Best Online Special Education Programs in Arkansas (2026)

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Arkansas Special Education At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Special Education Salary$50,925
Salary OutlookArkansas offers competitive wages for special education professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyArkansas Professional Licensing Board
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online special education degree in Arkansas offers a flexible path into special education careers. Arkansas offers competitive wages for special education professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a nationally available program, Arkansas students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Special Education Schools in Arkansas

The following schools offer accredited online special education programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Arkansas.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

#1

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Little Rock, AR BOC Score 90.5
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 83%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $73,827
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 9

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR BOC Score 70.7
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 74%
Graduation rate 70%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $58,191
Avg net price $18,209/yr
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$10,104
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$29,966
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 86%
  • Programs offered: 52

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

John Brown University

Siloam Springs, AR BOC Score 64.4
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 68%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $53,907
Avg net price $20,397/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 83%
  • Programs offered: 32

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Hendrix College

Conway, AR BOC Score 54.1
  • 4 year
Graduation rate 68%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $60,376
Avg net price $24,149/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 79%
  • Programs offered: 3

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

University of the Ozarks

Clarksville, AR BOC Score 30.4
  • 4 year
Graduation rate 46%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $44,384
Avg net price $17,360/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 71%
  • Programs offered: 9

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Lyon College

Batesville, AR BOC Score 27.6
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 63%
Graduation rate 51%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $44,232
Avg net price $19,616/yr
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$31,000
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$31,000
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 70%
  • Programs offered: 7

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

Crowley's Ridge College

Paragould, AR BOC Score 21.4
  • 4 year
Graduation rate 29%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $39,533
Avg net price $16,315/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 63%
  • Programs offered: 5

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#8

Jackson Theological Seminary

North Little Rock, AR
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact

Source:Accreditor: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and SchoolsIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Arkansas

Special Education professionals in Arkansas experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Arkansas.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Arkansas)
Special Education Teacher, Kindergarten and Elementary School$54,290
Special Education Teacher, Middle School$56,830
Special Education Teacher, Secondary School$57,000
Special Education Teacher, Preschool$35,580

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Special Education Degree in Arkansas?

Choosing a program in Arkansas can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Arkansas offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Regional Relevance: Curriculum often incorporates data and case studies relevant to the Arkansas economy and job market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online special education programs in Arkansas accredited?

The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.

How does Special Education pay in Arkansas compare to other states?

Arkansas offers competitive wages for special education professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Arkansas a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for special education in Arkansas?

The Arkansas Professional Licensing Board oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Arkansas. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


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