2023 Best MBA Programs in Arkansas

Compare MBA Degrees in for 2023

Key Highlights:

• • This guide delivers comprehensive data on tuition fees, average starting salaries, GMAT scores, and enrollment statistics for MBA programs in Arkansas.

• • Detailed overviews of both online and on-campus MBA programs in Arkansas are included, focusing on their strengths, unique specializations, faculty expertise, and alumni networks to help align your study choice with your career ambitions.

• • The guide offers valuable insights into Arkansas's diverse economic sectors, highlighting how an MBA degree serves as a potent tool within these industries.

Arkansas stands as a vibrant blend of various industries. The agricultural sector plays a pivotal role in the state's economy, with a rich tapestry of soybeans, rice, and poultry. Agriculture, however, isn't the state's only strength. Arkansas is also home to a thriving retail sector, led by the world's largest company by revenue, Walmart.

The state's economic landscape features a robust manufacturing industry as well. Known for its production of transportation equipment, processed foods, and electrical equipment, Arkansas offers ample opportunities for MBA graduates to apply their skills. Meanwhile, the healthcare sector, another significant contributor to the economy, provides a wide array of roles in management and administration.

Arkansas's economy also boasts a blossoming tech industry. Tech firms, both start-ups and established enterprises, are making their mark in cities like Fayetteville and Little Rock. MBA graduates with a tech focus will find fertile ground for exciting roles within these companies.

Compare MBA Program Averages Across

Arkansas, the U.S. and Online

Table of Best Ranked MBA Programs in Arkansas

What is the Average Graduate MBA Salary in Arkansas?

While the average starting salary for graduates of an in-person MBA program in Arkansas is about $69,322, the lowest average MBA starting salary is $52,500 from Henderson State University, and the highest average MBA starting salary is $82,700 from John Brown University.

The average starting salary for graduates of an Online MBA program from an institution in Arkansas is between $52,500 from Henderson State University and $82,700 from John Brown University. The average starting MBA salary for graduates of online MBA programs within Arkansas is $68,465.

Average Graduate Salaries for In-Person MBA Programs

• Average: $69,322 from Arkansas's 10 In-Person MBA Programs
• Lowest In-Person: $52,500 from Henderson State University
• Highest In-Person:$82,700 from John Brown University

Average Graduate Salaries for Online MBA Programs

• Average: $68,465 from Arkansas's 7 Online MBA Programs
• Lowest Online: $52,500 from Henderson State University
• Highest Online: $82,700 from John Brown University

What is the Average Tuition for MBA Programs in Arkansas?
If you plan on attending an MBA program, it's best to start thinking about fiscal responsibility. A prospective B-Student needs to weigh their tuition options. An AACSB-accredited MBA program can pave the way for a great starting salary or career advancement. An online MBA program can provide the flexibility of completing a program while being employed in your respective career.

While the average in-person MBA program in Arkansas will cost about $17,462, the least expensive MBA program is $10,748 from University of Central Arkansas, and the most expensive is $34,894 from University of Arkansas.

An Online MBA program from an institution in Arkansas will cost you between $10,748 from University of Central Arkansas and $16,681 from University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The average cost of online MBA programs within Arkansas is $12,671.

Average Tuition for In-Person MBA Programs

• Average: $17,462 from Arkansas's 10 in-person MBA Programs
• Lowest in-person: $10,748 from University of Central Arkansas
• Highest in-person: $34,894 from University of Arkansas

Average Tuition for Online MBA Programs

• Average: $12,671 from Arkansas's 7 online MBA Programs
• Lowest online: $10,748 from University of Central Arkansas
• Highest online: $16,681 from University of Arkansas at Little Rock

What is the ROI for MBA Programs in Arkansas?

Choosing an MBA program requires more than a glance at the school's reputation or curriculum. The return on investment (ROI) should take center stage in your evaluation. This measurement reveals the potential value derived from your tuition investment, putting key factors such as starting salary and career progression under the microscope.

By scrutinizing the ROI, you're not just making a decision—you're making an informed one. This approach will ensure the selection of an MBA program that provides the most bang for your buck. Checking the ROI might not be an afterthought; it could be the game-changer in your MBA journey.

While the average in-person MBA program ROI from Arkansas is 246%, the lowest ROI is 108% from University of Arkansas, and the best ROI is 363% from University of Central Arkansas.

The ROI from Online MBA programs in Arkansas range between 180% from University of Arkansas at Little Rock and 363% from University of Central Arkansas. The average ROI of online MBA programs within Arkansas is 269%.

In-Person ROI for MBA Programs

• Average: 246% from Arkansas's 10 in-person MBA Programs
• Lowest in-person: 108% from University of Arkansas
• Highest in-person: 363% from University of Central Arkansas

Online ROI for MBA Programs

• Average: 269% from Arkansas's 7 online MBA Programs
• Lowest online: 180% from University of Arkansas at Little Rock
• Highest online: 363% from University of Central Arkansas

What is the Average GMAT Score Needed for an MBA Program in Arkansas?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized examination used by MBA schools to assess their applicant pool. The test is strategically designed to measure an applicant’s analytical, verbal, writing and mathematical skills. The GMAT is used as a predictor of success in MBA programs and tests one’s ability to successfully handle the advanced quantitative and qualitative study of business and management.

While the average GMAT score needed for in-person MBA program in Arkansas is 522, the lowest average GMAT score is for an MBA program is 400 from Henderson State University, and the highest GMAT score needed is 620 from University of Arkansas.

The average GMAT score needed for an online MBA program from an institution in Arkansas is between 400 from Henderson State University to 608 from Arkansas State University. The average GMAT scored for online MBA programs within Arkansas is 508.

Average GMAT Score for In-Person MBA Programs

• Average: 522 from Arkansas's 10 in-person MBA Programs
• Lowest in-person: 400 from Henderson State University
• Highest in-person: 620 from University of Arkansas

Average GMAT Score for Online MBA Programs

• Average: 508 from Arkansas's 7 online MBA Programs
• Lowest online: 400 from Henderson State University
• Highest online: 608 from Arkansas State University

Which MBA Schools Have the Highest Student Enrollment in Arkansas?

The importance of networking, whether it's by way of campus job fairs, student organization members, or faculty mentorship, should not be understated. The average MBA enrollment size has a direct impact on your studies, your job prospects, and your ability to define your career goals.

Every B-School has a strategy behind their enrollment sizes. If a prospective B-Student is looking for networking opportunities, wants to attend job fairs, and plans on joining student organizations, B-School enrollment size plays an important role in the decision making process. For the B-Student interested in the smaller cohort-style classroom experience and thrive with face-to-face collaboration with their professors, a manageable enrollment size is the preferred option.

For Arkansas state's MBA programs, the range for full-time enrollment is between 16 and 183. For part-time enrollment, the range is between 37 and 200.

Average Enrollment for Score for In-Person MBA Programs

• Lowest: 16 from Henderson State University
• Highest: 183 from University of Arkansas
• Average: 77 from Arkansas's 12 MBA Programs.
• Average: 243 from 879 the nation's campus MBA Programs.

Average Enrollment for Score for Online MBA Programs

• Lowest: 16 from Henderson State University
• Highest: 141 from University of Central Arkansas
• Average: 59 from Arkansas's 7 MBA Programs.
• Average: 201 from 327 nation's online MBA Programs.

What MBA Concentrations Available in Arkansas?

Highly competitive B-Schools recruit part-time and full-time professors that are both academic and industry influencers. They are the subject matter experts in their respective concentrations. To meet the diverse needs of Arkansas businesses, MBA programs here have risen to the challenge by offering you an array of more than 36 MBA concentrations including:

• Finance: 12
• Marketing: 12
• Accounting: 11
• General Business: 11
• Entrepreneurship: 10
• Management: 10
• Information Systems: 9
• Healthcare Administration: 9
• Data Analytics: 7
• Economics: 7

Here are the top schools offering the widest variety of concentrations to choose from:

• Arkansas State University: 21
• Harding University: 18
• John Brown University: 16
• University of Arkansas: 16
• Ouachita Baptist University: 12
• University of Arkansas at Fort Smith: 12
• Henderson State University: 11
• University of Central Arkansas: 10
• Arkansas Tech University: 10
• University of Arkansas at Little Rock: 10

The Importance of MBA Accreditation

The importance of accreditation can't be underestimated. For many, knowing your school is accredited by the AACSB and regionally accredited by the US Department of Education is enough assurance that you will receive a quality education, where credits are more likely to transfer, and you will be qualified for loans, grants, and scholarships.

AACSB accreditation is considered to be the gold standard in business school credentialing. Established to promote high-quality business education in the U.S., AACSB members developed a stringent accreditation process. Members are held accountable for following an established business education framework set forth by the AACSB. With that comes MBA degrees conferrals that are widely recognized by Fortune 500 companies. This results in lucrative job opportunities.

Cities Offering MBA Programs in Arkansas

Looking for a particular city in Arkansas with an accredited MBA program? Research and compare MBA programs from other cities in Arkansas. Find online programs, programs by concentration, by average GMAT score and more.

• Arkadelphia
• Conway
• Fayetteville
• Fort Smith
• Little Rock
• Magnolia
• Russellville
• State University

MBA Program Options Available in Arkansas

Options for earning your MBA in Arkansas have never been more flexible. Arkansas MBA programs have become adept at offering effective alternatives for you to earn your MBA, no matter your life situation or schedule.

Arkansas has 12 Accredited MBA programs. 1 private and 8 public schools offering MBA programs.

Arkansas has 8 public schools and 1 private schools offering MBA degree programs.

12 Accredited MBA programs.  and 8 public schools offering MBA programs.

Arkansas schools offer 9 different paths to earn your MBA in Arkansas including Online, Campus, Full-Time, 1-Year, Distance Education, Evenings and Weekends, Off Campus, Part-Time and Partnership.

To meet the diverse needs of Arkansas businesses, MBA programs here have risen to the challenge by offering you an array of more than 36 MBA concentrations to specialize in.

Awards for MBA Programs in Arkansas

The ranking of MBA programs is certainly not an exact science and plenty of subjective reasoning and biases come into play. We offer insights into ranking as another way to evaluate a potential MBA program.

Of the 12 accredited MBA programs offered in Arkansas, 9 of them have been recognized by at least one distinguished publication (MBAGuide, PQ and US News) garnering an award as one of the best MBA programs in the country.

Arkansas schools have earned a total of 11 Best MBA awards from publications. Here are the top MBA schools and the number of awards the each program has garnered:

• University of Arkansas: 3
• Southern Arkansas University: 1
• Ouachita Baptist University: 1
• University of Central Arkansas: 1
• University of Arkansas at Fort Smith: 1
• Arkansas Tech University: 1
• Henderson State University: 1
• Arkansas State University: 1
• University of Arkansas at Little Rock: 1

Publications and the number of awards granted for Arkansas schools:

• MBAGuide: 9
• US News: 1