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Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Arkansas

2023 Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Arkansas

21 Schools Ranked
$5,364 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$15,051 Avg Student Debt

With all the trade school programs available today, it can be tough to choose which one is the best for you. You can choose a traditional brick and mortar school, or with the growth of online education, you can attend a school half-way across the country without even leaving your house.

The Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Arkansas ranking is one of many tools that Trade College Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. Our analysis looked at 21 schools in Arkansas to see which associate degree programs offered the best educational experiences for trade school students.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Trade Associate Degree Schools in Arkansas

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

699 Total Awards
$7,456 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,556 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Arkansas State University - Main Campus to be the best school for trade school students who want to pursue a associate degree in Arkansas. Located in Jonesboro, Arkansas, the fairly large public school handed out 699 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Arkansas pay an average of $7,456 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend A-State. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $13,312. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,556 in student loans.

A-State does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 61% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Arkansas State University - Main Campus

#2

Arkansas Tech University

Russellville, Arkansas
1,563 Total Awards
$8,071 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,337 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #2 on this year’s list means Arkansas Tech University is a great place for trade school students working on their associate degree. ATU is a public institution located in Russellville, Arkansas. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,563 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $8,071 in tuition and fees if they attend ATU full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $13,891. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,337 in student loans.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since ATU does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 62% took at least some of their classes online.

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309 Total Awards
$2,952 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,181 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Arkansas State University - Newport. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Arkansas list. This small public school is located in Newport, Arkansas, and it awarded 309 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at ASUN is $2,952. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $4,416. On average, associate degree students take out $12,181 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at ASUN. In 2020-2021 about 54% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Arkansas State University - Newport

#4

NorthWest Arkansas Community College

Bentonville, Arkansas
1,135 Total Awards
$4,450 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,857 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend NorthWest Arkansas Community College. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Arkansas list. Located in Bentonville, Arkansas, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,135 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at NWACC is $4,450. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $4,906. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,857 in student loans.

Some students may be able to take online classes at NWACC. In 2020-2021 about 69% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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719 Total Awards
$5,820 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,692 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College is a great place for trade school students working on their associate degree. University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College is a small public school located in North Little Rock, Arkansas that handed out 719 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Arkansas pay an average of $5,820 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend UA Pulaski Tech. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,050. Associate Degree recipients from UA Pulaski Tech accumulate an average of $17,692 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at UA Pulaski Tech. In fact, around 75% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College

#6

Henderson State University

Arkadelphia, Arkansas
10 Total Awards
$7,560 Average Tuition & Fees

Henderson State University landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. Arkadelphia, Arkansas is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 10 students in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Henderson State University is $7,560. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $9,768.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Henderson State University. In 2020-2021 about 67% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Henderson State University

#7

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Little Rock, Arkansas
361 Total Awards
$9,512 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,173 Avg Student Debt

University of Arkansas at Little Rock landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. Little Rock, Arkansas is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 361 students in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at UA Little Rock is $9,512. Out-of-state students pay an average of $21,767. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,173 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at UA Little Rock. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 81% took at least some of their classes online.

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#8

Black River Technical College

Pocahontas, Arkansas
375 Total Awards
$4,440 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,069 Avg Student Debt

Black River Technical College came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Arkansas ranking. Black River Technical College is located in Pocahontas, Arkansas and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 375 associate degrees to qualified students.

Students from Arkansas who attend Black River Technical College full time pay an average of $4,440 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,888. On average, associate degree students take out $13,069 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Black River Technical College. During the 2020-2021 year, about 70% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#9

University of Arkansas - Fort Smith

Fort Smith, Arkansas
210 Total Awards
$6,418 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #9, University of Arkansas - Fort Smith did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Located in Fort Smith, Arkansas, the medium-sized public school handed out 210 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $6,418 in tuition and fees if they attend UAFS full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $13,594.

One thing to take note of is that UAFS does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 60% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

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108 Total Awards
$3,500 Average Tuition & Fees

Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Arkansas ranking. Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas is a small public school located in Helena, Arkansas that handed out 108 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from Arkansas who attend Phillips County Community College full time pay an average of $3,500 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $5,060.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Phillips County Community College. In 2020-2021 about 29% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas Report

#11

North Arkansas College

Harrison, Arkansas
286 Total Awards
$3,408 Average Tuition & Fees
$9,859 Avg Student Debt

North Arkansas College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #11 on the list. North Arkansas College is a small public school located in Harrison, Arkansas that handed out 286 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from Arkansas who attend Northark full time pay an average of $3,408 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $5,136. Associate Degree recipients from Northark accumulate an average of $9,859 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Northark. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 56% took at least some of their classes online.

Full North Arkansas College Report

#12

National Park College

Hot Springs, Arkansas
239 Total Awards
$5,650 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,450 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #12, National Park College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. National Park College is a small public school situated in Hot Springs, Arkansas. It awarded 239 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from Arkansas who attend National Park College full time pay an average of $5,650 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $6,880. On average, associate degree students take out $16,450 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at National Park College. In fact, around 68% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full National Park College Report

189 Total Awards
$3,720 Average Tuition & Fees

University of Arkansas Rich Mountain landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. Located in Mena, Arkansas, the very small public school awarded 189 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Arkansas pay an average of $3,720 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend UA Rich Mountain. Out-of-state students pay an average of $3,960.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since UA Rich Mountain does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 64% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#14

Arkansas Northeastern College

Blytheville, Arkansas
164 Total Awards
$2,822 Average Tuition & Fees

Arkansas Northeastern College landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. Located in Blytheville, Arkansas, the small public school handed out 164 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $2,822 in tuition and fees if they attend Arkansas Northeastern College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $4,222.

One thing to take note of is that Arkansas Northeastern College does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 76% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Arkansas Northeastern College

#16

South Arkansas Community College

El Dorado, Arkansas
163 Total Awards
$3,324 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,467 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #16, South Arkansas Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Located in El Dorado, Arkansas, the small public school handed out 163 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Arkansas pay an average of $3,324 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend SouthArk. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $5,124. Associate Degree recipients from SouthArk accumulate an average of $13,467 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at SouthArk. In fact, around 59% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full South Arkansas Community College Report

89 Total Awards
$3,356 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,455 Avg Student Debt

Arkansas State University Three Rivers came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Arkansas ranking. Arkansas State University Three Rivers is a small public school located in Malvern, Arkansas that handed out 89 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from Arkansas who attend ASU Three Rivers full time pay an average of $3,356 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $5,780. Associate Degree recipients from ASU Three Rivers accumulate an average of $15,455 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at ASU Three Rivers. In fact, around 16% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Arkansas State University Three Rivers

195 Total Awards
$3,126 Average Tuition & Fees
$9,501 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #18, University of Arkansas Community College - Batesville did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Batesville, Arkansas is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 195 students in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $3,126 in tuition and fees if they attend UACCB full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $3,750. On average, associate degree students take out $9,501 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at UACCB, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2020-2021 about 55% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on University of Arkansas Community College - Batesville

601 Total Awards
$3,024 Average Tuition & Fees
$8,736 Avg Student Debt

Arkansas State University - Beebe ranked #19 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Arkansas list. ASU-Beebe is a small public school situated in Beebe, Arkansas. It awarded 601 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $3,024 in tuition and fees if they attend ASU-Beebe full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $4,728. On average, associate degree students take out $8,736 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at ASU-Beebe. In fact, around 52% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Arkansas State University - Beebe Report

#20

Arkansas State University - Mountain Home

Mountain Home, Arkansas
275 Total Awards
$3,024 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,906 Avg Student Debt

Arkansas State University - Mountain Home came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Arkansas ranking. Located in Mountain Home, Arkansas, the small public school handed out 275 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $3,024 in tuition and fees if they attend ASUMH full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $4,632. Associate Degree recipients from ASUMH accumulate an average of $13,906 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that ASUMH does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2020-2021 year, about 60% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Arkansas State University - Mountain Home

210 Total Awards
$4,830 Average Tuition & Fees
$7,273 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #21, Southern Arkansas University Tech did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Located in Camden, Arkansas, the very small public school handed out 210 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at SAU Tech is $4,830. Out-of-state students pay an average of $6,210. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $7,273 in student loans.

Some students may be able to take online classes at SAU Tech. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 41% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Southern Arkansas University Tech Report

View Best Trade Associate Degree Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 21 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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