Best Education Degrees in Fayetteville, Arkansas

Best Education Degrees in Fayetteville, Arkansas (2026 Guide)

Fayetteville, Arkansas is one of the strongest locations in the state to earn an education degree. Home to the University of Arkansas and surrounded by a growing public school system in Northwest Arkansas, the city offers high-quality programs, strong licensure pathways, and competitive career outcomes.

Key Takeaways

• The University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions is the leading institution for education degrees in Fayetteville.
• Top programs include Elementary Education, Special Education, Educational Leadership, Curriculum & Instruction, and Higher Education.
• Most programs are CAEP-accredited and approved by the Arkansas Department of Education.
• Graduates benefit from strong school district partnerships in Northwest Arkansas.
• Alternative certification pathways are available for career changers.

Why Study Education in Fayetteville?

Northwest Arkansas is one of the fastest-growing regions in the state. Increased population growth has led to sustained demand for qualified K-12 teachers, instructional specialists, and administrators. Fayetteville Public Schools consistently ranks among the top districts in Arkansas, giving education students access to high-quality field placements.

Students also benefit from:

• Strong district partnerships for student teaching placements
• Competitive in-state tuition compared to national averages
• Accredited programs that meet Arkansas licensure standards
• Graduate assistantship opportunities

Top Education Degree Programs in Fayetteville

1. University of Arkansas – College of Education and Health Professions

The University of Arkansas (U of A) is the primary and most prestigious provider of education degrees in Fayetteville. It consistently ranks among the best education schools in Arkansas and holds national recognition in several specialty areas.

Popular Undergraduate Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE) in Elementary Education
• BSE in Special Education
• BSE in Childhood Education
• BSE in Physical Education (K-12)

Curriculum Highlights:

• Foundations of pedagogy and child development
• Classroom assessment and instructional design
• Educational psychology
• Extensive clinical experiences beginning early in the program
• Full-semester student teaching residency

Students accumulate structured classroom hours before their final internship, ensuring they graduate classroom-ready.

Top Graduate Programs

• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
• M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction
• M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
• M.Ed. and Ed.S. in Special Education
• Doctoral Programs (Ed.D. and Ph.D.) in select concentrations

Graduate programs offer both on-campus and hybrid options. Many are designed for working educators seeking licensure advancement or administrative credentials.

Accreditation and Reputation

• CAEP Accredited
• Approved by the Arkansas Department of Education
• National recognition in special education and educational leadership

Faculty include published researchers and former K-12 administrators, bringing both academic and field experience into coursework.

Program Comparison Snapshot (2026)

ProgramDegree LevelFormatLicensure EligibleEstimated In-State TuitionElementary EducationBachelor’sOn CampusYes$9,000–$11,000/yearSpecial EducationBachelor’s & Master’sHybrid OptionsYes$9,000–$12,000/yearMaster of Arts in TeachingMaster’sOn CampusYes$8,000–$10,000/yearEducational LeadershipM.Ed./Ed.S.HybridAdmin License$8,500–$11,000/year

Tuition estimates are based on recent in-state averages and may vary by credit load.

Arkansas Teaching Certification Pathway

To teach in Arkansas public schools, graduates must meet state licensure requirements established by the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

Licensure Steps

1. Complete an approved education degree program.
2. Pass required Praxis exams.
3. Submit background checks and fingerprinting.
4. Apply for Arkansas Standard Teaching License.

The University of Arkansas integrates Praxis preparation into coursework, improving first-time pass rates.

Alternative Certification Routes

Career changers may choose:

• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
• Non-Traditional Licensure Programs (NTL)
• Teach Arkansas initiatives

These pathways allow individuals with bachelor’s degrees in other fields to transition into the classroom efficiently.

Career Outcomes and Salary Expectations

Graduates from Fayetteville programs benefit from strong regional hiring demand. Northwest Arkansas districts such as Fayetteville, Springdale, and Bentonville regularly recruit education graduates.

Average Salary Ranges in Arkansas

• Elementary School Teacher: $50,000–$58,000
• Special Education Teacher: $52,000–$60,000
• School Administrator: $75,000–$95,000+
• Instructional Coordinator: $65,000–$85,000

Advanced degrees and additional certifications significantly increase earning potential.

Student Experience in Fayetteville

Education students often highlight:

• Small cohort sizes in upper-level courses
• Strong mentorship from faculty advisors
• Early classroom immersion
• Networking within regional school systems

Alumni frequently secure teaching offers before graduation due to strong district partnerships.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Students pursuing education degrees in Fayetteville may qualify for:

• Arkansas Teacher Opportunity Program (TOP)
• Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship
• Federal TEACH Grant
• Institutional scholarships through the College of Education

The TEACH Grant offers up to $4,000 per year for students who commit to teaching in high-need fields.

How to Choose the Best Education Degree in Fayetteville

Step 1: Define Your Career Goal

• Elementary classroom teacher
• Secondary content specialist
• Special education expert
• School administrator
• Higher education professional

Step 2: Confirm Licensure Alignment

Ensure the program aligns with Arkansas DESE requirements and includes student teaching.

Step 3: Evaluate Cost vs ROI

Consider total tuition, scholarship eligibility, and expected salary progression.

Step 4: Consider Format

Working professionals should compare hybrid and evening master's programs.

Step 5: Review Placement Rates

Ask programs about graduate employment rates within 12 months.

Is Fayetteville the Best Place in Arkansas for Education Degrees?

While cities like Little Rock and Jonesboro also offer reputable programs, Fayetteville stands out for:

• Strong statewide reputation
• Research-backed faculty expertise
• High-performing public school partnerships
• Rapid regional growth creating job demand

For students seeking a respected degree program combined with real classroom experience and strong regional hiring networks, Fayetteville remains one of the top choices in Arkansas.

Frequently Asked Questions about Education Degrees in Fayetteville, Arkansas

What is the main college for education degrees in Fayetteville?

The University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions is the primary provider of education degrees in Fayetteville. It offers bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral programs that align with Arkansas teacher licensure standards.

Which education majors can you study at the University of Arkansas?

You can study Elementary Education, Special Education, Childhood Education, Physical Education (K–12), Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, Higher Education, and the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), among other concentrations.

Are Fayetteville education programs accredited for Arkansas teacher licensure?

Yes. Most education programs in Fayetteville, including those at the University of Arkansas, are accredited by CAEP and approved by the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for teacher and administrator licensure in the state.

How do you become a licensed teacher in Arkansas after studying in Fayetteville?

You complete an approved education degree, pass the required Praxis exams, clear state and federal background checks with fingerprinting, and then apply for an Arkansas Standard Teaching License through DESE. Many Fayetteville programs include built-in Praxis preparation.

Can you change careers and earn Arkansas teacher licensure in Fayetteville?

Yes. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree, you can use options like the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), Non-Traditional Licensure (NTL) programs, and Teach Arkansas initiatives to move into teaching while completing licensure requirements.

What salaries can you expect after earning an education degree in Fayetteville?

In Arkansas, typical ranges are about $50,000–$58,000 for elementary teachers, $52,000–$60,000 for special education teachers, $65,000–$85,000 for instructional coordinators, and $75,000–$95,000 or more for school administrators, depending on district, experience, and advanced degrees.