College Costs in Little Rock, AR 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 24 colleges in Little Rock, Arkansas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,312
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$13,320
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$952
per month
Colleges & Universities
24
institutions
Little Rock Overview
Population
202,591
Student Population
18,659 (9.2%)
Cost of Living Index
85 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
51/100
Transit Score
40/100
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
College Cost Calculator for Little Rock
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$92,700
Total After Financial Aid
$92,700
Annual Cost
$23,175
Annual After Aid
$23,175
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $92,700 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,053 |
| Total Interest | $33,611 |
| Total Loan Cost | $126,311 |
Universities in Little Rock
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Public | $9,312 |
| Philander Smith University | Private | $13,320 |
| Pulaski Technical College | Community | $3,800 |
Little Rock has 24 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Little Rock vs. National Average
| Category | Little Rock | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,312 | $10,940 | -$1,628 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $952 | $1,050 | -$98 |
| Cost of Living Index | 85 | 100 | -15 |
Little Rock's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Little Rock
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
18,659 students
Little Rock has a total population of 202,591, with approximately 18,659 college students (9.2% of the population). Little Rock has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Little Rock
$40,340
Starting Salary
4.6%
Unemployment Rate
49%
Graduation Rate
~17 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Little Rock earn a median starting salary of $40,340, which is $5,340 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $92,700 (including room and board), it would take approximately 17 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,402 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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