Admit rate has ranged 72%–83% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
The University of Arkansas is the state's flagship land-grant institution, a sprawling public research university perched on a hilltop in Fayetteville. It's a place where a strong, accessible admissions posture meets deep-rooted traditions and a powerful sense of community, all fueled by a surprisingly robust research engine and a loyal, football-loving alumni network. Think of it as a major university with a distinctly Southern, welcoming character and a practical, career-focused edge.
Admission requirements
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
Considered (not required)
Class rank
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
College-prep program
TOEFL (non-native English)
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Undergrad enrollment
28,677
In-state tuition
$10,104
Out-of-state tuition
$29,966
Graduation Rate
71%
Demonstrated Interest
Not Considered
Student-Faculty Ratio
20:1
Median Earnings (10yr)
$58,191
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,191
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
3.2×
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
Graduation rate
71%
First-year retention
86%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
67%
Pell (lower-income) share
18%
First-gen share (among federal-aid recipients)
26%
Top-earning majors
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Chemical Engineering$78,343
Industrial Engineering$71,854
Computer Engineering$71,015
Computer and Information Sciences, General$69,079
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering$68,778
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Campus & location
Campus safety
On-campus violent crimes (2024)
8
Per 1,000 students
0.24
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
86
Summer high
88°F
Winter low
32°F
Annual rain
51.9"
Annual snow
8.2"
Natural-hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Deep dive — research, future-scholar output & economic mobility▾
Economic mobility
Mobility rate
2.3%
Bottom → top quintile
33%
From bottom quintile
7%
Mobility rate = the share of students who both start in the bottom household-income quintile and reach the top quintile; bottom → top is that chance conditional on starting at the bottom. Source: Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Cards (Chetty, Friedman, Saez, Turner & Yagan). Reflects 1980–82 birth cohorts, so it’s directional, not current.
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at University of Arkansas?
University of Arkansas's acceptance rate is approximately 74% (Fayetteville, AR), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for University of Arkansas?
Admitted students at University of Arkansas typically score 1030–1220 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does University of Arkansas cost?
At University of Arkansas, the average net price (after aid) is about $18,209 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend University of Arkansas?
University of Arkansas enrolls approximately 28,677 undergraduate students.
Where is University of Arkansas located?
University of Arkansas is located in Fayetteville, AR.
Admissions
The University of Arkansas operates with a notably accessible admissions policy, positioning itself as a gateway to a flagship public university experience for a broad swath of students. The process is straightforward and transparent, with the university prioritizing academic readiness over cutthroat selectivity.
Selectivity & Process: The university is classified as "less selective," with a high that reflects its mission to serve the state of Arkansas and beyond. It does not have an open admission policy, requiring a high school diploma or equivalent for all applicants. The admissions office is committed to providing decisions as early as possible, though it does not offer a binding Early Decision program.
Academic Profile: The middle 50% of admitted students present SAT scores between 1030 and 1220, or ACT scores between 21 and 28. The academic bar is set by a high school record: the rigor of secondary school record is rated as "very important" in admissions decisions, while class rank and GPA are considered "important." The incoming freshman class boasts a collective high school GPA of 3.83.
Holistic Factors: Beyond grades and test scores, the university's admissions criteria place "considerable importance" on an applicant's extracurricular activities and talent/ability. Recommendations, character/personal qualities, and the application essay are also rated as "important." Notably, demonstrated interest—tracking a student's engagement with the university—is explicitly marked as "not considered" in its official , meaning campus visits or emails to admissions officers won't move the needle on a decision.
Yield: Of the students offered admission, a significant portion—around 29%—choose to enroll, resulting in a moderate rate that reflects its strong regional draw and value proposition.
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
$59,308
Mechanical Engineering$58,796
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods$58,402
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
Academically, the University of Arkansas is a comprehensive research institution offering over 200 undergraduate degree programs across ten colleges and schools. The environment is large-scale—with a record enrollment of over 34,000 students and a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio—but is anchored by several standout, nationally recognized programs that give the campus its distinctive academic identity.
Breadth & Scale: Students can choose from a vast array of majors, from Accounting and Advertising to African and African American Studies, Agricultural Business, and countless fields in between. The most popular areas of study include Social Sciences, Psychology, Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science, and Education.
Signature Strengths: The university's roots as a land-grant institution are immediately apparent in the strength and prominence of its agricultural and life sciences programs. Equally formidable is the Sam M. Walton College of Business, a direct beneficiary of the Walmart headquartered nearby, which provides exceptional resources and corporate connections. The College of Engineering is another powerhouse, known for its research output and strong career outcomes.
Classroom Experience: With a freshman class average GPA of 3.83, the academic atmosphere is serious and engaged, though the large lecture hall is a common experience for introductory courses. Success here requires proactive navigation of university resources. The intellectual culture is pragmatic and applied, heavily oriented toward research and professional preparation, reflecting the university's R1 research status.
Life at the University of Arkansas is defined by a potent combination of Southern tradition, intense school spirit, and the natural beauty of the Ozarks. The campus is described as a "beautiful, hilltop" setting that serves as a hub for a vibrant, all-encompassing community.
Campus & Community: Fayetteville provides a quintessential college town feel, regularly ranked among the best places to live. The campus itself is a self-contained universe with "breathtaking outdoor amenities" and a bustling student center. The general feel is often described as welcoming and community-oriented, with a strong emphasis on school pride that peaks on fall Saturdays.
Organizations & Activities: With over 400 registered student organizations, the opportunities for involvement are vast. Students can engage in everything from cultural clubs and academic societies to recreational sports and community outreach programs. Greek life is a significant presence, with its own dedicated social policy outlined in the student handbook.
The Razorback Vibe: To be a student here is to be a Razorback. The identity permeates campus life, from calling the Hogs at athletic events to the sea of cardinal red on game days. This shared tradition creates a powerful sense of belonging and connection that lasts long after graduation.
The University of Arkansas measures its success not just in diplomas conferred, but in the tangible career launches of its graduates. The institution provides detailed, dashboard-driven data on post-graduation outcomes, painting a picture of a university that effectively transitions students into the workforce or further education.
Graduation & Retention: The university reports a strong graduation rate, with a significant majority of students completing their degrees. First-year retention rates are high, indicating that students who start here are generally satisfied and successful enough to continue.
Career Placement: The university's Career Connections office actively tracks outcomes, collecting data from graduation until six months after. Their reports provide insight into the industries and employers that snap up Razorback talent. Engineering graduates, for example, have access to specific salary and career outcomes data from their college, underscoring the high demand for these skills.
Earnings Potential: Alumni see a strong return on investment. The median salary for graduates reflects the value of degrees from its strong professional colleges, particularly in business, engineering, and agriculture.
As a public flagship, the University of Arkansas positions itself as a high-value option, with a that is competitive, especially for in-state students. The financial aid process is standardized, leveraging federal, state, and institutional resources to build packages.
Net Price & Aid: The average net price—the cost after grants and scholarships are applied—makes the university an accessible choice for many families. A significant percentage of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package providing substantial relief against the total .
Scholarships & Calculators: The university offers a Net Price Calculator for families to get a preliminary, non-binding estimate of their aid eligibility. Arkansas residents have access to specific state programs like the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship, which can provide up to $2,000 per academic year.
Aid Policy: The university does not advertise a "no-loan" policy or a guarantee to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans. Financial aid packages are typically a mix of grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal student loans. Eligibility for aid requires maintaining satisfactory academic progress, defined by a minimum cumulative GPA.
The University of Arkansas carves out a distinctive niche by seamlessly blending the scale and resources of a major public research university with the cohesive, tradition-steeped culture of a tight-knit community. Its identity is tripartite: first, as the academic and research engine for the state, evident in its premier agricultural, business, and engineering programs; second, as the keeper of the Razorback spirit, an all-consuming source of pride and connection that few large universities can match; and third, as a gateway situated in a genuinely appealing locale—the Ozark Mountains—that offers both natural beauty and a vibrant college-town atmosphere. It’s a school for students who want the textbook big-game athletics and extensive academic options, but who also crave a clear, unifying identity and a sense of place. You don't just attend U of A; you become a Razorback, joining a loyal network that extends from Fayetteville to corporate boardrooms, especially in the retail and supplier world shaped by its most famous neighbor, Walmart.
University of Arkansas seal · sourceUniversity of Arkansas · sourceGreat Place to Call Home · sourceScenes from University of Arkansas Campus (2022) · source
