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Arkansas Baptist College

Grad Rate
8.2%
Enrollment
373
Tuition
$8,760
Median Salary
$28,418
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
B
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Arkansas Baptist College offers a tight-knit, faith-centered community where students are recognized by name and supported closely by faculty. The urban campus feels intimate and purposeful, fostering a strong sense of belonging and personal growth. Itโ€™s a place where spiritual development and academic progress go hand in hand.

Academics & Majors

The college emphasizes practical learning in fields like Public Administration, Business, and Criminal Justice, with a foundation in liberal arts and philosophy. Teaching is personalized, with small classes and accessible faculty who prioritize student success. Research opportunities are limited but available through faculty-led projects and community engagement.

Popular Majors

Public Administration
25%
Business & Marketing
20.8%
Multidisciplinary Studies
20.8%
Philosophy & Religion
16.7%
Criminal Justice
12.5%
Education
4.2%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

8.2%
Graduation Rate
21.4%
Retention Rate
373
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$8,760
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$11,139
After financial aid
Total Cost
$22,626
Cost of attendance/year
46%
Receive Pell Grants
41.7%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Little Rock

Little Rock offers a mix of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and a growing food scene, with the Arkansas River Trail and River Market District popular among students. The cityโ€™s museums, like the Clinton Presidential Library, and local festivals provide weekend fun. Students also enjoy affordable entertainment options and community events.

Local Rent Check

$950 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Little Rock
Explore Little Rock

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$35,040
$0Est. 4 Years: $35,040

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($28,418):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a busy urban area, so students should remain aware of their surroundings and use campus safety resources. The college provides security patrols and emergency notifications, but crime in the surrounding neighborhood requires vigilance.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Affordable tuition with flat rates for in- and out-of-state students
  • โœ“ Strong financial aid support, with 46% of students receiving Pell Grants
  • โœ“ Personalized attention in small classes with a faith-based community
  • โœ“ Located in Little Rock, offering urban opportunities and internships

Cons

  • โœ— Very low graduation rate (8.2%) and retention rate (21.4%)
  • โœ— Limited research opportunities and academic resources
  • โœ— Urban setting may require extra caution regarding campus safety

Notable Alumni

Dr. Fitz King
Renowned educator and advocate for educational equity in Arkansas
Rev. Dr. Charles D. Johnson
Influential pastor and community leader in the African American faith community
James T. Henry
Notable public servant and advocate for urban development in Little Rock

Frequently Asked Questions

Arkansas Baptist College is known for its faith-based education, strong programs in Public Administration, Business, and Criminal Justice, and its commitment to serving a diverse student body, including many first-generation and Pell Grant-eligible students. It emphasizes character development and community engagement within a Christian framework.

The college has an open admissions policy, making it accessible to most applicants. With an enrollment of just 373 students, it focuses on holistic review, considering character, mission fit, and potential for growth rather than just test scores. This approach supports a diverse and motivated student body.

Campus life is intimate and community-oriented, with small classes and a faith-based environment fostering close relationships. Students engage in chapel services, religious activities, and urban exploration in Little Rock. The urban setting provides access to city amenities but requires personal responsibility for safety.

The low net price and flat tuition make it financially accessible, especially for students with financial need. However, the low graduation and retention rates suggest challenges in degree completion, which could impact long-term earnings. It may be worth it for those seeking a supportive, faith-based education if they leverage resources to succeed.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Arkansas Department of Health Little Rock School District Baptist Health Medical Center City of Little Rock Walmart Corporate
Smart Start Score
32

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 646
  • In-State Tuition $8,760
  • Zip Code 72202

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 73.7% โ™€ 26.3%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $11,139 and flat tuition for in- and out-of-state students, Arkansas Baptist is financially accessible for many families. However, the low graduation rate and median earnings of $28,418 raise questions about long-term ROI. Prospective students should weigh the affordable upfront cost against potential earning outcomes and debt.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $8,760
Housing (12 mo) $11,400
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $27,360
With avg financial aid:
$11,139/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.