College Cost Planning in Little Rock, AR 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Little Rock, Arkansas. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Little Rock as an education-cost market for tuition, rent, aid, and payback planning. We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page. Before applying, verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, official catalogs, and each school's net price calculator.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,312
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$13,320
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$952
per month
Local Cost Market
24
benchmark points
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 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Little Rock
These are city-level planning estimates for tuition, housing, aid, and student costs. Use them for budgeting, then verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, and the institution's own net price calculator.
Institution count
24
Public tuition
$9,312
Private tuition
$13,320
Community college
$3,800
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
~17.4 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 the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 17.4 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $15,402 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
Other Cities in Arkansas
Fayetteville
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,642
Pine Bluff
3 colleges · Avg tuition $8,500
Fort Smith
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Springdale
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Jonesboro
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Rogers
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Conway
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
North Little Rock
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Bentonville
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Hot Springs
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Benton
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Sherwood
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,200
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Little Rock
How we compile Little Rock college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Little Rock institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Little Rock's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does college cost in Little Rock, AR?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Little Rock is $9,312. Private university tuition averages $13,320, and community college tuition averages $3,800. When room and board ($13,863/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $23,175.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Little Rock, AR?
Little Rock uses approximately 24 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 18,659, which represents 9.2% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Little Rock?
The average rent near college campuses in Little Rock is approximately $952 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 85 (national average is 100), a walk score of 51, and a public transit score of 40. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Little Rock?
College graduates in Little Rock earn a median starting salary of $40,340. The local unemployment rate is 4.6%. With an average financial aid package of $15,402 per student and a 49% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Little Rock, AR?
With a median starting salary of $40,340 and an average 4-year public university cost of $92,700 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 17.4 years. The 49% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities