Key Takeaways
- Lonoke, Arkansas is strategically located near top-ranked agriculture programs, including the University of Arkansas System and strong two-year pathways.
- Students can pursue Associate and Bachelor’s degrees in fields such as Agribusiness, Crop Science, Animal Science, and Agricultural Education.
- Proximity to Lonoke County Extension Center and Arkansas agricultural research farms provides hands-on experience.
- Tuition affordability, internship pipelines, and strong industry partnerships make Central Arkansas a competitive region for agricultural education.
- Graduates benefit from Arkansas’ $21+ billion agricultural economy and high job demand in production, management, and agri-tech.
Why Study Agriculture Near Lonoke, Arkansas?
Lonoke County sits in the heart of one of Arkansas’ most productive agricultural regions. The area is known for rice, soybeans, poultry, aquaculture, and cattle production. According to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, farming contributes billions annually to the state economy, creating consistent demand for skilled professionals in crop management, agribusiness, agricultural engineering, and sustainability.
While Lonoke itself does not host a four-year university, it is within commuting distance of several respected institutions offering agriculture degrees. Students benefit from small-town affordability combined with access to research universities, extension centers, and industry partnerships.
Top Agriculture Degree Programs Near Lonoke, Arkansas
1. University of Arkansas at Fayetteville – Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences
Distance from Lonoke: Approximately 3 hours
Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
The University of Arkansas (U of A) offers the most comprehensive agriculture programs in the state. The Dale Bumpers College is nationally recognized for research, industry partnerships, and strong graduate outcomes.
Popular Majors:
- Agribusiness
- Animal Science
- Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences
- Agricultural Education, Communication, and Technology
- Food Science
Why It Stands Out:
- Extensive research farms and experiment stations across Arkansas
- Strong job placement through statewide agricultural networks
- Internships with major producers and agribusiness firms
- Competitive in-state tuition for Arkansas residents
Graduates frequently secure roles in farm management, USDA agencies, agri-finance, feed companies, and food production corporations.
2. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB)
Distance from Lonoke: Approximately 1 hour
Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s
UAPB is known for hands-on agricultural education and strong community-focused programming. It plays a critical role in extension services and farmer outreach throughout the Delta region.
Key Programs:
- Aquaculture and Fisheries
- Agriculture
- Animal Science
- Regulatory Science
Advantages:
- Access to aquaculture research facilities
- Strong collaboration with small and medium-sized farms
- Supportive learning environment with smaller class sizes
UAPB is especially attractive to students interested in aquaculture, which is a growing sector in Lonoke County and surrounding areas.
3. Arkansas State University – College of Agriculture (Jonesboro)
Distance from Lonoke: Approximately 2 hours
Degree Levels: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s
Arkansas State University (A-State) offers diversified programs tied closely to Arkansas row crop production and agribusiness management.
Standout Fields:
- Plant and Soil Science
- Precision Agriculture
- Ag Technology and Mechanization
- Agribusiness Management
Students benefit from advanced equipment training and research initiatives in sustainable agriculture and farm technology.
4. University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR)
Distance from Lonoke: Approximately 30 minutes
Degree Focus: Environmental Science and Sustainability
While UALR does not offer a traditional agriculture major, its environmental science and sustainability programs appeal to students interested in agricultural policy, land management, and conservation.
Its proximity makes it an accessible and affordable option for students living in Lonoke.
5. Arkansas Community Colleges with Agriculture Pathways
Several two-year institutions near Lonoke provide Associate of Science degrees that transfer directly into four-year agricultural programs.
InstitutionDistance from LonokeProgram TypeBest ForPulaski Technical College30–40 minutesAS Transfer DegreeAffordable general agriculture foundationPhillips Community College (U of A System)1.5 hoursAssociate in AgricultureHands-on technical skillsArkansas Northeastern College2 hoursAgriculture TechnologyMechanization and equipment training
Starting at a community college can significantly reduce tuition costs before transferring into a bachelor’s program.
Tuition and Cost Comparison
In-state tuition remains one of Arkansas’ biggest advantages. While exact costs change yearly, average annual tuition ranges include:
- Four-year public universities: $7,500 to $9,500 per year (in-state)
- Community colleges: $3,000 to $4,500 per year
Scholarships are widely available through:
- Arkansas Farm Bureau
- USDA scholarships
- FFA programs
- Institution-specific agriculture endowments
Students from farming families in Lonoke County may also qualify for local agricultural foundation awards.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities in Lonoke County
Lonoke County Cooperative Extension Service
Operated by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, this center offers workshops, soil testing services, youth development programs, and producer education. Students enrolled in nearby universities often participate in extension events, gaining valuable real-world exposure.
Agricultural Research Farms
Arkansas maintains experiment stations and research farms across the state. These facilities provide internships and undergraduate research assistant roles in crop management, livestock studies, and pest control research.
Local Industry Partnerships
Rice mills, poultry operations, aquaculture facilities, and soybean producers throughout Central Arkansas create internship pipelines. Many employers recruit directly from U of A System schools and Arkansas State.
Agriculture Career Outlook in Arkansas
Arkansas consistently ranks among the top producers of rice and poultry in the United States. Career paths for agriculture graduates include:
- Farm Manager
- Agricultural Loan Officer
- Crop Consultant
- Extension Agent
- Food Safety Specialist
- Precision Agriculture Technician
According to national labor data, agricultural managers earn median salaries above $70,000 annually, while specialized roles in agribusiness and ag tech can exceed $80,000 depending on experience and location.
How to Choose the Right Agriculture Program
1. Match the Degree to Your Career Goal
If you plan to manage a family farm, agribusiness or crop science may be ideal. If you are interested in public service or education, agricultural education or extension pathways are stronger fits.
2. Evaluate Internship Access
Programs with strong employer connections and research facilities provide better job placement rates.
3. Compare Graduation Rates and Support Services
Look for tutoring, advising, and career placement services that help students complete degrees efficiently.
4. Consider Transfer Flexibility
Community college pathways reduce financial burden while maintaining academic momentum.
Admissions Tips for Prospective Students
- Complete FAFSA early to maximize aid eligibility.
- Participate in FFA or 4-H to strengthen applications.
- Request campus visits to agriculture departments specifically.
- Ask about undergraduate research and internship guarantees.
Most Arkansas public universities maintain rolling admissions, but scholarship deadlines often occur months before the fall semester.
Why Lonoke Is a Strategic Location for Agriculture Students
Lonoke’s central location allows access to Little Rock, Pine Bluff, and Jonesboro while maintaining proximity to active farms and research facilities. Students can live in a lower-cost rural community while engaging with high-impact academic programs nearby.
For individuals committed to agriculture, sustainability, or agribusiness leadership, studying near Lonoke provides both educational quality and direct industry immersion.
Frequently Asked Questions about Agriculture Degrees near Lonoke, Arkansas
What agriculture degrees can you earn near Lonoke, Arkansas?
You can earn Associate and Bachelor’s degrees in Agribusiness, Crop Science, Animal Science, Aquaculture, Agricultural Education, Environmental Science, and related fields at nearby universities and community colleges.
Which colleges near Lonoke offer agriculture or related programs?
You can study agriculture or related majors at the University of Arkansas (Fayetteville), University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, University of Arkansas at Little Rock (for environmental and sustainability programs), and nearby community colleges such as Pulaski Tech and Phillips Community College.
How much does it cost to study agriculture in Arkansas as an in-state student?
In-state tuition at public universities in Arkansas is typically about $7,500 to $9,500 per year, while community colleges often range from about $3,000 to $4,500 per year, not including housing and other fees.
What hands-on agriculture experience can you get around Lonoke?
You can gain experience through the Lonoke County Cooperative Extension Center, Arkansas research farms, and local employers such as rice mills, poultry operations, aquaculture facilities, and row crop farms that offer internships and part-time work.
What agriculture careers can you pursue in Arkansas after graduation?
You can work as a farm manager, crop consultant, agricultural loan officer, extension agent, food safety specialist, or precision agriculture technician, with demand driven by Arkansas’ large rice, poultry, and row crop industries.
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