Grantham Joining the University of Arkansas System: New Benefits and 2+2 Pathways

The University of Arkansas Grantham (formerly Grantham University) is proudly celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2026. Over seven decades ago, Grantham was a private radio school built with the intention of helping veterans find success in civilian life.

In 2021, the school hit a key milestone in joining the University of Arkansas System and officially becoming UA Grantham.

Though the school’s rich legacy remains, current and future UA Grantham students have and will continue to benefit from the transition in important ways. A lot has changed since 2021 (and a lot has not), and the UA System expansion has brought a greater variety of learning options to those looking to further their education.

Discover how UA Grantham’s 2+2 pathways help associate-degree graduates move into bachelor’s programs, discover new horizons and pursue their dreams.

From Grantham University to UA Grantham

Grantham University was originally founded in 1951 under the name “Grantham Radio License School.” It was created with a mission to help veterans use their G.I. Bill® benefits to translate their experience and skills into electronics-based professions.

Seventy years later, in 2021, Grantham University joined the University of Arkansas System and officially became UA Grantham.

Though the process began in mid-2021, it took several months to complete the merger. Consequently, the University of Arkansas System’s transition to bring Grantham into the system was completed on November 1, 2021. At that time, students became eligible to enjoy the array of benefits that come with being part of the large public university.

While the merger has expanded access to various educational programs, officials have been meticulous about ensuring all systems continue to operate seamlessly.

Graduates and former students of Grantham University often need timely access to their paperwork and credentials, diplomas, transcripts and student records, and these continue to be available through UA Grantham. Beginning in January 2022, new graduates received UA Grantham diplomas and certificates.

Another outcome of this process was a change in UA Grantham’s designation to a public, not-for-profit university within the University of Arkansas System. This brings significant advantages for students pursuing new degrees in an effort to expand their horizons.

What It Means to Be Part of the University of Arkansas System

In 2021, University of Arkansas trustees voted to acquire UA Grantham, bringing it under the umbrella of its statewide public higher education system. The school then transitioned from being a private, for-profit program to a public, not-for-profit university. This means that all revenues are now solely dedicated to supporting operations, thereby delivering a better student experience backed by a well-respected institution.

This brings the rigorous standards of a state-supported school with the convenience of an online education. In fact, UA Grantham is the only university in the University of Arkansas System that offers online programs exclusively, providing flexible and accredited options designed for working adults and military personnel. All classes are taught entirely online, giving those managing a full plate the ability to fit their educational pursuits around their lifestyles.

Being part of this large system means that UA Grantham students now have access to systemwide partnerships and benefits, including 2+2 academic pathways and UA System employee tuition benefits. Both of these programs make the pursuit of a high-quality education more accessible and affordable for adult learners.

What a “2+2 Pathway” Means for Students

For many, the associate degree serves a significant purpose as a starting point for furthering their education in a bachelor’s program. Those two years help them build a solid foundation of knowledge that sets them up for continued success as they move deeper into the field they’re most passionate about.

Recognizing the importance of bridging the gap for adult learners looking to take the next step, UA Grantham has introduced 2+2 pathways available to those seeking an associate degree from one of its partner institutions.

A 2+2 pathway means a student completes an associate degree at a participating college, then applies that credit toward a UA Grantham bachelor’s degree.

This means students can rest assured that the associate degree they worked so hard to earn will fully count as a meaningful step toward the bachelor’s degree program they desire to complete. This is how UA Grantham’s status as a University of Arkansas institution will continue to benefit associate graduates from partnered schools who choose to enroll at UA Grantham.

For those students, the benefits could not be more critical. These partnerships afford them the ability to have greater clarity as they plan their educational paths. They also get the benefit of a smoother transition from one level of their education to the next by applying eligible associate-degree credit toward select bachelor’s programs.

UA System Partnerships That Help Associate Graduates Move Into UA Grantham Bachelor’s Programs

The 2+2 Pathway is built on the foundation of solid partnerships with high-quality associate degree programs.

Agreements between UA Grantham and partner colleges within the University of Arkansas System (and other partners) allow associate-degree graduates to enroll in select UA Grantham bachelor’s degree programs and receive full credit for their associate degree.

Partner Schools and Examples of Mapped Pathways

Consider the following list of UA Grantham partner schools and examples of associate degree programs that qualify for our 2+2 Pathway program:

• North Arkansas College: Accounting (AAS), Management (AAS), Business (AS), Information Technologies (AS or AAS), Criminal Justice (AS)
• University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana: Information Technology (AAS), Business (AS), Business Administration (AAS), Funeral Services (AAS)
• University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville: Business (AAS or AS), Computer Technology (AAS), Criminal Justice (AS)
• University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College: Business, Technology and Engineering, Liberal Arts, Paralegal Technology
• University of Arkansas Cossatot: Business, Criminal Justice, Psychology, STEM, Agricultural Business
• University of Arkansas East Arkansas Community College: Any associate degree maps to the UA Grantham Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Strategic Communication degree programs
• University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain: Any associate degree maps to the UA Grantham Bachelor of Business Administration degree program

As you can see, the 2+2 Pathways means students have access to a variety of options that allow them to pursue their passions with clarity and support.

Supporting Students Through Systemwide Online Learning Growth

The University of Arkansas has always been committed to the mission of providing as many students as possible with high-quality, low-cost options for their educational pursuits. To that end, the UA System introduced eVersity in 2014 as its very first 100% online institution.

Though eVersity certainly helped expand the university’s reach, it didn’t come without significant limitations. As a result, the University of Arkansas struggled to reach learners outside of the state.

The acquisition of UA Grantham in 2021 gave the University of Arkansas the solution it needed to offer a quality online educational option to students nationwide.

The UA System combined forces with Grantham University to consolidate learning efforts, expand reach to adult learners and strengthen fully online learning options. Grantham University already had five times as many students and was a trusted name.

Fortunately, the new partnership brought a wide range of benefits to students while offering a smooth transition from one program to the other.

UA Grantham put the necessary resources in place to ensure students who were enrolled in eVersity were fully supported as the UA System consolidated its online learning efforts. This move not only brought growth for both institutions but also new opportunities for adult learners wishing to earn a degree.

Tuition Benefits for University of Arkansas System Employees

Along with making the pursuit of a more advanced degree more easily accessible with its 2+2 pathways, UA Grantham also aims to ensure education is an affordable option for its students.

Accomplishing this starts with those who are closest to and have already contributed their talents to the program, doing the work of making sure learners have the support they need to maximize their opportunities.

UA Grantham is proud to offer significant tuition benefits to qualified UA System employees. Simply put, employees of the UA System and all its institutions who qualify for education benefits per the relevant Board of Trustees policy receive 50% off the tuition for UA Grantham online undergraduate programs.

Spouses and dependents of qualified UA System employees can also receive a significant discount on their education, with 40% off their tuition costs. Though UA Grantham already has one of the lowest tuition rates in the nation (according to collegecost.ed.gov), this makes a high-quality education even more affordable.

It is important to note that this tuition discount applies only to tuition. As a result, applicable fees still apply.

Employees who plan to take advantage of the discount should work to gain clarity from and confirm eligibility with their HR team, as this will ensure they understand the full cost of their education before enrolling, as well as the benefits to which they may be entitled.

How to Get Started With UA Grantham

Having a place under the umbrella of the University of Arkansas System makes getting started with a UA Grantham degree program a smooth process. If you are a prospective transfer student, your first task is to identify the exact name of your associate degree program and your partner school.

Each school that UA Grantham partners with has unique requirements regarding transfer credits and what qualifies for the 2+2 Pathway. For this reason, it is critical that you review the partnership details to confirm mapped degrees so that you know what your options are for taking the next step into your bachelor’s degree program. Your dedicated UA Grantham Student Advisor can help with this.

Once you understand which bachelor’s degree program would be best for you, given the terms of the UA System partnership, your next move should be to request information about the program from UA Grantham.

Not only can you receive materials that can help you understand what the road ahead entails, but the staff is also happy to discuss the details of each program, what fits in with your educational goals and needs and your next steps in the enrollment process.

If you are a UA System employee, your pathway to your desired degree may look a little different. If you wish to take advantage of the tuition discount (or do the same for a spouse or dependent), you should first confirm your eligibility for the discount with human resources.

Doing this up front will ensure you are fully informed about potential benefits and options before you begin the enrollment process.

Next, you’ll want to take some time to review eligible programs and tuition discount details. Every learner has unique needs, passions and goals when it comes to the degree they wish to pursue and the cost of their education.

Understanding the length of each program, the coursework that will be required of each student and the potential outcomes after graduation will help you make the right decision.

Knowing the benefits associated with any tuition discount you may be eligible for will help you map out an accurate budget and plan to cover the cost of your education.

Finally, employees should reach out and connect with UA Grantham’s admissions team. They can provide you with the next steps for your application and enrollment so that you can finally get on the path to fulfilling your educational goals.

Celebrating the Milestone With New Pathways at UA Grantham

During this 75th anniversary celebration, it’s important to celebrate how far UA Grantham has come as an institution that aims to offer the highest quality affordable education in the nation.

Joining the University of Arkansas System in 2021 was an excellent and critical decision that served to expand potential pathways and benefits while UA Grantham continued delivering fully online education for adult learners.

Today, we’re proud of what we’re able to offer our students and employees through our 2+2 Pathway and tuition discount policy. We are able to fulfill our mission as an educational institution while ensuring learners have an opportunity to fulfill their dreams and goals.

If you’re ready to see what a UA Grantham degree can do for you, we are here to support you every step of the way. Explore the partnerships page, review the UA System employee tuition benefit page and request the information you need to make your decision today.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at VA.gov | Veterans Affairs