Bentonville gets a new tech-focused university by 2029

A new college is coming to Bentonville, Arkansas, aiming to train over 500 students in science, technology, engineering, and math. Unlike traditional universities, this one won’t charge tuition at first. The Walton family, known for founding Walmart, is behind the project. They’ve picked BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group, a famous architecture firm, to design the campus. The old Walmart Home Office site, near downtown Bentonville, will be its home. The campus will spread over two city blocks with three main buildings. One massive building will be a makerspace for hands-on projects. Another will house classrooms, labs, and offices. The third will be a dorm with space for 400 students, including dining areas. All three will connect through open plazas and green spaces, blending student life with the city. The design keeps Bentonville’s natural beauty in mind, using earthy colors and materials that weather naturally.The university’s leaders want it to feel like a neighborhood, not just a school. They aim to mix academic life with the working world, helping students and businesses work together. The architecture firm behind it says the goal is to make higher education more accessible—both in learning and in social terms. The Walton family loves the bold and practical vision, calling it inspiring for students and the city’s landscape. This isn’t Bentonville’s first big architecture project. Other modern designs have popped up in recent years, but this one stands out for its focus on tech and community ties. The local firm Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects will handle the groundwork, ensuring the design fits Arkansas’ needs. With nature woven into the plan, the campus could become a model for how universities and cities can grow together.