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	Harding University	86	70.52	1,050 – 1,330	22806	43555	#1 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas Harding University Searcy, AR In the last admissions cycle, Harding University 45% 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 86 % 1.1% Acceptance Rate 70.5% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,330 Avg. Net Price $22,806 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,555
2	University of Arkansas	86	74.3	1,070 – 1,290	18408	49686	#2 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 44% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid. The first year retention rate is 86%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 86 % Acceptance Rate 74.3% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $18,408 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,686
3	Ouachita Baptist University	83	67.52	1,110 – 1,310	24532	41697	#3 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 83 % Acceptance Rate 67.5% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $24,532 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,697
4	John Brown University	81	76.14	1,080 – 1,320	21537	46114	#4 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 somewhat selective school, 31% of those accepted decided to enroll. It offers up to Master's degrees, and popular programs include andConstruction Management. First Year Retention Rate 81 % 3.6% Acceptance Rate 76.1% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $21,537 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,114
5	Hendrix College	80	55.65	1,140 – 1,400	24699	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 $26,884. There are 27 majors and programs available, with many choosing to study Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. First Year Retention Rate 80 % 2.6% Acceptance Rate 55.7% SAT Score 1,140 – 1,400 Avg. Net Price $24,699 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,913
6	Arkansas State University	78	82.26	970 – 1,180	12410	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 82% of applicants. They request $30 for undergraduate applications. About 93% 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 % Acceptance Rate 82.3% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $12,410 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,944
7	University of Arkansas at Little Rock	76	58.78	940 – 1,190	12033	40040	#7 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 59% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests $40 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 76% of students attending the University of Arkansas at Little Rock will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 76 % 7.0% Acceptance Rate 58.8% SAT Score 940 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $12,033 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,040
8	Arkansas Tech University	74	95.89	930 – 1,140	12626	37638	#8 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 70% 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 $12,626 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,638
9	University of Central Arkansas	73	89.49	1,010 – 1,210	16546	36670	#9 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 $25 for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. About 72% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 73 % Acceptance Rate 89.5% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $16,546 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,670
10	University of Arkansas at Monticello	72	0	--	14613	31332	#10 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas University of Arkansas at Monticello Monticello, AR First Year Retention Rate 72 % 4.3% Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $14,613 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $31,332
11	Lyon College	71	62.76	1,080 – 1,240	19872	37629	#11 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas Lyon College Batesville, AR Found in Batesville, Lyon College accepts 63% 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 71% first year retention rate and a 31% four year graduation rate....Read more First Year Retention Rate 71 % 4.4% Acceptance Rate 62.8% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $19,872 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,629
12	University of Arkansas-Fort Smith	70	80.46	970 – 1,140	11159	35925	#12 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 80% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 81% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 70 % 2.8% Acceptance Rate 80.5% SAT Score 970 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $11,159 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,925
13	Williams Baptist University	70	83.42	890 – 1,080	12692	38067	#13 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas Williams Baptist University Walnut Ridge, AR Found in Walnut Ridge, Williams Baptist University accepts 83% of applicants. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. Approximately 100% of students at Williams Baptist University currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 70 % 40.0% Acceptance Rate 83.4% SAT Score 890 – 1,080 Avg. Net Price $12,692 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,067
14	University of the Ozarks	69	59.51	1,040 – 1,200	20088	37651	#14 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 99% 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 % 5.5% Acceptance Rate 59.5% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $20,088 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,651
15	Philander Smith University	66	68	870 – 1,040	14082	25254	#15 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 68% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to send in $25 to apply. Approximately 85% of students attending Philander Smith University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The......Read more First Year Retention Rate 66 % 1.5% Acceptance Rate 68.0% SAT Score 870 – 1,040 Avg. Net Price $14,082 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $25,254
16	Southern Arkansas University Main Campus	66	75.33	930 – 1,180	13442	37008	#16 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 91% 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 $13,442 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,008
17	University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff	64	41.18	810 – 1,000	12373	31161	#17 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 General Studies is the most popular area of study. It’s a highly selective school, and has a 12 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. Alumni include professional athletes, jazz musicians, and politicians. First Year Retention Rate 64 % 1.5% Acceptance Rate 41.2% SAT Score 810 – 1,000 Avg. Net Price $12,373 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $31,161
18	Central Baptist College	63	63.46	930 – 1,140	17469	37681	#18 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas Central Baptist College Conway, AR Located in Conway, Central Baptist College accepted 63% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests $25 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 99% of students at Central Baptist College will receive institutional grant aid. At Central Baptist College, there is a 63% first......Read more First Year Retention Rate 63 % 6.8% Acceptance Rate 63.5% SAT Score 930 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $17,469 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,681
19	Henderson State University	62	81.92	900 – 1,080	20444	35194	#19 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 95% of students attending Henderson State University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 62 % 5.1% Acceptance Rate 81.9% SAT Score 900 – 1,080 Avg. Net Price $20,444 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,194
20	Crowley's Ridge College	54	0	--	17162	33362	#20 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas Crowley's Ridge College Paragould, AR First Year Retention Rate 54 % 23.9% Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $17,162 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,362
21	Ecclesia College	48	73.81	420 – 670	24552	32147	#21 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas Ecclesia College Springdale, AR Located in Springdale, Ecclesia College’s acceptance rate is 74%. They request $35 for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. Approximately 91% of students at Ecclesia College currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. 48% of students decide to stay at Ecclesia......Read more First Year Retention Rate 48 % Acceptance Rate 73.8% SAT Score 420 – 670 Avg. Net Price $24,552 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $32,147
22	Champion Christian College	35	0	--	16467	63721	#22 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas Champion Christian College Hot Springs, AR First Year Retention Rate 35 % Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $16,467 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
23	University of Arkansas Grantham	30	0	--	8369	26870	#23 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas University of Arkansas Grantham LIttle Rock, AR First Year Retention Rate 30 % 25.0% Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $8,369 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $26,870
24	Arkansas Baptist College	23	0	--	10627	22652	#24 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Arkansas Arkansas Baptist College Little Rock, AR First Year Retention Rate 23 % 9.5% Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $10,627 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $22,652