Best Value BSW Colleges in Arkansas 2026

10 ranked BSW programs in Arkansas

How we rank these colleges → | All BSW programs in Arkansas →

All 10 Ranked Colleges in Arkansas

1
Harding University

Searcy, AR · Private · 4,696 students

National #148
58.3 / 100
$22,806
Net Price
$16,763
Avg. Aid
55.6%
Completion Rate

Harding University ranks #148 on our value list for 2026. While more expensive relative to outcomes, the right student may find what they're looking for here.

At $22,806 net cost, this isn't the most affordable option. Make sure the program's other strengths justify the price. The school is generous with financial aid, averaging $16,763 per student. The borrowing rate of 44.0% is moderate — you may need loans, but you won't be alone in that.

2
Arkansas State University

Jonesboro, AR · Public · 15,726 students

National #163
57.3 / 100
$12,410
Net Price
$13,395
Avg. Aid
49.3%
Completion Rate

Arkansas State University ranks #163 on our value list for 2026. While more expensive relative to outcomes, the right student may find what they're looking for here.

At $12,410 net cost, this isn't the most affordable option. Make sure the program's other strengths justify the price. Arkansas State University provides an average of $13,395 in aid per student — well above what most programs offer. Around 42.0% of students take out loans here, putting the borrowing rate in the middle of the pack.

3
University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR · Public · 33,610 students

National #168
56.9 / 100
$18,408
Net Price
$8,804
Avg. Aid
55.6%
Completion Rate

University of Arkansas ranks #168 on our value list for 2026. While more expensive relative to outcomes, the right student may find what they're looking for here.

After aid, students still pay around $18,408 per year — more than many comparable programs. With average aid of $8,804, the school clearly prioritizes making education accessible. About 33.0% of students borrow to fund their education, which is typical for programs in this price range.

4
University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Little Rock, AR · Public · 8,216 students

National #303
49.8 / 100
$12,033
Net Price
$11,013
Avg. Aid
40.1%
Completion Rate

University of Arkansas at Little Rock comes in at #303 on our 2026 best value BSW list. The value proposition is more modest here, but cost isn't everything — location and program fit matter too.

After aid, students still pay around $12,033 per year — more than many comparable programs. University of Arkansas at Little Rock provides an average of $11,013 in aid per student — well above what most programs offer. The borrowing rate of 36.0% is moderate — you may need loans, but you won't be alone in that.

5
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

Fort Smith, AR · Public · 5,496 students

National #377
46.1 / 100
$11,159
Net Price
$7,715
Avg. Aid
40.7%
Completion Rate

University of Arkansas-Fort Smith ranks #377 on our value list for 2026. While more expensive relative to outcomes, the right student may find what they're looking for here.

Expect to pay around $11,159 per year after aid, which is in line with the average for BSW programs. The school provides $7,715 in average aid, putting it in a reasonable range for BSW programs. A loan rate of 26.0% means fewer graduates start their social work careers weighed down by debt.

6
University of Arkansas at Monticello

Monticello, AR · Public · 2,856 students

National #494
38.9 / 100
$14,613
Net Price
$7,812
Avg. Aid
42.0%
Completion Rate

University of Arkansas at Monticello comes in at #494 on our 2026 best value BSW list. The value proposition is more modest here, but cost isn't everything — location and program fit matter too.

The net price of $14,613 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. The school provides $7,812 in average aid, putting it in a reasonable range for BSW programs. About 39.0% of students borrow to fund their education, which is typical for programs in this price range.

7
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Pine Bluff, AR · Public · 2,005 students

National #530
35.9 / 100
$12,373
Net Price
$10,883
Avg. Aid
43.5%
Completion Rate

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff ranks #530 on our value list for 2026. While more expensive relative to outcomes, the right student may find what they're looking for here.

At $12,373 net cost, this isn't the most affordable option. Make sure the program's other strengths justify the price. The school is generous with financial aid, averaging $10,883 per student. About 58.0% of students borrow to fund their education, which is typical for programs in this price range.

8
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus

Magnolia, AR · Public · 4,732 students

National #542
34.8 / 100
$13,442
Net Price
$11,552
Avg. Aid
43.2%
Completion Rate

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus ranks #542 on our value list for 2026. While more expensive relative to outcomes, the right student may find what they're looking for here.

The net price of $13,442 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. The school is generous with financial aid, averaging $11,552 per student. With 63.0% of students taking out loans, debt is a common part of the experience here.

9
Philander Smith University

Little Rock, AR · Private · 780 students

National #545
34.6 / 100
$14,082
Net Price
$14,283
Avg. Aid
22.4%
Completion Rate

Philander Smith University ranks #545 on our value list for 2026. While more expensive relative to outcomes, the right student may find what they're looking for here.

The net price of $14,082 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. Philander Smith University provides an average of $14,283 in aid per student — well above what most programs offer. The borrowing rate of 58.0% is moderate — you may need loans, but you won't be alone in that.

10
Henderson State University

Arkadelphia, AR · Public · 2,055 students

National #596
26.2 / 100
$20,444
Net Price
$7,867
Avg. Aid
34.4%
Completion Rate

Henderson State University comes in at #596 on our 2026 best value BSW list. The value proposition is more modest here, but cost isn't everything — location and program fit matter too.

The net price of $20,444 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. Students receive an average of $7,867 in aid — a meaningful contribution toward total costs. Around 44.0% of students take out loans here, putting the borrowing rate in the middle of the pack.