Best Business Degrees in Texarkana, Arkansas

Key Takeaways

• Texarkana offers strong local options for business degrees, led by Texas A&M University–Texarkana and Texarkana College.
• AACSB accreditation, tuition value, internship access, and career placement rates are the most important quality indicators.
• Students can choose from associate, bachelor’s, and graduate business programs within 5 to 90 miles of Texarkana.
• Business graduates in Southwest Arkansas pursue careers in management, logistics, healthcare administration, banking, and entrepreneurship.
• Nearby universities expand options without requiring relocation far from home.

Why Study Business in Texarkana, Arkansas?

Texarkana sits at the Arkansas–Texas border, creating a unique regional economy fueled by transportation, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, education, and small business ownership. Students here benefit from:

• Access to employers in two states
• Lower tuition costs compared to large metro universities
• Smaller class sizes with personalized instruction
• Internships with local hospitals, banks, distribution centers, and municipal offices

If your goal is to launch a management career, start a business, enter accounting, or pursue an MBA, Texarkana offers practical and affordable pathways.

Best Accredited Business Degrees in Texarkana

1. Texas A&M University–Texarkana

Location: Texarkana, TX (serves Arkansas students)
Degree Levels: BBA, MBA, MS programs
Accreditation: AACSB Accredited

Texas A&M University–Texarkana is widely considered the strongest business program in the immediate Texarkana area. Its College of Business, Engineering, and Technology holds AACSB accreditation, a distinction earned by fewer than 6 percent of business schools worldwide.

Popular Majors:

• BBA in Accounting
• BBA in Finance
• BBA in Management
• BBA in Marketing
• Master of Business Administration

Why It Stands Out:

• AACSB accreditation signals rigorous academic standards.
• Strong regional employer partnerships.
• Flexible online and hybrid options.
• High graduate employability within the Ark-La-Tex region.

This is the top choice for students seeking a research-backed, professionally recognized business credential without moving away from Texarkana.

2. Texarkana College

Location: Texarkana, TX
Degree Levels: Associate degrees and certificates
Accreditation: SACSCOC

Texarkana College is ideal for students seeking affordability and transfer flexibility. It offers associate programs in business administration, accounting, and management that seamlessly transfer to four-year universities.

Program Highlights:

• Low in-district tuition
• Smaller class sizes
• Career-focused certificates
• Strong transfer pathways to TAMUT and other universities

For budget-conscious students or those unsure about committing to a four-year program immediately, Texarkana College provides a cost-effective starting point.

Top Nearby Arkansas Universities (Within Driving Distance)

3. Southern Arkansas University

Location: Magnolia, AR (Approx. 60 miles)
Accreditation: AACSB

Southern Arkansas University offers one of the most affordable AACSB-accredited business degrees in Arkansas. Programs include:

• Accounting
• Business Administration
• Finance
• Marketing
• MBA programs

SAU is known for competitive tuition rates and strong CPA and financial services preparation.

4. Henderson State University

Location: Arkadelphia, AR (Approx. 90 miles)

Henderson provides a Bachelor of Business Administration with concentrations in management, marketing, and finance. The university emphasizes experiential learning and internships across Arkansas.

5. University of Central Arkansas

Location: Conway, AR

While farther from Texarkana, UCA consistently ranks among Arkansas’s top public universities for business education. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in:

• Insurance and Risk Management
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Accounting and Analytics

Business Degree Comparison Chart

InstitutionAccreditationDegree LevelsBest ForDistance from TexarkanaTexas A&M–TexarkanaAACSBBBA, MBATop local prestige and flexibilityLocalTexarkana CollegeSACSCOCAssociateLow cost and transfer pathLocalSouthern Arkansas Univ.AACSBBBA, MBAAffordable accredited degree60 milesHenderson StateAACSB candidateBBATraditional campus experience90 miles

What Makes a Business Degree "The Best"?

1. Accreditation

AACSB accreditation is widely considered the gold standard in business education. If long-term career mobility or graduate school is your goal, prioritize AACSB programs.

2. Tuition and ROI

Arkansas public universities typically offer lower in-state tuition compared to national averages. Community college-to-university pathways can reduce total costs significantly.

3. Career Placement and Internships

The best programs actively connect students to local employers. In Texarkana, key industries include:

• Healthcare administration
• Transportation and logistics
• Retail and operations management
• Banking and insurance
• Small business entrepreneurship

4. Flexibility

Working adults should consider hybrid or fully online programs. TAMUT, SAU, and others offer online bachelor's and MBA pathways that accommodate full-time employment.

Career Outlook for Business Graduates in Texarkana

According to federal labor and salary data, business and financial occupations typically offer salaries above the national median wage. In the Texarkana metropolitan area, common entry and mid-level roles include:

• Operations Manager
• Accountant or Auditor
• Human Resources Specialist
• Marketing Coordinator
• Supply Chain Analyst

Salary varies by role and experience, but management and financial roles consistently provide strong upward mobility.

Best Degrees by Career Goal

If You Want to Become an Accountant

Choose an AACSB-accredited accounting program at Texas A&M–Texarkana or Southern Arkansas University.

If You Want to Start a Business

Look for programs offering entrepreneurship coursework and mentorship. TAMUT and UCA both emphasize innovation.

If You Want to Work in Corporate Management

A BBA in Management from TAMUT or SAU provides foundational skills in leadership, operations, and strategic planning.

If You Need a Budget-Friendly Option

Begin at Texarkana College, then transfer to an accredited university.

Admission Requirements Overview

While requirements vary, most Texarkana-area business programs require:

• High school diploma or GED
• Completed application and transcripts
• Minimum GPA requirements
• ACT or SAT scores for some undergraduate programs

MBA programs typically require a bachelor’s degree and may request GMAT or GRE scores, though some waive testing for qualified applicants.

How to Choose the Right Business Program in Texarkana

1. Define your career goal.
2. Compare accreditation status.
3. Calculate total tuition after financial aid.
4. Ask about internship placement rates.
5. Visit campus or attend a virtual information session.

The best business degree in Texarkana depends on your budget, career ambitions, and preferred learning format. By focusing on accredited schools, strong local employer connections, and clear ROI, you can confidently select a program that positions you for long-term professional success.

Frequently Asked Questions about Business Degrees in Texarkana

What business degrees can you earn in or near Texarkana?

You can earn associate degrees and certificates at Texarkana College and bachelor’s and master’s business degrees at Texas A&M University–Texarkana. Within driving distance, Southern Arkansas University, Henderson State University, and the University of Central Arkansas offer additional BBA and MBA options.

Why does AACSB accreditation matter for a business degree?

AACSB accreditation shows that a business school meets high standards for teaching, curriculum, and outcomes. If you plan to become a CPA, work in finance, or apply to competitive graduate programs, AACSB accreditation can help your degree carry more weight with employers and universities.

Is Texarkana a good place to study business if you want to stay local?

Yes. You can stay near home while accessing business programs in both Texas and Arkansas. Texarkana offers smaller class sizes, lower tuition than many large cities, and local internships with hospitals, banks, logistics firms, and government offices in the two-state region.

What careers can you pursue with a business degree from the Texarkana area?

You can work in management, accounting, banking, logistics, marketing, human resources, healthcare administration, and small business ownership. In the Texarkana region, many graduates move into roles like operations manager, accountant, HR specialist, and marketing coordinator.

How can you keep business degree costs low in Texarkana?

You can start with an associate degree at Texarkana College, then transfer to Texas A&M–Texarkana or another public university. This path lets you pay community college tuition for your first two years, then finish at an AACSB-accredited or regionally accredited university while still commuting from home.