University of Arkansas at Little Rock
University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a public university in Little Rock, AR ranked #941 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 4,949 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 58.8%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Systems Engineering.
Day to day, students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, 76.5% first-year retention, and 41.6% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $17,248, about $250 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -42.0%, roughly 127.3 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $40,040. That's about $3,648 below national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is University of Arkansas at Little Rock Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduates 41.6% of students within six years and keeps 76.5% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of Arkansas at Little Rock's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $9,748 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,250 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,760 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $7,410 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $22,519 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 41.2% of University of Arkansas at Little Rock students receive Pell Grants — above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $15,195 to $22,255 depending on family income. Use University of Arkansas at Little Rock's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $21,087/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $22,255/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $40,040
- 10-Year Median Earnings $40,040
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $14,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 57.7%
- Employment Rate 87.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of Arkansas at Little Rock's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of Arkansas at Little Rock's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduates earn $40,040 median, the -42.0% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 490-630
- SAT Math 470-580
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 17-24
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 4,949
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 76.5%
- Graduation Rate 41.6%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 13:1
How to Get Into University of Arkansas at Little Rock
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of Arkansas at Little Rock requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 58.8%, University of Arkansas at Little Rock is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 58.8% acceptance rate, University of Arkansas at Little Rock is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 960 and 1210 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of Arkansas at Little Rock undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Criminal Justice and Corrections, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 13.8%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 9.0%
- Psychology, General 6.1%
- Biology, General 5.2%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 5.2%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 4.5%
See more majors
- Accounting and Related Services 3.9%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 3.5%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $90,475
- 2. Systems Engineering $76,118
- 3. Construction Engineering Technologies $75,135
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $74,778
- 5. Accounting and Related Services $69,782
- 6. Finance and Financial Management Services $61,945
- 7. Biology, General $60,680
- 8. Business Administration, Management and Operations $56,830
- 9. Computer and Information Sciences, General $54,817
- 10. Social Work $51,585
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $81,348
- 2. Law (First Professional Degree) $77,698
- 3. Social Work (Master's Degree) $63,303
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $57,702
- 5. Educational/Instructional Media Design (Master's Degree) $55,898
- 6. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $53,491
- 7. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degree) $51,815
- 8. Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other (Master's Degree) $49,472
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $90,475—75% more than Social Work ($51,585). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $81,348 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degree, 172 graduates)
- Law (First Professional Degree, 106 graduates)
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degree, 84 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 67 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 67 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (34 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Biology, General
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Information Science/Studies
- Fine and Studio Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
- Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
- Construction Engineering
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Philosophy
- Music
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- American Sign Language
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Chemistry
- Anthropology
- International Business
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Special Education and Teaching
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Systems Engineering
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Dance
- Community Organization and Advocacy
Online Master's Degrees (25 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Public Administration
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
- Systems Engineering
- History
- Construction Engineering Technologies
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Chemistry
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Physical Sciences
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Biology, General
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Applied Mathematics
- Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Online Doctoral Degrees (7 programs)â–¼
- Physical Sciences
- Engineering, General
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (13 programs)â–¼
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Information Science/Studies
- Special Education and Teaching
- Public Administration
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Statistics
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection
- Accounting and Related Services
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (6 programs)â–¼
- Marketing
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Design and Applied Arts
- Security Science and Technology
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Law
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 4,949
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 36.9%
- Female Students 63.1%
- Caucasian 45.8%
- Asian 1.9%
- Hispanic 10.0%
- Black 26.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients 41.2%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of Arkansas at Little Rock's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of Arkansas at Little Rock's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Arkansas at Little Rock support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Arkansas at Little Rock, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: University of Arkansas at Little Rock has a diverse student body, with 45.8% identifying as White. Women make up 63.1% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Arkansas at Little Rock support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Arkansas at Little Rock, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of Arkansas at Little Rock serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #941 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $17,248 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $40,040 median earnings. The 41.6% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 76.5% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: University of Arkansas at Little Rock's Strengths
Ranked #941 with a B grade, University of Arkansas at Little Rock prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like University of Arkansas at Little Rock excel at providing affordable education ($17,248 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: University of Arkansas at Little Rock's 76.5% retention and 41.6% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($40,040 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, University of Arkansas at Little Rock and $17,248 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 41.6% six-year graduation rate sits 20.9 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 76.5% first-year retention is 0.3 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -42.0% return on investment is 127.3 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $40,040 run about 8% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $17,248 is roughly $2,770 lower than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 13:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 76.5% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 87.9% employment rate within three years sits 19.7 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
University of Arkansas at Little Rock, a public university in Little Rock, AR, secures a B grade in our latest review. It is currently ranked #941 nationally Category results include Completion (B-), Support (B), Career Outcomes (B-), and Affordability (B).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 76.5% of first-year students return, and roughly 41.6% finish within six years. Return on investment currently measures -42.0% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $17,248 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $22,519.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $5,271 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $14,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 41.2% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $40,040 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 8% lower.
The three-year employment rate is close to 87.9%.
Plan around an ROI of about -42.0% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
58.8% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of Arkansas at Little Rock admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Little Rock, AR 72204
- Website ualr.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$174.0M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate23.3%