University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith has an acceptance rate of 80.5%, average net price of $10,574, and a national rank of #1236 (Grade B-), with a 37.9% six-year graduation rate, and median earnings of $35,925 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith is a public university in Fort Smith, AR. Students most often pursue Computer and Information Sciences and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 18:1 student-faculty ratio. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 72.5%, roughly 22.6 points higher than typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is University of Arkansas-Fort Smith 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-Fort Smith graduates 37.9% of students within six years and does not report first-year retention. Affordability earns an A- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of Arkansas-Fort Smith'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 | Not reported |
| Books and Supplies | Not reported |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $19,048 |
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: Only 0.0% of University of Arkansas-Fort Smith students receive Pell Grants — far below the national average, underscoring equity challenges.
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 $8,890 to $14,297 depending on family income. Use University of Arkansas-Fort Smith's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $13,804/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $14,297/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $35,925
- 10-Year Median Earnings $35,925
- Average Years to Graduate 4.7 years
- Average Student Debt $10,750
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 51.7%
- Employment Rate 84.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of Arkansas-Fort Smith 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-Fort Smith vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of Arkansas-Fort Smith's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of Arkansas-Fort Smith's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: University of Arkansas-Fort Smith graduates earn $35,925 median six years after enrollment, -18% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 18-23
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 0
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate Not reported
- Graduation Rate 37.9%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 18:1
How to Get Into University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of Arkansas-Fort Smith 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 80.5%, University of Arkansas-Fort Smith 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 80.5% acceptance rate, University of Arkansas-Fort Smith is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of Arkansas-Fort Smith undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, and Criminal Justice and Corrections draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 30.9%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 13.6%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 7.1%
- Biology, General 6.2%
- Psychology, General 4.8%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 4.5%
See more majors
- Computer Science 3.9%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 3.3%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Associate Degree Programs
- 1. Computer and Information Sciences, General $79,556
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $73,763
- 3. Accounting and Related Services $62,560
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Dental Support Services and Allied Professions $58,380
- 5. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $54,484
- 6. Marketing $52,699
- 7. Biology, General $51,318
- 8. Business Administration, Management and Operations $49,573
- 9. Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other $45,916
- 10. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $44,674
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer and Information Sciences, General grads earn $79,556—78% more than Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($44,674). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. 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 (Bachelor's Degree, 113 graduates)
- Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 100 graduates)
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degree, 83 graduates)
- Computer Software and Media Applications (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 74 graduates)
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 59 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 (26 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Biology, General
- Psychology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Computer Science
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Communication and Media Studies
- Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
- Social Work
- Design and Applied Arts
- Chemistry
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Political Science and Government
- Music
- Mathematics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
Online Master's Degrees (1 program)▼
- Education, General
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (23 programs)▼
- Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies
- Precision Metal Working
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Business Operations Support and Assistant Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Computer Programming
- Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants
- Security Science and Technology
- Marketing
- International Business
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Economics
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Accounting and Related Services
- Air Transportation
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 0
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 0.0%
- Female Students 0.0%
- Caucasian 56.3%
- Asian 5.3%
- Hispanic 20.0%
- Black 4.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 0.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of Arkansas-Fort Smith's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of Arkansas-Fort Smith'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-Fort Smith support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate 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-Fort Smith, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Arkansas-Fort Smith support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate 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-Fort Smith, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith serves as an affordable community college for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1236 nationally with a 72.5% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $10,574 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $35,925 median earnings. The 37.9% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a community college. While 69.8% retention suggests adequate student support.
Community College Value: University of Arkansas-Fort Smith's Strengths
Ranked #1236 with a B- grade, University of Arkansas-Fort Smith prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Community Colleges like University of Arkansas-Fort Smith excel at providing affordable education ($10,574 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-Fort Smith's 69.8% retention and 37.9% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical community college performance. Career outcomes ($35,925 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, University of Arkansas-Fort Smith's 72.5% ROI and $10,574 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 37.9% six-year graduation rate sits 24.6 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 69.8% first-year retention is 7.0 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 72.5% return on investment is 22.6 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $35,925 run about 18% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $10,574 is roughly $6,852 lower than the national median of $17,426.
Helpfulness for Students
- 18:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 69.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 84.5% employment rate within three years sits 16.3 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-Fort Smith, a public university in Fort Smith, AR, secures a B- grade in our latest review. It appears at #1236 in EDsmart's national list Category results include Completion (C+), Support (C+), Career Outcomes (B-), and Affordability (A-).
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.
The six-year graduation rate hovers around 37.9%. EDsmart calculates the ROI at 72.5%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
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 $10,574 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $19,048.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $8,474 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $10,750 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
Pell Grant participation data is not reported.
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 $35,925 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 18% lower.
Employment outcomes report about 84.5% of alumni working within three years.
EDsmart lists the ROI at 72.5%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
80.5% 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-Fort Smith 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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Frequently Asked Questions
What is University of Arkansas-Fort Smith's acceptance rate?
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith's acceptance rate is 80.5%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does University of Arkansas-Fort Smith cost?
At University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, the average net price after aid is $10,574. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is University of Arkansas-Fort Smith's ranking?
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith ranks #1236 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is University of Arkansas-Fort Smith's graduation rate?
At University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, the six-year graduation rate is 37.9%.
What are University of Arkansas-Fort Smith's job outcomes?
Graduates of University of Arkansas-Fort Smith report median earnings of $35,925 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
Contact Information
- Address Fort Smith, AR 72913-3649
- Website uafs.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$110.3M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate8.6%