Overview
Henderson State University was founded in 1890 as Arkadelphia Methodist College and has evolved through several institutional identities before becoming a public university, historically recognized for its teacher education programs. Long affiliated with the Arkansas State University System after a period of financial difficulty in the late 2010s, Henderson State underwent significant restructuring to stabilize its academic and financial footing. The university has built a reputation as an accessible regional institution emphasizing close faculty-student relationships and career-focused degree programs.
At a Glance
| Type | Public |
| Location | Arkadelphia, Arkansas |
| Founded | 1890 |
| Total students | 2,200 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 15:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 90% |
| Graduation rate | 38% |
| Average starting salary | $38,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $8,700 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $12,900 |
| Room & board | $9,500 |
| Average financial aid | $9,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 90% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 900-1100 |
| ACT range | 18-23 |
| Average GPA | 3.10 |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Teacher Education
- Business Administration
- Criminal Justice
- Nursing
- Biology
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.