A Lifetime of Learning

Continuing education opportunities abound in Arkansas
By Leigh Ann Golden

Arkansas' system of higher education spans the state. Public two- and four-year colleges dot the landscape in every region, making access to quality information convenient. Whether it's time to earn that master's degree or brush up on computer skills, the opportunity is yours at a nearby college.

Obtaining a degree is very affordable, too – all public colleges and universities in Arkansas offer free tuition to students 60 and older who take for-credit courses.

Continuing education departments at many schools offer a variety of opportunities. Noncredit courses, which range from personal enrichment topics to basic computer training to professional development certificates, usually require a smaller time investment than standard for-credit courses and are taught by professors or subject matter experts from the community. Learn self-defense at North Arkansas College at Harrison; take an advanced class on Microsoft Excel at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville; or learn Spanish at South Arkansas Community College at El Dorado.

Don't forget to take advantage of university-hosted lectures that are open to the public. The University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service in Little Rock hosts numerous public lectures, programs and town hall-type meetings year-round. In addition to former President Bill Clinton, guest speakers in the past have included former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright; former Sen. Bob Dole; former Prime Minister of Spain, José María Aznar; Imad Moustapha, Syrian ambassador to the U.S.; and Karl Rove, former deputy White House chief of staff and senior adviser to President George Bush. Learn more at ClintonSchoolResearch.com.

For Web links to these public universities, plus a list of private colleges in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Department of Higher Education online at Adhe.edu.

Central Arkansas

University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service, Little Rock
Four-year Universities
     University of Arkansas at Little Rock
     University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock
     University of Central Arkansas, Conway
Two-year Colleges
     Pulaski Technical College, North Little Rock
     Arkansas State University—Beebe

The Delta

Four-year Universities
     Arkansas State University, Jonesboro
Two-year Colleges
     Arkansas Northeastern College, Blytheville
     Mid-South Community College, West Memphis
     Arkansas State University—Newport
     Black River Technical College, Paragould
     East Arkansas Community College, Forrest City
     Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas, DeWitt, Helena and Stuttgart

The Ouachitas

Four-year Universities
     Henderson State University, Arkadelphia
Two-year Colleges
     National Park Community College, Hot Springs
     Ouachita Technical College, Malvern
     Rich Mountain Community College, Mena

The Ozarks

Four-year Universities
     University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
Two-year Colleges
     Northwest Arkansas Community College, Bentonville
     North Arkansas College, Harrison
     Arkansas State University—Mountain Home
     Black River Technical College, Pocahontas
     University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville
     Ozarka College, Melbourne

The River Valley

Four-year Universities
     Arkansas Tech University, Russellville
     University of Arkansas at Fort Smith
Two-year Colleges
     University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton

The Timberlands

Four-year Universities
     University of Arkansas at Monticello
     University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
     Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia
Two-year Colleges
     University of Arkansas Community College at Hope
     Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas, De Queen
     Southern Arkansas University – Tech, Camden
     Southeast Arkansas College, Pine Bluff
     South Arkansas Community College, El Dorado