Philander Smith College is located downtown. The college was founded in 1877, and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The college continues the church's tradition of social justice through its social justice initiative, which provides lecturers, promotes justice internships and emphasizes social justice in its curriculum. The college offers bachelor of science or arts degrees in 22 majors. It belongs to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and has competitive programs in basketball, volleyball and track and field. Student life includes sorority and fraternity chapters, student government associations and leadership programs.
Arkansas Baptist College is a private, four-year, liberal arts college. It provides academic and spiritual guidance to its students. Founded in 1884, the college offers associate in arts and science, and bachelor of arts and science degrees in 10 majors. The college offers students a full college experience, which includes sororities and fraternities, student government, on-campus housing and athletic teams that compete in the junior college athletics division.
Shorter College is a private, liberal arts college that was founded in 1886 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The college is located in North Little Rock and offers two-year certificate programs in computer office specialist, marketing, management, childhood development and general studies. The college provides flexible scheduling and personal attention for its nontraditional students, many of whom return to college after time spent in the workforce. The college is not accredited by any higher learning association, but counts accreditation in its long-term institutional goals.
University of Arkansas Pine Bluff is located in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, just 38 miles from Little Rock. The university was founded in 1873, has more than 3,500 students pursuing bachelors of arts and science degrees in more than 40 majors. The university also has a graduate school that offers six masters programs. Students may participate in more than 90 student organizations, which include honors societies, sororities and fraternities, service clubs and the university radio station.