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Hendrix College

Conway, AR | Private Nonprofit | College

Hendrix College is a private nonprofit university in Conway, AR ranked #694 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 1,100 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 55.6%. Students most often pursue Economics and Biology.

Day to day, students benefit from a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, 79.6% first-year retention, and 72.4% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.

Families typically invest $24,149, about $7,151 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -58.7%, roughly 144.0 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $39,913. That's about $3,775 below national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.

B
Ranking
#694 of 6,101
How We Rank Schools Small campus feel

Hendrix College has an acceptance rate of 55.6%, annual tuition of $38,200, average net price of $24,149, and a national rank of #694 (Grade B), with a 72.4% six-year graduation rate, about 1,100 undergraduates, and median earnings of $39,913 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.

At a Glance
Ranking
#694 of 6,101 (Top 11.4%)
Tuition
$38,200
Net Price
$24,149
4-Year Tuition
$152,800
Acceptance Rate
55.6%
Transfer Rate
27.7%
Student Population
1,100
Student-Faculty
11:1
Graduation Rate
72.4%
Retention Rate
79.6%
6-Yr Earnings
$39,913
ROI
-58.7%

Who is Hendrix College Best For?

A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.

Students who thrive with close mentoring
Learners who value a tight-knit campus
Students valuing supportive learning environments

EDsmart Scores Summary

Overall Ranking
#694 of 6,101
Top 11.4% of all institutions
EDsmart Score
64.3 / 100 (national index)
Curved score (top institution = 100.0)
Value Rating
3.22 / 5
Based on ROI and outcomes
Completion
B+
#415 of 6,101
Affordability
C+
#1,495 of 6,101
Support
B+
#552 of 6,101
Career Outcomes
B
#1,063 of 6,101

Hendrix College graduates 72.4% of students within six years and keeps 79.6% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.

How we calculate this →

Cost & Financial Aid

Quick Answers

What does it cost?
Depends on income
$15,951-$27,453 annual net price based on family income.
What's the graduation rate?
Likely
72.4% finish within six years. 63.5% complete in four years.
What are job outcomes?
Highly likely
89.2% of alumni are employed within three years of leaving. Median earnings six years after entry are $39,913. Pay varies by major.
Get Your Personalized Cost Estimate

The costs shown are averages. Use Hendrix College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.

Calculate Your Net Price →

Total Degree Cost Summary

4-Year Total Cost (Pay with Cash)
$220,052
$55,013 × 4 years
Average Total Cost (Pay with Financial Aid)
$108,670
$24,149 × 4.5 years average
Time to Degree
Average: 4.5 years | 4-Year Rate: 63.5% | 6-Year Rate: 72.4%
Most students finish in about four to five years. Four-year completion is 63.5% and six-year completion is 72.4%.

Annual Cost Comparison

Pay with Cash
$55,013
Total annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses; excluding any financial aid, grants or scholarships.
Pay with Financial Aid
$24,149
Average annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses after financial aid, grants or scholarships.

Cost of Undergraduate Attendance

Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.

View cost of attendance line items
Costs to Consider Price
Tuition and Fees $38,200
Books and Supplies $900
On-Campus Room and Board $14,852
On-Campus Other Expenses $3,520
Total On-Campus Cost $55,013

Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.

Students Receiving Aid

Pell Grant
23.2%
Federal Loan
0.0%

Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.

EDsmart Insight: About 23.2% of Hendrix College students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.

Net Price by Family Income

Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.

$0 - $30,000
$15,951
Average annual cost for families earning $0-$30K
$30,001 - $48,000
$18,838
Average annual cost for families earning $30K-$48K
$48,001 - $75,000
$26,414
Average annual cost for families earning $48K-$75K
$75,001 - $110,000
$26,396
Average annual cost for families earning $75K-$110K
$110,001+
$27,453
Average annual cost for families earning $110K+

Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $15,951 to $27,453 depending on family income. Use Hendrix College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

4-Year Total Cost Estimates:
$0-$30K families
~$71,780
$30K-$48K families
~$84,771
$48K-$75K families
~$118,863
$75K-$110K families
~$118,782
AFFORDABILITY ALERT

If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $26,396/year

If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $27,453/year

See all income brackets →

ROI & Career Outcomes

Return on Investment
-58.7%
Based on 6-year median earnings vs. total degree cost
  • 6-Year Median Earnings $39,913
  • 10-Year Median Earnings $39,913
  • Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
  • Average Student Debt $19,500
  • Repayment Rate (3yr) 76.2%
  • Employment Rate 89.2%

Graduate Earnings Distribution

Earnings range for Hendrix College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.

Graduates earn a median of $39,913 six years after enrollment — roughly 9% below the national median.
Payback Period
2.72 years
Total Degree Cost ÷ Annual Earnings

Hendrix College vs. National Average

Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Hendrix College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Hendrix College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.

EDsmart Insight: While Hendrix College graduates earn $39,913 median, the -58.7% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.

Acceptance & Selectivity

Getting In

Acceptance Rate
55.6%
Less Selective
National Average
69%
Average acceptance rate
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading 560-668
  • SAT Math 563-680
  • SAT Writing Not reported
  • ACT Composite 23-31
  • SAT & ACT Required
  • Undergraduate Enrollment 1,100
  • Full-Time Students 95.0%
  • Part-Time Students 5.0%
  • Retention Rate 79.6%
  • Graduation Rate 72.4%
  • Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1

How to Get Into Hendrix College

1. Meet Academic Requirements: Hendrix College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.

2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.

3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 55.6%, Hendrix College is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.

4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.

Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.

EDsmart Insight: With a 55.6% acceptance rate, Hendrix College is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1123 and 1348 on the SAT.

Academic Programs

Undergraduate Program Distribution

Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Hendrix College undergraduates. Psychology, General, Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, and Biology, General draw the most students.

  • Psychology, General 14.4%
  • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology 9.0%
  • Biology, General 8.4%
  • Economics 8.4%
  • Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen 7.0%
  • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics 6.0%
See more majors
  • English Language and Literature, General 5.7%
  • History 5.7%

Highest Earning Programs

Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.

Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)

  • 1. Economics $69,847
  • 2. Biology, General $58,906
  • 3. English Language and Literature, General $49,035
Show additional high-earning majors
  • 4. Psychology, General $42,499
  • 5. Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology $28,322

Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Economics grads earn $69,847—147% more than Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology ($28,322). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.

Online Degrees & Distance Learning

College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Hendrix College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard

Most Popular Online Degrees

  • Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 43 graduates)
  • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology (Bachelor's Degree, 27 graduates)
  • Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 25 graduates)
  • Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 25 graduates)
  • Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degree, 21 graduates)

What This School Offers Online, at a Glance

College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.

Online Bachelor's Degrees (27 programs)
  • Psychology, General
  • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
  • Economics
  • Biology, General
  • Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
  • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • History
  • English Language and Literature, General
  • Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
  • Accounting and Related Services
  • Political Science and Government
  • Computer Science
  • Natural Resources Conservation and Research
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Anthropology
  • Philosophy
  • Neurobiology and Neurosciences
  • Religion/Religious Studies
  • Fine and Studio Arts
  • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
  • Sociology
  • Mathematics
  • International Relations and National Security Studies
  • Music
  • Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other
  • Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Online Master's Degrees (1 program)
  • Accounting and Related Services

Student Demographics

Student Population

  • Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,100
  • Full-Time Students 95.0%
  • Part-Time Students 5.0%
  • Male Students 49.2%
  • Female Students 50.8%
  • Caucasian 69.4%
  • Asian 3.5%
  • Hispanic 8.3%
  • Black 7.4%
  • Pell Grant Recipients 23.2%

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Hendrix College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.

Gender Distribution

Gender breakdown of Hendrix College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does Hendrix College support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
66.7%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
76.7%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
10.1 pts
equity gap to monitor

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Hendrix College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

EDsmart Insight: About 23.2% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does Hendrix College support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
66.7%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
76.7%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
10.1 pts
equity gap to monitor

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Hendrix College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

Our Take

Hendrix College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -58.7% ROI. Ranked #694 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.

The $24,149 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $39,913 median earnings. With 72.4% graduating within six years and 79.6% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.

Private University Value: Hendrix College's Positioning

With a B grade and #694 ranking, Hendrix College competes in the crowded regional private university market.

The Private University Premium: At $24,149 annually, Hendrix College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 79.6% retention rate suggests students value this environment.

Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $16,904 achieve particularly strong value.

Cost-Benefit Reality: The -58.7% ROI and $39,913 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $14,149+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.

Competitive Standing: Hendrix College ranks #694 of 6101 institutions, with 1342 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.

Key Takeaways

  • 72.4% six-year graduation rate sits 9.9 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
  • 79.6% first-year retention is 2.8 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
  • -58.7% return on investment is 144.0 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
  • Median earnings of $39,913 run about 9% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
  • Average net price of $24,149 is roughly $6,752 higher than the national median of $17,397.

Helpfulness for Students

Green Flags
  • 11:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
  • 79.6% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
  • 89.2% employment rate within three years sits 21.0 points above national outcomes.
Red Flags
  • Average net price of $24,149 is about $6,752 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
  • Pell participation at 23.2% trails the national share by 15.9 points, so equity work remains important.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis

Hendrix College, a private nonprofit university in Conway, AR, secures a B grade in our latest review. It stands at #694 among 6101 schools Category results include Completion (B+), Support (B+), Career Outcomes (B), and Affordability (C+).

Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.

About 79.6% of first-year students return, and roughly 72.4% finish within six years. Return on investment currently measures -58.7% for this program.

Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.

EDsmart Financial Snapshot

Families pay about $24,149 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $55,013.

Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $30,864 per year.

Graduates leave with a median of $19,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.

About 23.2% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.

Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.

EDsmart Career Snapshot

Six years in, alumni earn roughly $39,913 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 9% lower.

Roughly 89.2% of graduates are employed three years out.

Plan around an ROI of about -58.7% according to the Scorecard data.

Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.

EDsmart Admissions Snapshot

55.6% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.

The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.

Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Hendrix College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.

Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.

EDsmart Verdict
3.22 / 5
Value Rating - Based on affordability and career outcomes

Your Decision Toolkit

Run the Net Price Calculator
Get your personalized cost estimate
Compare with similar schools
See how Hendrix College stacks up to alternatives
Check your major's earnings
See ROI for your specific field of study
Visit the campus
Schedule a campus tour or virtual visit
Visit Hendrix College Website →

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Nearby Schools

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Other Arkansas campuses you might consider

Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, AR
B #698 of 6,101
Ouachita Baptist University
Arkadelphia, AR
B #773 of 6,101
John Brown University
Siloam Springs, AR
B+ #594 of 6,101
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Little Rock, AR
B+ #559 of 6,101

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hendrix College's acceptance rate?

Hendrix College's acceptance rate is 55.6%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.

How much does Hendrix College cost?

At Hendrix College, listed tuition and fees are $38,200 per year, and the average net price after aid is $24,149. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.

What is Hendrix College's ranking?

Hendrix College ranks #694 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.

What is Hendrix College's graduation rate?

At Hendrix College, the six-year graduation rate is 72.4%, and first-year retention is 79.6%.

What are Hendrix College's job outcomes?

Graduates of Hendrix College report median earnings of $39,913 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.

What is Hendrix College's student population?

Hendrix College enrolls about 1,100 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.

Contact Information

  • AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
  • Endowment$203.2M
  • Transfer Enrollment Rate27.7%

Data Source & Methodology