Admit rate has ranged 56%–66% 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 at Little Rock (UALR) is a metropolitan research university offering over 100 undergraduate and graduate degrees with a focus on accessibility and flexible learning. Known for its moderately selective admissions (59% acceptance rate) and urban campus life, UALR struggles with low graduation rates (41%) but provides significant financial incentives like 50% off tuition for first-time freshmen. Its strengths lie in practical, career-oriented programs and a vibrant, if somewhat uneven, student experience.
Admission requirements
Test scores required
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
TOEFL (non-native English)
Considered (not required)
College-prep program
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
4,949
In-state tuition
$9,748
Out-of-state tuition
$22,158
Contact
501-916-3302
Location
Little Rock, AR
Acceptance Rate
59%
Graduation Rate
41% (6-year)
Undergraduate Programs
100+
Median Earnings Post-Grad
$40,040
Average Financial Aid Package
$7,561
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$45,265
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
2.6×
Median debt at graduation
$22,000
Graduation rate
42%
First-year retention
76%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
58%
Pell (lower-income) share
74%
First-generation share
39%
Endowment / student
$37,022
Top-earning majors
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$70,536
Management Information Systems and Services$60,161
Construction Engineering Technology/Technician$55,512
Marketing$48,823
Accounting and Related Services$48,667
Finance and Financial Management Services
Campus & location
Campus safety
On-campus violent crimes (2024)
2
Per 1,000 students
0.40
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
81
Summer high
90°F
Winter low
37°F
Annual rain
52.3"
Annual snow
3.4"
Natural-hazard risk
Relatively High
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▾
Research output
Institutional h-index
263
Scholarly works
11,788
Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.
Economic mobility
Mobility rate
2.1%
Bottom → top quintile
14%
From bottom quintile
15%
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 at Little Rock?
University of Arkansas at Little Rock's acceptance rate is approximately 59% (Little Rock, AR), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for University of Arkansas at Little Rock?
Admitted students at University of Arkansas at Little Rock typically score 960–1210 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does University of Arkansas at Little Rock cost?
At University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the average net price (after aid) is about $17,248 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend University of Arkansas at Little Rock?
University of Arkansas at Little Rock enrolls approximately 4,949 undergraduate students.
Where is University of Arkansas at Little Rock located?
University of Arkansas at Little Rock is located in Little Rock, AR.
Admissions
UALR is moderately selective, 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 59% (sources vary slightly between 57.74% and 59%). About 2,548 students are typically admitted from over 4,335 applications, though only around 600 enroll. The university is 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., appealing to a broad range of applicants. Contact admissions at 501-916-3302 or visit their office at 2801 S. University Ave., Little Rock, AR 72204.
UALR offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate degrees, emphasizing flexibility and metropolitan relevance. Programs range from business to health sciences, with notable language departments (e.g., German taught by native speakers). The university brands itself as a 'metropolitan research university,' though its academic rigor is sometimes questioned in student forums. Popular majors include nursing, criminal justice, and education, reflecting its practical, career-oriented focus.
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.
$44,869
Business Administration, Management and Operations$44,765
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services$36,848
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 at UALR revolves around its urban Little Rock setting, with campus activities including intramural sports, fitness programs, and Greek life. Student organizations and leadership development are emphasized, though engagement varies. The Office of Campus Life also offers peer tutoring and cultural events, aiming to create a 'dynamic' environment. However, the commuter-heavy student body can dilute the traditional college vibe.
UALR’s graduation rate is a glaring weakness: only 41% of students graduate within six years, placing it in the bottom 20% nationally. Men fare worse (31% graduation rate). Median earnings six years post-graduation are $40,040, reflecting its regional focus. Critics highlight the risk of debt without a degree, as many students drop out after accumulating tuition costs.
UALR is relatively affordable, with freshmen receiving 50% off tuition and fees for their first two years (Fall 2026 onward). The average financial aid package is $7,561, including grants, loans, and work-study. Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculators suggest costs are manageable for in-state students, though outcomes may not justify expenses for those who don’t graduate.
UALR’s urban location and flexible programs cater to non-traditional and working students. Its tuition discounts and 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. policy enhance accessibility, while niche strengths (e.g., language instruction) add value. However, its low graduation rates and commuter culture limit its appeal as a traditional college experience. Ideal for pragmatic students seeking affordable, career-focused education in Arkansas’ capital.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock logo · sourceUA Little Rock Campus - Maps and Parking - About UA Little Rock - UA Little Rock · sourceUA Little Rock - UA Little Rock - UA Little Rock · sourceAbout the University - About UA Little Rock - UA Little Rock · source
