 % 6.0% Acceptance Rate 59.5% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $16,651 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,651
13	Southern Arkansas University Main Campus	66	75.33	930 – 1,180	14164	37008	#13 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas Southern Arkansas University Main Campus Magnolia, AR Based in Magnolia, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus accepts 75% of applicants and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 85% of students at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus will receive institutional grant aid. 66% of students decide to stay at Southern Arkansas University......Read more First Year Retention Rate 66 % 4.3% Acceptance Rate 75.3% SAT Score 930 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $14,164 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,008
14	University of Arkansas at Little Rock	65.48	57.74	1,010 – 1,220	11225	40040	#14 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas University of Arkansas at Little Rock Little Rock, AR Based in Little Rock, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock accepted 58% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests $40 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 60% of students attending the University of Arkansas at Little Rock will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 65 % Acceptance Rate 57.7% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $11,225 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,040
15	Central Baptist College	61	46.36	990 – 1,190	16672	37681	#15 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas Central Baptist College Conway, AR Located in Conway, Central Baptist College accepted 46% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests $25 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 100% of students at Central Baptist College will receive institutional grant aid. At Central Baptist College, there is a 61% first......Read more First Year Retention Rate 61 % Acceptance Rate 46.4% SAT Score 990 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $16,672 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,681
16	Champion Christian College	61	0	--	15392	63721	#16 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas Champion Christian College Hot Springs, AR First Year Retention Rate 61 % Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $15,392 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
17	Henderson State University	60	81.92	970 – 1,180	16929	35194	#17 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas Henderson State University Arkadelphia, AR Located in Arkadelphia, Henderson State University’s acceptance rate is 82% and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 99% of students attending Henderson State University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 60 % Acceptance Rate 81.9% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $16,929 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,194
18	Ecclesia College	54	47.5	970 – 1,210	24610	32147	#18 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas Ecclesia College Springdale, AR Located in Springdale, Ecclesia College’s acceptance rate is 48%. They request $35 for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. Approximately 100% of students at Ecclesia College currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. 54% of students decide to stay at......Read more First Year Retention Rate 54 % Acceptance Rate 47.5% SAT Score 970 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $24,610 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $32,147
19	Lyon College	50.72	65.54	1,080 – 1,240	22675	37629	#19 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas Lyon College Batesville, AR Found in Batesville, Lyon College accepts 66% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 100% of students at Lyon College currently receive institutional grant aid. At Lyon College, there is a 50% first year retention rate and a 37% four year graduation rate....Read more First Year Retention Rate 51 % Acceptance Rate 65.5% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $22,675 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,629
20	University of Arkansas at Monticello	40	96.29	850 – 1,110	13575	31332	#20 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas University of Arkansas at Monticello Monticello, AR Located in Monticello, the University of Arkansas at Monticello accepts 96% of applicants and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 46% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At the University of Arkansas at Monticello, there is a 40%......Read more First Year Retention Rate 40 % Acceptance Rate 96.3% SAT Score 850 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $13,575 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $31,332
21	Arkansas Baptist College	31	57.74	--	11047	22652	#21 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas Arkansas Baptist College Little Rock, AR Based in Little Rock, Arkansas Baptist College accepts 58% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 9% of students attending Arkansas Baptist College currently receive institutional grant aid. At Arkansas Baptist College, there is a 31% first year......Read more First Year Retention Rate 31 % Acceptance Rate 57.7% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $11,047 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $22,652
22	Crowley's Ridge College	0	46.36	--	17266	33362	#22 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas Crowley's Ridge College Paragould, AR First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 46.4% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $17,266 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,362
23	Strayer University-Arkansas	0	40	--	0	36582	#23 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas Strayer University-Arkansas Little Rock, AR First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 40.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,582
24	University of Arkansas Grantham	0	0	--	9186	26870	#24 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas University of Arkansas Grantham LIttle Rock, AR First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $9,186 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $26,870
25	University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences	0	57.74	--	0	66491	#25 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Little Rock, AR First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 57.7% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $66,491
26	Williams Baptist University	0	58.88	960 – 1,170	16658	38067	#26 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas Williams Baptist University Walnut Ridge, AR First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 58.9% SAT Score 960 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $16,658 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,067