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On Thursday, North Arkansas College of the University of Arkansas (UA Northark) and the University of Arkansas at Monticello  announced a new partnership that will allow UA Northark students to earn bachelor’s degrees in Harrison at one of the state’s lowest tuition rates.

The strategic partnership will integrate business and education programs, enabling UA Northark students to pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration degree beginning in August 2026. Plans to add a Bachelor of Arts in K-6 Elementary Education degree are also underway. Both degree programs are currently pending approval from the Higher Learning Commission.

Employing a campus-within-a-campus model, the partnership offers students the opportunity to complete all four years of their degree on the Harrison campus, starting as UA Northark students for the first two years before enrolling as UAM students for their junior and senior years. Tuition will be based on UA Northark rates for the initial two years and UAM rates for the junior and senior years of coursework. Throughout their studies, students will have access to services and resources from both institutions and will earn an associate degree from UA Northark and a bachelor’s degree from UAM.

To further support affordability, UAM will offer the Pioneer Transfer Scholarship, awarding $3,000 per semester to UA Northark students who complete 55 credit hours and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA. This scholarship helps ensure these bachelor’s degrees remain among the most affordable options in Arkansas.

Dr. Rick Massengale, chancellor of UA Northark, highlighted the opportunities for students because of the new partnership, stating, “By offering bachelor’s degrees right here in Harrison, we are removing one of the biggest barriers our students face, having to leave home to continue their education. This partnership not only keeps talent in our community but also strengthens our local workforce, supporting area businesses and schools with well-prepared graduates who are invested in the future of North Arkansas."

“This partnership with UA Northark represents a significant step forward in expanding opportunities for students in Harrison and the surrounding communities,” said Dr. Peggy Doss, chancellor of UAM. “We’re excited to launch the Bachelor of Business Administration program this fall, providing an affordable pathway to a four-year degree for local students. We are also committed to adding an elementary education degree option in the future as we continue building innovative academic pathways together.”

The announcement occurred on UA Northark’s south campus on Thursday in the John Paul Hammerschmidt Conference Room, where both Dr. Massengale and Dr. Doss delivered remarks and participated in a ceremonial signing of the partnership agreement.

 

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About UA Northark

North Arkansas College of the University of Arkansas is a public two-year community college whose mission is to change lives by providing high-quality, affordable, accessible education. For more information about UA Northark, visit www.northark.edu.

About UAM  

The University of Arkansas at Monticello was established in 1909 and was formally known as the Fourth District Agricultural School, the Agricultural and Mechanical College of the Fourth District and Arkansas Agricultural and Mechanical College. The four-year institution is located in Monticello, Arkansas. In 2003, UAM expanded its mission to include vocational and technical education when the UAM College of Technology-Crossett and the UAM College of Technology-McGehee became part of UAM to create a comprehensive system of postsecondary education in southeast Arkansas.