Affordable Online Degrees for Arkansas Residents
Quality education in Arkansas without the high cost.
ACE vs. Online Colleges in Arkansas
to $1 ROI
For every $1 ACE students invest in their education, they receive $19.20 in higher future earnings.7
Earning a college degree can open new opportunities, but it shouldn’t mean putting your career, family or finances on hold. Many Arkansas professionals are looking for an education that offers the flexibility to learn on their schedule and the affordability to make their goals achievable.
American College of Education (ACE) is an online college built with those priorities in mind. Our programs help working professionals earn career-focused degrees while keeping higher education accessible, flexible and affordable.
Our high student satisfaction¹ comes from attending a college that values your goals and prepares you for real-world advancement with career-relevant assignments. That’s the ACE difference, and we’re proud to offer it to Arkansas residents.
Why Choose ACE?
Choosing where to earn your degree is about more than selecting a program. It’s about finding a college that understands the demands of your everyday life and supports your long-term success.
At ACE, you’ll find affordable tuition, flexible online courses2 and a student-centered experience that helps you make meaningful progress toward your personal and professional goals.
How ACE Compares
If you’re exploring online degrees in Arkansas, you’ve likely looked at institutions such as the University of Arkansas, Arkansas State University, Southern Arkansas University and the University of Central Arkansas. While these schools offer respected academic programs, ACE was created specifically for online learning.
Every aspect of the ACE experience is designed for working adults, from flexible course delivery to practical, career-focused curriculum. You’ll gain knowledge that translates directly to your profession while pursuing a degree that’s designed to keep quality education within reach.
| ACE | University of Arkansas | Arkansas State University | Southern Arkansas University | University of Central Arkansas | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Delivery | Fully online courses2 | Select online options | Select online options | Select online options | Select online options |
| Built for working adults | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Start dates per year | 11 starts | 2-4 starts | 2-5 starts | 2-4 starts | 2-5 starts |
| Student to faculty ratio | 11:13 | 20:14 | 17:14 | 16:14 | 15:14 |
| Cost (online master’s) | Most under $10,0005 (total program cost) | $12,4704 (average annual in-state cost) | $7,3224 (average annual in-state cost) | $7,3804 (average annual in-state cost) | $7,4464 (average annual in-state cost) |
| GRE requirement | Never | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes |
Published tuition and fee figures for comparison institutions reflect annual costs rather than total program cost. As master’s programs commonly span multiple academic years, total costs at comparison institutions may exceed the annual amounts shown.
Our Commitment to Affordable Tuition
A graduate degree should create opportunities, not unnecessary financial stress. That’s why ACE is committed to providing high-quality programs at a cost that helps students invest in their future with confidence. In fact, 87% of ACE students graduate without student loan debt.6
Our Unique Academic Experience
Learning should fit naturally into your life and prepare you for success beyond graduation. That’s why every ACE program is intentionally designed to combine academic excellence with practical application, helping you build skills you can immediately bring to your workplace.
Our faculty are experienced professionals who understand today’s evolving industries, and our academic teams continually review curriculum to ensure every program remains relevant, current and career-focused.
You’ll also benefit from features that make online learning simple and supportive:
- Consistent course design: Every course follows a familiar format, helping you spend less time learning new systems and more time engaging with your coursework
- Flexible asynchronous learning: Most coursework can be completed whenever it fits your schedule, making it easier to balance school with work, family and other commitments
- Student-focused support: From our writing center and extensive digital library to free monthly tutoring, you’ll have access to resources that help you succeed throughout your academic journey
How ACE Supports Aspiring Arkansas Teachers
Every successful classroom starts with a well-prepared educator. ACE helps aspiring teachers develop the instructional knowledge, classroom strategies and professional confidence needed to make a meaningful impact on students.
Our initial licensure pathways emphasize practical experience, evidence-based instruction and innovative teaching practices that prepare future educators for today’s learning environments.
You can complete an initial licensure certificate or master’s degree at ACE and then take steps toward earning a teaching certificate in Arkansas, but you’ll want to ensure you’re aware of any additional requirements.
Programs That Advance Careers
We’re accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and have the online programs you need to advance your career.
Education
Whether you’re looking to become an educator, grow your expertise or advance into administration, ACE equips you with the research, strategies, pedagogies and skills you need.
Business
Dive into today’s business landscape and discover how to address its challenges with relevant skills, practices and technologies that are designed to make a difference.
Healthcare
Healthcare administrators and public health professionals are a driving force in ensuring quality patient care. ACE prepares you to succeed in non-clinical healthcare roles.
Nursing
Nurses looking to become leaders or educators should look no further than ACE to support their career goals with innovative and applicable practices that lead to positive patient outcomes.
FAQs
Is ACE authorized to offer programs to students in Arkansas?
Yes! ACE is approved to enroll students in Arkansas and other SARA participating states through its home-state authorization in Indiana. Read about this agreement to learn more about how ACE supports out-of-state enrollments.
What do ACE programs offer that online Arkansas colleges might not?
Many students choose ACE because of our combination of affordability, flexibility and career-focused learning. Our programs are designed for working adults who want to advance their education without putting their personal or professional responsibilities on hold. Plus, with every $1 ACE students invest in their education, they receive $19.20 in higher future earnings.7
How can an ACE degree help me get an Arkansas teaching certificate?
Our initial licensure pathways help prepare future educators with the foundational knowledge, instructional skills and hands-on experience needed to enter the classroom. ACE programs emphasize evidence-based teaching practices and student-centered learning approaches that can support your path toward Arkansas teacher licensure.
1Student Right to Know. Accessed July 14, 2026.
2Some programs also have local practicum, internship or student teaching requirements.
3Internal research conducted in March 2026
4CollegeTuitionCompare: University of Arkansas, Arkansas State University, Southern Arkansas University, University of Central Arkansas. Accessed July 14, 2026.
5This is an estimated value of the cost for tuition and fees. Amounts may vary depending on number of transfer credits applied to the selected program hours, the pace and satisfactory completion of the selected program, receipt of institutional scholarship and/or grant amounts, or adjustments to tuition or fees as described in the Catalog Right to Modify Tuition section. State sales and use tax will apply where required by law.
6Internal research completed in November 2025