Arkansas Veterans: Healthcare Facilities, Education Benefits & Job Resources
Complete directory of Arkansas VA medical centers, education programs, veteran employment resources, and support services across the state.
Arkansas Veterans: Healthcare Facilities, Education Benefits & Job Resources
Arkansas serves approximately 222,000 veterans - about 10% of the state's adult population. Whether you're transitioning to civilian life or already living in Arkansas, you need to know what healthcare facilities, education benefits, and job opportunities are available.
This guide provides actual addresses, phone numbers, and actionable information for Arkansas veterans.
Bottom Line Up Front
Healthcare: Arkansas has 2 VA medical centers, 12 community-based clinics, and 2 state veterans homes
Education: Military Dependents Scholarship (free tuition for dependents of disabled veterans), Yellow Ribbon schools, National Guard tuition programs
Employment: State hiring preference with points added to exam scores, major employers (Walmart, Tyson Foods, J.B. Hunt), veteran-focused job programs
Veteran Population Hotspots: Pulaski County (Little Rock area), Washington County (Fayetteville/NWA), Benton County (Bentonville)
VA Healthcare Facilities in Arkansas
VA Medical Centers
1. John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital (Little Rock)
Address: 4300 West 7th Street, Little Rock, AR 72205 Phone: (501) 257-1000 | Toll-free: 1-800-224-8387 Emergency Care: 24/7 emergency department
Services:
- Primary care
- Mental health services
- Surgery (general, orthopedic, vascular)
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Neurology
- PTSD treatment programs
- Substance abuse treatment
- Women's health
- Prosthetics and orthotics
- Pharmacy
- Imaging and laboratory
- Dental (eligible veterans)
- Audiology and optometry
Specialty programs:
- Polytrauma care
- Spinal cord injury care
- Homeless veteran programs
- Veteran Justice Outreach
- Telehealth services
Parking: Available on-site
This is the flagship VA facility in Arkansas, serving veterans across the central and southern portions of the state.
2. VA Medical Center Fayetteville (Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks)
Address: 1100 North College Avenue, Fayetteville, AR 72703 Phone: (479) 443-4301 | Toll-free: 1-800-691-8387
Services:
- Primary care
- Mental health and PTSD counseling
- Surgical services
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Women's health
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Pharmacy
- Laboratory and imaging
- Dental services
- Audiology and vision care
Specialty programs:
- Rural health initiatives
- Telehealth services
- Homeless veteran programs
- Veterans Justice Outreach
Service area: Covers northwest Arkansas and parts of southern Missouri and eastern Oklahoma
Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs)
Arkansas has 12 CBOCs providing primary care and mental health services closer to where veterans live.
VA Central Arkansas Healthcare System CBOCs
Conway VA Clinic Services: Primary care, mental health, telehealth
El Dorado VA Clinic Services: Primary care, mental health
Hot Springs VA Clinic Services: Primary care, mental health, laboratory
Mena VA Clinic Services: Primary care, mental health
Mountain Home VA Clinic Services: Primary care, mental health, telehealth
Pine Bluff VA Clinic Services: Primary care, mental health
Russellville VA Clinic Services: Primary care, mental health
Searcy VA Clinic Services: Primary care, mental health
Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks CBOCs
Fort Smith VA Clinic Services: Primary care, mental health, telehealth
Harrison VA Clinic Services: Primary care, mental health
Ozark VA Clinic Services: Primary care, mental health
Fayetteville CBOC (Extension of main Fayetteville VA Medical Center) Services: Primary care, specialty care
Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling)
Vet Centers provide confidential counseling for combat veterans, military sexual trauma survivors, and bereaved family members at no cost.
Little Rock Vet Center Address: 10800 Financial Centre Pkwy, Suite 175, Little Rock, AR 72211 Phone: Contact Vet Center Call Center at 1-877-927-8387 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Services:
- PTSD counseling and support groups
- Individual and group therapy
- Substance abuse counseling
- Employment counseling
- Family counseling
- Bereavement counseling
- Military sexual trauma (MST) counseling
Satellite locations: Offers services at multiple locations throughout central Arkansas
Fayetteville Vet Center Services: Same as Little Rock Vet Center, with evening hours available by appointment Coverage: Northwest Arkansas region
Note: The Shreveport Vet Center in Louisiana also serves 6 counties in Southwest Arkansas.
Wait Times and Quality Ratings
Little Rock VAMC: Generally provides services within VA standards for most primary care and specialty appointments. Average wait times vary by specialty.
Fayetteville VAMC: Serves a large rural area with strong telehealth capabilities to reduce travel requirements.
Best practice: Enroll in VA healthcare as soon as you separate from active duty, even if you don't plan to use it immediately. This locks in your eligibility and priority group.
How to Enroll in VA Healthcare
Online: va.gov/health-care/apply Phone: 1-877-222-VETS (8387) In person: Visit either VA medical center with your DD-214
Documents needed:
- DD-214 (discharge paperwork)
- Social Security card
- Insurance information (if you have other coverage)
Enrollment priority groups: Veterans with service-connected disabilities, low income, Purple Heart recipients, former POWs, and certain other categories receive higher priority.
State Veterans Homes (Nursing Care)
Arkansas operates two state veterans homes providing skilled nursing care:
1. Arkansas State Veterans Home at North Little Rock
Address: 2401 John Ashley Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72114 Phone: Contact Arkansas Department of Human Services or main switchboard Beds: 88 beds Services: Skilled nursing, rehabilitation, hospice care, respite care Ownership: State-owned facility Certifications: Medicare and Medicaid certified
2. Arkansas Veterans Home at Fayetteville
Address: 1179 North College Avenue, Fayetteville, AR Phone: (479) 444-7001 Services: Skilled nursing, long-term care, memory care Oversight: Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs
Eligibility: Veterans with honorable discharge, veteran spouses, and Gold Star parents may apply for admission.
Cost: Sliding scale based on income and VA aid and attendance benefits. VA aid and attendance benefits can help cover costs for eligible veterans.
How to apply: Contact the facility directly or visit the Arkansas Department of Veteran Affairs website at www.veterans.arkansas.gov
Education Benefits for Arkansas Veterans
Military Dependents Scholarship (MDS) Program
This is Arkansas's premier education benefit - free tuition, fees, room and board for dependents and spouses of disabled or deceased veterans.
Eligibility:
- Spouses or dependent children of veterans killed in action or missing in action
- Spouses or dependent children of veterans who were prisoners of war
- Spouses or dependent children of veterans who are totally and permanently disabled as a result of their service
- Unremarried widow(er)s of eligible veterans
Benefit amount:
- Waiver of tuition, fees, room and board at any Arkansas public college, university, or technical institute
- Eligibility limited to eight semesters or achievement of a degree, whichever occurs first
Qualifying schools: All Arkansas public institutions, including:
- University of Arkansas (Fayetteville, Little Rock, Fort Smith, Monticello, Pine Bluff)
- Arkansas State University (Jonesboro, Beebe, Mountain Home, Newport)
- University of Central Arkansas (Conway)
- Southern Arkansas University (Magnolia)
- Arkansas Tech University (Russellville)
- Henderson State University (Arkadelphia)
- All Arkansas community colleges and technical institutes
How to apply:
- Submit VA documentation showing total and permanent disability (or other qualifying status)
- Apply through your chosen school's financial aid office
- Complete Military Dependents Scholarship application
This benefit is significantly more generous than most states - covering room and board in addition to tuition is rare.
Arkansas National Guard Tuition Waiver Program (NGTW)
Eligibility: Active Arkansas National Guard members
Benefit: Waives up to 120 credit hours or completion of a bachelor's degree, whichever comes first
Use: Tuition at Arkansas state-supported public institutions
This essentially provides free tuition for Guard members pursuing undergraduate degrees at state schools.
National Guard Tuition Incentive Program
Benefit amount: $2,500 per semester, up to $5,000 annually
Use: Can be combined with GI Bill benefits and other education assistance
Post-9/11 GI Bill - Yellow Ribbon Schools
Several Arkansas schools participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, covering 100% of tuition for eligible veterans.
University of Arkansas (Fayetteville)
Yellow Ribbon: Up to 40 students annually, school contributes $2,000 maximum In-state tuition: Guaranteed for GI Bill users under VACAA BAH rate: ~$1,100-$1,200/month (varies annually) Veteran enrollment: 1,000+ student veterans
Veterans Resource Center Phone: (479) 575-3629 Website: vmsc.uark.edu Services: GI Bill certification, career counseling, peer mentoring, study spaces
Why it's good: Major research university with strong engineering, business, and agriculture programs. Active veteran community.
Arkansas State University (Jonesboro)
Yellow Ribbon: Participates in program (check with school for slot availability) Veteran enrollment: 800+ student veterans Military Friendly designation: Bronze status
Services: Dedicated veterans affairs office, military student services
Why it's good: Strong education, nursing, and agriculture programs. Affordable cost of living in Jonesboro.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR)
Yellow Ribbon: Participates in program Location: Little Rock (close to VA medical center)
Why it's good: Urban campus with access to capital city internships and jobs, proximity to VA healthcare.
University of Central Arkansas (Conway)
Yellow Ribbon: Participates in program Location: Conway (central Arkansas)
Why it's good: Strong education and business programs, growing campus between Little Rock and Fayetteville.
In-State Tuition for Veterans
Veterans using GI Bill benefits qualify for in-state tuition at Arkansas public schools under the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act (VACAA), regardless of residency status.
Eligibility:
- Using Post-9/11 GI Bill or Montgomery GI Bill
- Living in Arkansas while attending school
- Enrolling within 3 years of discharge
This removes a major financial barrier for veterans relocating to Arkansas for school.
Top GI Bill Schools in Arkansas (by Program Strength)
- University of Arkansas (Fayetteville) - Engineering, business, agriculture
- Arkansas State University (Jonesboro) - Education, nursing, agriculture
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock - Criminal justice, public administration, information science
- University of Central Arkansas - Education, business, health sciences
- Arkansas Tech University - Engineering technology, nursing
- Henderson State University - Education, business, aviation
- Arkansas community colleges - Career and technical programs, transfer programs
Employment Resources for Arkansas Veterans
State Hiring Preference
Arkansas law provides hiring preference for qualified veterans in state government employment.
Who qualifies:
- Veterans honorably discharged from active duty service
- National Guard or Armed Forces Reserve members with at least six years' time in service
- Surviving spouse of eligible service member
- Disabled veterans over age 55 entitled to VA pension or compensation
How it works: If an examination is used for hiring, eligible applicants will have points added to passing scores. Veterans also receive priority consideration for promotion and retention in state employment.
Where to apply: Arkansas Department of Transformation and Shared Services Job portal: State government job listings
Arkansas Workforce Services - Veterans Programs
Contact: Arkansas Division of Workforce Services Phone: (334) 242-8003 (check local workforce centers)
Services:
- Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP): Specialists provide intensive services to disabled and other eligible veterans
- Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVER): Conduct outreach to employers and facilitate veteran hiring
- Job search assistance
- Resume writing and interview preparation
- Referrals to veteran-friendly employers
- Apprenticeship programs
- On-the-job training programs
Local offices: Available in every major Arkansas city and many smaller communities
Major Employers Hiring Veterans
Fortune 500 Companies (Northwest Arkansas)
Walmart (Headquarters: Bentonville)
- Largest retailer in the world
- Veteran programs: Military hiring initiatives, veteran employee resource groups
- Typical roles: Supply chain, logistics, management, corporate positions, IT
- Why veterans fit: Large-scale operations, leadership opportunities, structured advancement
- Website: careers.walmart.com
Tyson Foods (Headquarters: Springdale)
- One of world's largest food processors (chicken, beef, pork)
- Veteran programs: Active veteran recruiting, military skills translation
- Typical roles: Plant management, operations, quality control, logistics, engineering
- Why veterans fit: Safety culture, process management, leadership roles
- Website: tysonfoods.com/careers
J.B. Hunt Transport (Headquarters: Lowell)
- Leading transportation and logistics company
- Veteran programs: Military driver training programs, skills translation
- Typical roles: Truck drivers, logistics coordinators, dispatchers, management
- Why veterans fit: CDL training assistance, disciplined work environment, advancement opportunities
- Website: jbhunt.jobs
Murphy USA (Headquarters: El Dorado)
- Convenience store chain and fuel retailer
- Typical roles: Store management, operations, corporate positions
Dillard's (Headquarters: Little Rock)
- Department store chain
- Typical roles: Retail management, distribution, corporate
Defense and Aerospace
Arkansas has limited defense contracting compared to states like Alabama or Virginia, but opportunities exist:
- Aerojet Rocketdyne (Camden) - Rocket motor manufacturing
- Lockheed Martin (Various Arkansas locations) - Defense systems
- Raytheon (Limited presence) - Defense electronics
For more defense contractor opportunities, veterans in Arkansas often look to neighboring states or leverage remote work options.
Healthcare Employers
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) - Little Rock
- Major academic medical center and employer
- Typical roles: Clinical, administrative, research, facilities
Baptist Health System - Statewide
- Large healthcare system
- Typical roles: Clinical, allied health, management
Washington Regional Medical Center - Fayetteville
- Northwest Arkansas healthcare leader
- Typical roles: Nursing, healthcare administration, support services
White River Health System - Batesville
- Regional healthcare system
- Typical roles: Clinical, support services
Many healthcare systems offer veteran hiring programs and value military medical training and leadership experience.
Manufacturing and Industry
Big River Steel - Osceola
- Modern steel manufacturing
- Typical roles: Production, skilled trades, engineering
Nucor Steel - Various locations
- Steel manufacturing
- Typical roles: Production, maintenance, management
Mars Petcare - Fort Smith
- Pet food manufacturing
- Typical roles: Production, quality control, management
Technology and Business Services
Arkansas's tech sector is growing, particularly in Northwest Arkansas:
- Arvest Bank - Banking and financial services
- Stephens Inc. - Investment banking
- Growing startup ecosystem in Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas
Apprenticeship Programs
Arkansas Registered Apprenticeship programs offer paid on-the-job training:
Available trades:
- Electrical work
- HVAC
- Plumbing
- Welding
- Industrial maintenance
- Automotive technology
- Information technology
GI Bill benefit: You can often use GI Bill for apprenticeships, receiving monthly housing allowance on top of apprentice wages.
Contact: Arkansas Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship
Veteran Unemployment Benefits
Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers (UCX): Available if you separated from active duty in the last 18 months.
Contact: Arkansas Division of Workforce Services Phone: Contact local workforce center
Home Base Arkansas
Website: homebasearkansas.com
A state resource providing service members and veterans with information about:
- Unique career opportunities in Arkansas
- Benefits available in the state
- Education resources
- Networking opportunities
DOD SkillBridge
Several Arkansas employers participate in DOD SkillBridge, allowing transitioning service members to gain civilian work experience during their final 180 days of service:
- Check with major employers (Walmart, Tyson Foods, J.B. Hunt)
- Healthcare systems
- State government agencies
How to apply: Work with your installation's transition assistance office
Support Services
Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)
VSOs provide free assistance with VA claims, appeals, and benefits navigation.
Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs Address: 2200 Fort Roots Drive, Building 65, Room 119, North Little Rock, AR 72114 Phone: (501) 370-3820 Fax: (501) 370-3829 Website: www.veterans.arkansas.gov Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Services:
- VA claims assistance
- Benefits counseling
- State benefits information
- Referrals to resources
- All services free of charge
County Veterans Service Officers: Available in most Arkansas counties. Contact your county government or the state ADVA for your local VSO.
American Legion - Chapters throughout Arkansas Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) - Posts statewide Disabled American Veterans (DAV) - Chapters in major cities Vietnam Veterans of America - Multiple chapters
Homeless Veteran Programs
VA Homeless Programs Hotline: 1-877-424-3838
Grant and Per Diem Program: Transitional housing available through VA partnerships in Little Rock and other areas
HUD-VASH: Housing vouchers paired with VA case management for homeless veterans
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF): Provides assistance to very low-income veteran families to prevent homelessness
Mental Health Resources
Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1 (24/7) Text: 838255 Online chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net
Little Rock VA Mental Health Services: (501) 257-1000 Fayetteville VA Mental Health Services: (479) 443-4301
Vet Centers (listed earlier) provide free counseling for:
- PTSD
- Depression
- Military sexual trauma
- Readjustment issues
- Substance abuse
- Bereavement
Legal Assistance
Arkansas State Bar Veterans Assistance Programs Some legal aid organizations offer free or reduced-cost services for veterans with discharge upgrades, benefits appeals, and other legal issues.
Contact: Your county bar association or local legal aid organization
VR&E Services (Veteran Readiness and Employment)
Services:
- Job training and employment assistance
- Resume development and job-seeking skills coaching
- Employment accommodations for service-connected disabilities
- Support for veterans starting their own businesses
- Independent living services for severely disabled veterans
How to access: Contact the Little Rock or Fayetteville VA Medical Center VR&E office
Regional Veteran Resources
Pulaski County / Little Rock Metro
- Veteran population: Significant (includes North Little Rock, Jacksonville)
- VA Medical Center: John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital
- Vet Center: Little Rock
- State Veterans Home: North Little Rock
- Major employers: State government, UAMS, Dillard's, healthcare systems
- Military connection: Little Rock Air Force Base (Jacksonville)
County Veterans Service Office: Contact Pulaski County government
Washington County / Fayetteville
- Veteran population: Large (college town + regional hub)
- VA Medical Center: Fayetteville VAMC
- Vet Center: Fayetteville
- State Veterans Home: Fayetteville
- Major employers: University of Arkansas, Walmart (nearby Bentonville), healthcare
- Why veterans choose it: Education opportunities, growing economy, outdoor recreation
County Veterans Service Office: (479) 444-1520
Benton County / Bentonville-Rogers Area
- Veteran population: Growing rapidly with Northwest Arkansas expansion
- VA facilities: Served by Fayetteville VAMC
- Major employers: Walmart, Tyson Foods, J.B. Hunt, suppliers
- Why veterans choose it: High-paying jobs, booming economy
- Challenge: Higher housing costs than rest of Arkansas
Sebastian County / Fort Smith
- Veteran population: Moderate
- VA facility: Fort Smith CBOC
- Major employers: Manufacturing, healthcare, retail
- Why veterans choose it: Affordable housing, proximity to Oklahoma jobs
Craighead County / Jonesboro
- Veteran population: Moderate
- VA facilities: Served by Jonesboro area (check current CBOC status)
- Major employers: Arkansas State University, healthcare, manufacturing
- Why veterans choose it: College town benefits, affordable living, central location
Key Takeaways
- Enroll in VA healthcare immediately - Two full medical centers plus 12 CBOCs provide good coverage
- Use the Military Dependents Scholarship - If you're totally and permanently disabled, your dependents get free tuition, fees, room and board
- Leverage state hiring preference - Get points added to exam scores for state jobs
- Target major employers - Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt actively hire veterans and offer advancement
- Connect with Arkansas DVA - They'll help you claim every benefit you've earned
Arkansas's veteran support infrastructure is solid, with particular strengths in education benefits (the Military Dependents Scholarship is exceptional) and accessible healthcare through two medical centers and an extensive CBOC network.
Additional Resources
- Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs: (501) 370-3820 | www.veterans.arkansas.gov
- VA Central Arkansas: (501) 257-1000 | www.va.gov/central-arkansas-health-care
- VA Fayetteville: (479) 443-4301 | www.fayettevillear.va.gov
- Home Base Arkansas: homebasearkansas.com
- Arkansas Workforce Services: Contact local workforce center
- GI Bill School Search: benefits.va.gov/gibill/comparison
- Vet Center Call Center: 1-877-927-8387 (24/7)
Information current as of January 2025. Contact facilities directly to verify hours, services, and eligibility requirements.