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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. A-State is a fairly large public school situated in Jonesboro, Arkansas. It awarded 699 associate degrees 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. Out-of-state students 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.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at A-State. During the 2020-2021 year, about 61% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Arkansas State University - Main Campus Report

#2

Arkansas Tech University

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

Out of the 21 schools in Arkansas that were part of this year’s ranking, Arkansas Tech University landed the # 2 spot on the list. Located in Russellville, Arkansas, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,563 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at ATU is $8,071. If you are from out of state, expect to 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.

Online courses are available at ATU, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2020-2021 about 62% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Arkansas Tech University

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

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Arkansas State University - Newport. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Arkansas list. ASUN is a small public school situated in Newport, Arkansas. It awarded 309 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at ASUN is $2,952. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $4,416. Associate Degree recipients from ASUN accumulate an average of $12,181 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since ASUN does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 54% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

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

The excellent associate degree programs at NorthWest Arkansas Community College helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the best trade school schools in Arkansas. Located in Bentonville, Arkansas, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,135 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

Students from Arkansas who attend NWACC full time pay an average of $4,450 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $4,906. On average, associate degree students take out $12,857 in loans while pursuing their degree.

NWACC 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. In fact, around 69% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full NorthWest Arkansas Community College Report

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. This small public school is located in North Little Rock, Arkansas, and it awarded 719 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $5,820 in tuition and fees if they attend UA Pulaski Tech full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,050. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,692 in student loans.

Online courses are available at UA Pulaski Tech, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2020-2021 about 75% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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#6

Henderson State University

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

Henderson State University 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 #6 on the list. Henderson State University is a small public school located in Arkadelphia, Arkansas that handed out 10 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Arkansas pay an average of $7,560 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Henderson State University. Out-of-state students pay an average of $9,768.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Henderson State University. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 67% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Henderson State University Report

#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 came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Arkansas ranking. 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.

In-state students pay an average of $9,512 in tuition and fees if they attend UA Little Rock full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $21,767. On average, associate degree students take out $19,173 in loans while pursuing their degree.

One thing to take note of is that UA Little Rock does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2020-2021 year, about 81% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#8

Black River Technical College

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

With a ranking of #8, Black River Technical College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. 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.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Black River Technical College is $4,440. Out-of-state students pay an average of $6,888. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,069 in student loans.

Online courses are available at Black River Technical College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 70% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#9

University of Arkansas - Fort Smith

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

University of Arkansas - Fort Smith 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 #9 on the list. UAFS is located in Fort Smith, Arkansas and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 210 associate degrees to qualified students.

Students from Arkansas who attend UAFS full time pay an average of $6,418 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $13,594.

Some students may be able to take online classes at UAFS. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 60% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

108 Total Awards
$3,500 Average Tuition & Fees

Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas ranked #10 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Arkansas list. Phillips County Community College is located in Helena, Arkansas and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 108 associate degrees to qualified students.

Full-time students from Arkansas pay an average of $3,500 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Phillips County Community College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $5,060.

Phillips County Community College 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. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 29% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#11

North Arkansas College

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

With a ranking of #11, North Arkansas College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Northark is a small public school situated in Harrison, Arkansas. It awarded 286 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Arkansas pay an average of $3,408 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Northark. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $5,136. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $9,859 in student loans.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Northark. During the 2020-2021 year, about 56% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

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.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at National Park College is $5,650. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,880. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,450 in student loans.

National Park College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. 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 came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Arkansas ranking. This very small public school is located in Mena, Arkansas, and it awarded 189 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $3,720 in tuition and fees if they attend UA Rich Mountain full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $3,960.

UA Rich Mountain 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. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 64% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on University of Arkansas Rich Mountain

#14

Arkansas Northeastern College

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

With a ranking of #14, Arkansas Northeastern College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Arkansas Northeastern College is a small public school situated in Blytheville, Arkansas. It awarded 164 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Arkansas Northeastern College is $2,822. Out-of-state students pay an average of $4,222.

Arkansas Northeastern College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 76% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#16

South Arkansas Community College

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

South Arkansas Community College ranked #16 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Arkansas list. El Dorado, Arkansas is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 163 students in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Arkansas pay an average of $3,324 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend SouthArk. Those students who come from outside the state 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.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since SouthArk does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2020-2021 about 59% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

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. ASU Three Rivers is a small public school situated in Malvern, Arkansas. It awarded 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. Out-of-state students pay an average of $5,780. On average, associate degree students take out $15,455 in loans while pursuing their degree.

One thing to take note of is that ASU Three Rivers does offer online classes in some areas. In 2020-2021 about 16% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Arkansas State University Three Rivers Report

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

University of Arkansas Community College - Batesville came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Arkansas ranking. Located in Batesville, Arkansas, the small public school awarded 195 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

Students from Arkansas who attend UACCB full time pay an average of $3,126 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $3,750. Associate Degree recipients from UACCB accumulate an average of $9,501 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at UACCB. In fact, around 55% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

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 public institution located in Beebe, Arkansas. The school has a small population, and it awarded 601 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at ASU-Beebe is $3,024. Out-of-state students pay an average of $4,728. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $8,736 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at ASU-Beebe. During the 2020-2021 year, about 52% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Arkansas State University - Beebe

#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 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 #20 on the list. ASUMH is located in Mountain Home, Arkansas and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 275 associate degrees to qualified students.

Full-time students from Arkansas pay an average of $3,024 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend ASUMH. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $4,632. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,906 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at ASUMH. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 60% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Arkansas State University - Mountain Home Report

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

Southern Arkansas University Tech 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 #21 on the list. SAU Tech is a very small public school situated in Camden, Arkansas. It awarded 210 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at SAU Tech is $4,830. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,210. On average, associate degree students take out $7,273 in loans while pursuing their degree.

SAU Tech does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 41% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Southern Arkansas University Tech

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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