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, Fayetteville, is a flagship public university that blends Southern charm with rigorous academics, particularly in business and agriculture. Known for its spirited campus life and strong Greek culture, it offers a balanced mix of affordability and opportunity, with a 58.3% four-year graduation rate—the highest in the state.
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
Acceptance Rate
74-78%
4-Year Grad Rate
58.3%
Total Enrollment
34,161
Student-Faculty Ratio
19:1
Greek Life Participation
30%
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
47%
First-generation share
26%
Endowment / student
$58,083
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
0.28
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 maintains a moderately selective admissions process, with an Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. hovering around 74-78%. Test-optionalA policy where you choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you don't, the rest of your application carries more weight. since recent years, the school still sees most applicants submitting ACT scores (average range: 21-28), reflecting its status as an 'ACT state.' Admitted freshmen typically boast a 3.82 GPA, with middle-50% SAT scores between 1030-1210. Rolling admissions run through August 1, but early applicants enjoy an 85.9% acceptance rate—a notable advantage.
With 200+ degree programs, Arkansas shines in business, agriculture, and health professions—its three most popular academic tracks. The Walton College of Business is a particular standout, leveraging ties to Walmart’s corporate headquarters. A 19:1 student-faculty ratio belies large introductory lectures, but undergraduates praise the accessibility of professors in upper-division courses. The university emphasizes interdisciplinary study, offering hybrid programs like agricultural business and robust online options through its Global Campus.
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.
Life on the hilltop campus revolves around football Saturdays, Greek life (30% participation), and Fayetteville’s thriving music scene. While tailgates lack the intensity of SEC rivals like Alabama, game days still draw crowds to Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The compact, walkable campus fosters community, with students praising the blend of outdoor activities (Ozark trails are minutes away) and college-town amenities. Reddit threads highlight a 'chill but social' vibe, with niche clubs ranging from beekeeping to esports.
Arkansas graduates outperform state peers, with a 58.3% four-year graduation rate—tops among Arkansas public universities. Overall, 70% earn degrees within six years. Career outcomes skew regional: Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt top the employer list. The College of Engineering reports strong placement, with median starting salaries at $65,000 for computer science grads. About 22% pursue advanced degrees within five years, often at Arkansas or neighboring Southern institutions.
In-state tuition runs about $9,500 annually, with total COA at $26,000—a bargain for a flagship university. Nearly 80% of students receive aid, though only 28% secure grants/scholarships that don’t require repayment. The university offers modest institutional aid, averaging $7,000 annually, while the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship provides up to $5,000 for residents. Online students can access unique scholarships like the $2,000 Distance Education Grant.
Arkansas delivers a quintessential SEC experience—complete with hog calls and Greek rows—while maintaining surprising academic heft in select fields. Its Walton College leverages unparalleled corporate connections, and the agriculture programs benefit from the state’s farming economy. Unlike many Southern flagships, it balances big-school spirit (34,000 students) with a manageable scale, all nestled in the Ozarks’ natural beauty. For in-state students, it’s the clear value leader; for outsiders, it offers a gateway to Southern culture without the cutthroat competitiveness of peer institutions.
University of Arkansas logo · sourceUniversity of Arkansas · sourceGreat Place to Call Home · sourceScenes from University of Arkansas Campus (2022) · source
