New Partnership Brings UAM Bachelor's Programs to UACCB

Expanded affordable higher education opportunities in Arkansas through campus-within-a-campus model

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) and the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) have unveiled a new partnership that will allow UACCB students to earn bachelor's degrees from UAM while benefiting from some of the state's lowest tuition rates. The agreement will enable UACCB students to pursue bachelor's degrees in business and education from UAM through coursework offered in Batesville.

Why it matters

This partnership expands affordable higher education options for students in the Batesville area, allowing them to complete all four years of their degree on the UACCB campus. The campus-within-a-campus model and UACCB Transfer Scholarship make these bachelor's programs among the most affordable in Arkansas.

The details

The Bachelor of Arts in K-6 Elementary Education program is slated to begin in May 2026, with the Bachelor of Business Administration program launching in August 2026. Both degree offerings are pending approval from the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Higher Learning Commission. Students will start as UACCB students for the first two years before enrolling as UAM students for their junior and senior years, with tuition based on UACCB rates initially and UAM rates for the final two years. The UACCB Transfer Scholarship will award $3,000 per semester to qualifying UACCB students to help ensure affordability.

  • The partnership agreement was announced on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
  • The Bachelor of Arts in K-6 Elementary Education program is scheduled to begin in May 2026.
  • The Bachelor of Business Administration program is scheduled to launch in August 2026.

The players

Dr. Peggy Doss

Chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM).

Dr. Brian Shonk

Chancellor of the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB).

University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB)

A community college located in Batesville, Arkansas.

University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM)

A public university located in Monticello, Arkansas, and part of the University of Arkansas System.

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What they’re saying

“This partnership is exactly what we have been searching for – a way for our students and our community to earn high-quality bachelor's degrees right here on the UACCB campus without leaving home. The UACCB Transfer Scholarship makes these degrees among the most affordable in the state, and we could not ask for better partners than Dr. Peggy Doss and her outstanding team. We are deeply grateful to be part of the University of Arkansas System – this is just one more powerful example of what the System makes possible for Arkansans.”

— Dr. Brian Shonk, Chancellor of UACCB (whiterivernow.com)

“Partnering with UACCB on this innovative model is a meaningful advancement in making higher education more accessible and affordable for Arkansans. By working together, we are addressing workforce needs by preparing future teachers and business leaders, all while maintaining affordability through the UACCB Transfer Scholarship. We value this partnership and are excited to explore building additional pathways that empower students in Batesville.”

— Dr. Peggy Doss, Chancellor of UAM (whiterivernow.com)

What’s next

The Bachelor of Arts in K-6 Elementary Education program and the Bachelor of Business Administration program are pending approval from the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Higher Learning Commission.

The takeaway

This partnership between UACCB and UAM expands affordable higher education opportunities in Arkansas, allowing students to earn bachelor's degrees in business and education on the UACCB campus through a campus-within-a-campus model and the UACCB Transfer Scholarship, making these programs among the most affordable in the state.