The Natural State takes pride in higher education, and any Arkansas traveler can tell just by touring the campuses of institutions such as Hendrix College or the University of Central Arkansas that the state's colleges and universities put a lot of value on what students and parents see upon arrival. However, these educational locales are great for anyone - whether enrolled or not - to walk through and admire the grounds.

12. Arkansas Tech University

Located in Russellville, Arkansas, this university offers programs at both baccalaureate and graduate levels in a range of fields. In October 2013, Jerry the Bulldog was adopted as Arkansas Tech's campus ambassador after a 76-year absence from the school.

11. John Brown University

Located in Siloam Springs, Arkansas and founded in 1919, JBU also has regional educational centers in Rogers, Little Rock, and Fort Smith. The 200-acre main campus in northwest Arkansas has been the site of the university since its founding year. The university's most recognizable building, the Cathedral of the Ozarks, was completed in 1957 and, along with the two Art Buildings composes the Cathedral group

10. University of Central Arkansas

UCA is the fourth largest university by enrollment in Arkansas. The oldest building on campus is Main Hall, completed in 1919. The university is famous for its innovative Honors College, which has received national recognition for its excellence. The university's athletic teams are known as the Bears for men's teams and Sugar Bears for women's teams. UCA participates in NCAA at the Division I level as a member of the Southland Conference.

9. Lyon College

Founded in 1872 in Batesville, Arkansas, Lyon College is the oldest independent college in Arkansas. Lyon's 136-acre campus features facilities such as the Derby Center for Science and Mathematics, the black-box Holloway Theatre, and the Lyon Business and Economics Building.

8. Southern Arkansas University

Located in Magnolia, Arkansas, SAU is situated less than 20 miles north of the Louisiana state line. Maintaining a 17-1 student to instructor ratio and boasting a family-like atmosphere, Southern Arkansas University offers programs that are unique for the region, including Game and Animation Design with a computer science concentration, or an arts and design focus. The University also provides an engineering program, the only of its kind in the southern half of the state.

7. Henderson State University

Founded in 1890 as Arkadelphia Methodist College, Henderson State University is Arkansas's only member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges. Henderson has an urban campus with some of the buildings including the Donald W. Reynolds Science Center, Arkansas Hall, McBrien Hall, Mooney Hall, Womack Hall, the Garrison Activity and Conference Center, and Sturgis Hall.

6. Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University, located atop Crowley's Ridge in Jonesboro, Arkansas, is a public university and is the flagship campus of the Arkansas State University System, the state's second largest college system and second largest university by enrollment. Arkansas State participates as a member of the NCAA Division I Sun Belt Conference with the ASU Red Wolves.

5. Harding University

Located in Searcy, Arkansas, Harding University's campus campus comprises 48 buildings located on 350 acres near the center of town. Harding's campus lies roughly between Race Avenue and Beebe-Capps Expressway and includes several other minor thoroughfares, the campus of Harding Academy, Harding Place (a retirement community), and portions of surrounding neighborhoods in Searcy.

4. University of Arkansas at Monticello

The University of Arkansas at Monticello was established in 1909 by an act of the Arkansas General Assembly to serve the educational needs of southern Arkansas. Originally called the Fourth District Agricultural School, the school opened its doors September 14, 1910. University of Arkansas at Monticello athletic teams are known as the Boll Weevils and Cotton Blossoms.

3. Hendrix College

One of the best destinations in Conway for photographers, Hendrix is a member of the Associated Colleges of the South. There are 36 buildings on campus, three of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Since the mid-1990s, the college has pursued a master plan for campus construction.

2. University of Arkansas at Fort Smith

UAFS is the fifth largest university in Arkansas; the university campus occupies 168 acres of an award-winning, nationally recognized arboretum that has 1,182 GPS-inventoried trees representing 81 species. In 2003 the campus was named the "Best Maintained Landscape in the Nation".

1. University of Arkansas at Fayetteville

There's a lot to love about the U of A. The flagship campus of the University of Arkansas system is home of the mighty Arkansas Razorbacks and is located in Fayetteville. The school itself is noted for its strong architecture, agriculture, business, communication disorders, creative writing, history, law, and Middle Eastern studies programs.

School is almost back in session and once the seasons change, these campuses will come alive with autumn colors, spirited students, and plenty of games to enjoy. Get out and check out these beautiful Arkansas campuses at a fine time of the year!