University of Arkansas
University of Arkansas is a public university in Fayetteville, AR ranked #521 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B+, enrolling about 28,677 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 74.3%. Students most often pursue Computer Engineering and Industrial Engineering.
Day to day, students benefit from a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, 86.4% first-year retention, and 70.5% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $18,209, about $1,211 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -31.8%, roughly 117.1 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $49,686. That's about $5,998 higher than national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is University of Arkansas 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 graduates 70.5% of students within six years and keeps 86.4% 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'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 | $10,104 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,154 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $14,244 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,928 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $27,767 |
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 17.8% of University of Arkansas students receive Pell Grants — below 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 $14,319 to $22,470 depending on family income. Use University of Arkansas's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $20,772/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $22,470/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $49,686
- 10-Year Median Earnings $49,686
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $15,749
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 67.1%
- Employment Rate 90.1%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of Arkansas 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 vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of Arkansas's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of Arkansas's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While University of Arkansas graduates earn $49,686 median, the -31.8% 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 520-620
- SAT Math 510-600
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 21-28
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 28,677
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 86.4%
- Graduation Rate 70.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 20:1
How to Get Into University of Arkansas
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of Arkansas 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 74.3%, University of Arkansas 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 74.3% acceptance rate, University of Arkansas 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 1030 and 1220 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of Arkansas undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Finance and Financial Management Services, and Marketing draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 7.7%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 6.5%
- Marketing 6.5%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 5.1%
- Biology, General 4.8%
- Communication and Media Studies 4.0%
See more majors
- Psychology, General 3.5%
- Accounting and Related Services 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. Computer Engineering $114,783
- 2. Industrial Engineering $108,211
- 3. Computer and Information Sciences, General $108,117
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Chemical Engineering $101,541
- 5. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $92,831
- 6. Finance and Financial Management Services $86,474
- 7. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $86,089
- 8. Accounting and Related Services $85,915
- 9. Mechanical Engineering $84,481
- 10. Civil Engineering $80,071
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $147,968
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $115,635
- 3. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degree) $113,717
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Engineering, General (Master's Degree) $109,446
- 5. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $101,345
- 6. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $99,480
- 7. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degree) $96,653
- 8. Law (First Professional Degree) $92,344
- 9. Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degree) $88,207
- 10. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $67,117
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Engineering grads earn $114,783—43% more than Civil Engineering ($80,071). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $147,968 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. 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
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 422 graduates)
- Marketing (Bachelor's Degree, 355 graduates)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 353 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 260 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 192 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 (63 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Marketing
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Biology, General
- Psychology, General
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Political Science and Government
- Mechanical Engineering
- Journalism
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Civil Engineering
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Animal Sciences
- Chemical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Apparel and Textiles
- History
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Public Health
- Industrial Engineering
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Sociology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Architecture
- Chemistry
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Anthropology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Music
- Design and Applied Arts
- Business/Managerial Economics
- International Business
- Mathematics
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer Engineering
- Education, General
- Agricultural Public Services
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Biological/Biosystems Engineering
- Philosophy
- Food Science and Technology
- Economics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Physics
- Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Geography and Cartography
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Plant Sciences
- Landscape Architecture
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Computational Science
Online Master's Degrees (59 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Plant Sciences
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Computer Science
- Music
- Animal Sciences
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Civil Engineering
- Sociology
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Industrial Engineering
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Psychology, General
- Materials Sciences
- Food Science and Technology
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
- Political Science and Government
- Mathematics
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
- Journalism
- Geography and Cartography
- Biology, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Public Health
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Philosophy
- Chemical Engineering
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Anthropology
- Agricultural Engineering
- Public Administration
- Physics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Economics
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Computer Engineering
- Chemistry
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Architecture
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Operations Research
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Materials Engineering
- Marketing
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Construction Management
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Online Doctoral Degrees (31 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Animal Sciences
- Psychology, General
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Curriculum and Instruction
- English Language and Literature, General
- Chemistry
- History
- Food Science and Technology
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Biology, General
- Anthropology
- Public Policy Analysis
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Materials Sciences
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Public Health
- Economics
- Philosophy
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Plant Sciences
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Materials Engineering
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (18 programs)â–¼
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Legal Professions and Studies, Other
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Sustainability Studies
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Music
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Gerontology
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (4 programs)â–¼
- Food Science and Technology
- Animal Sciences
- Education, General
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)â–¼
- Law
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 28,677
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 44.0%
- Female Students 56.0%
- Caucasian 74.0%
- Asian 2.9%
- Hispanic 11.8%
- Black 3.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients 17.8%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of Arkansas's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of Arkansas'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 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, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 74.0% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. About 17.8% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Arkansas 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, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of Arkansas serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #521 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $18,209 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $49,686 median earnings. The 70.5% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 86.4% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: University of Arkansas's Strengths
Ranked #521 with a B+ grade, University of Arkansas prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like University of Arkansas excel at providing affordable education ($18,209 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's 86.4% retention and 70.5% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($49,686 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, University of Arkansas and $18,209 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 70.5% six-year graduation rate sits 8.0 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 86.4% first-year retention is 9.6 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -31.8% return on investment is 117.1 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $49,686 run about 14% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $18,209 is roughly $1,808 lower than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 20:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 86.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 90.1% employment rate within three years sits 21.9 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 17.8% trails the national share by 16.5 points, so equity work remains important.
- 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 is a public university based in Fayetteville, AR and earns a B+ overall grade. It appears at #521 in EDsmart's national list Grades by category break down as Completion A-, 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 86.4% of first-year students return, and roughly 70.5% finish within six years. Return on investment currently measures -31.8% 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 $18,209 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $27,767.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $9,558 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $15,749 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 17.8% 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 $49,686 at the median. This is roughly 14% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 90.1% of graduates are employed three years out.
The ROI comes in near -31.8%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
74.3% 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 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 Fayetteville, AR 72701
- Website www.uark.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$1.53B