Best Business Programs in Jonesboro, Arkansas (2026 Guide)
Choosing the right business program in Jonesboro, Arkansas can shape your career trajectory for decades. Whether you want to launch a startup, become a CPA, move into executive leadership, or complete an online MBA while working full-time, Jonesboro offers high-value, accredited options with strong regional employer connections.
Key Takeaways
- Arkansas State University offers the most comprehensive and nationally recognized business programs in Jonesboro.
- AACSB accreditation is a critical quality marker. A-State holds this prestigious accreditation for its business programs.
- Online MBA and BBA options make Jonesboro ideal for working professionals.
- Affordable tuition and low cost of living make Jonesboro a high ROI choice compared to larger metro areas.
- Strong local industry connections in healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, and banking enhance career placement.
Why Study Business in Jonesboro?
Jonesboro is the economic hub of Northeast Arkansas. With a population exceeding 80,000 and steady growth, it supports diverse industries including St. Bernards Healthcare, Ritter Communications, FMC, Nestlé, and regional banking institutions.
Students benefit from:
- Lower-than-national-average cost of living
- Access to internships during the academic year
- Strong local alumni networks
- Small-to-midsize class environments with faculty access
For students seeking affordability without sacrificing academic rigor, Jonesboro stands out.
Top Business Schools in Jonesboro, Arkansas
1. Arkansas State University (A-State)
Best Overall Business School in Jonesboro
The Neil Griffin College of Business at Arkansas State University is the premier destination for business education in the region. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and online programs with national accreditation and flexible scheduling options.
Accreditation
- AACSB Accredited (elite distinction held by fewer than 6 percent of business schools worldwide)
Popular Undergraduate Programs
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Management
- BBA in Marketing
- BBA in Finance
- BBA in Accounting
- BBA in Supply Chain Management
- BBA in Economics
Graduate Programs
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Online MBA
- Master of Accountancy
- Specialized MBA concentrations available
ProgramModeLengthBest ForBBA ProgramsOn-Campus4 YearsTraditional undergraduatesMBAOn-Campus12–24 MonthsCareer advancementOnline MBAFully OnlineFlexibleWorking professionals
Why A-State Stands Out
- Competitive in-state tuition rates
- Industry partnerships with regional employers
- Internship pipelines within Jonesboro
- Strong CPA preparation track for accounting majors
- Student organizations such as Beta Alpha Psi and Future Business Leaders
Graduates often secure roles in banking, corporate management, logistics, healthcare administration, and regional manufacturing leadership.
2. Arkansas State University-Newport (ASU-Newport)
Best for Affordability and Associate Degrees
ASU-Newport serves students seeking affordable entry-level business education or a transfer pathway to A-State.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Business
- Technical Certificates in Business Technology
- Transfer pathways into bachelor's programs
This option is ideal for students who want to begin at a lower tuition rate before transferring to complete a BBA.
Best For:
- Budget-conscious students
- First-generation college students
- Students planning to transfer to A-State
Online Business Programs in Jonesboro
Online learning has become one of the most searched options by prospective students. A-State’s online MBA and select undergraduate options provide flexible alternatives without sacrificing accreditation.
Online MBA at A-State
- AACSB-accredited degree
- Fully online delivery
- Multiple specialization options
- Designed for working professionals
Course delivery typically includes asynchronous modules, making it ideal for full-time employees balancing career and education.
Best For: Managers, military personnel, and mid-career professionals who need scheduling flexibility.
Side-by-Side Comparison of Jonesboro Business Programs
SchoolAccreditationDegree LevelsDeliveryIdeal StudentArkansas State UniversityAACSBBachelor’s, Master’s, MBAOn-Campus & OnlineStudents seeking comprehensive, recognized programsASU-NewportRegional AccreditationAssociate DegreesPrimarily On-CampusCost-conscious or transfer students
Career Outlook for Business Graduates in Jonesboro
A business degree in Jonesboro positions graduates within a stable and growing regional economy.
Top Hiring Industries in the Area
- Healthcare Administration
- Manufacturing and Operations Management
- Supply Chain and Logistics
- Banking and Financial Services
- Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Healthcare systems such as St. Bernards and NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital regularly hire business majors for management and administrative roles. Manufacturing firms value supply chain and logistics graduates. Regional banks recruit accounting and finance majors.
Because Jonesboro’s market is not oversaturated with business graduates compared to larger cities, networking and internship pipelines are stronger relative to competition.
Admissions Requirements
Undergraduate (BBA)
- High school diploma or equivalent
- ACT or SAT scores may be required
- Minimum GPA standards
MBA Programs
- Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution
- GMAT may be optional depending on GPA
- Professional resume
- Letters of recommendation in some cases
Applicants with relevant work experience may receive application flexibility in MBA programs.
How to Choose the Best Program for You
Choose A-State If You Want:
- National accreditation
- Full MBA access
- Strong alumni network
- Internship opportunities in Jonesboro
Choose ASU-Newport If You Want:
- Lower tuition starting point
- Smaller class sizes
- A stepping stone to a bachelor's degree
When evaluating programs, consider total tuition cost, internship access, flexibility of course delivery, accreditation status, and career services support.
Local Advantages You Will Not Find in Larger Cities
- Lower housing costs and minimal commute times
- Easier access to faculty mentorship
- Leadership opportunities in student organizations
- Strong community business network
Jonesboro offers a balance between quality education and practical career immersion. Students frequently intern locally during the academic term, something that is harder to coordinate in larger cities where competition is intense.
Frequently Asked Questions about Business Programs in Jonesboro, Arkansas
What is the main business school in Jonesboro, Arkansas?
Arkansas State University (A-State) is the primary business school in Jonesboro. Its Neil Griffin College of Business offers AACSB-accredited bachelor’s, master’s, and MBA programs, including on-campus and online options.
Is Arkansas State University’s business school AACSB accredited?
Yes. The Neil Griffin College of Business at Arkansas State University holds AACSB accreditation, a widely recognized quality standard for business schools worldwide.
Can you earn an online MBA while working full-time in Jonesboro?
Yes. A-State offers a fully online, AACSB-accredited MBA designed for working professionals. Courses are often delivered in flexible, asynchronous formats so you can study around a full-time job.
What is the difference between A-State and ASU-Newport for business majors?
A-State offers four-year BBA degrees, graduate programs, and an MBA with AACSB accreditation. ASU-Newport focuses on affordable associate degrees and certificates, and it provides transfer pathways for you to continue into a bachelor’s program at A-State.
What kinds of business careers can you pursue after studying in Jonesboro?
You can move into roles in healthcare administration, banking and finance, accounting, supply chain and logistics, manufacturing management, and small business or entrepreneurship, often with local internship and networking support.
Is Jonesboro a good choice if you want an affordable business degree?
Yes. Jonesboro combines relatively low tuition, a cost of living below the national average, and short commute times, which can help you keep your total cost of a business degree manageable.
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