University of Arkansas at Little Rock
The Vibe Check
UA Little Rock feels like a diverse, commuter-focused urban campus where students are serious about balancing education with real-world responsibilities. There's a practical, no-frills energy, with a strong sense of community among students who are often working or raising families while pursuing their degrees. It’s a place for determined learners who value accessibility and applied learning over traditional college town antics.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
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⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
The university excels in career-oriented fields like Health Professions, Business, and Criminal Justice, with programs designed for direct entry into the workforce. Faculty are known for being accessible and focused on practical teaching, and students benefit from research opportunities, particularly through partnerships with state agencies and the thriving medical community in Little Rock.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Little Rock
Students in Little Rock enjoy a mix of urban culture and outdoor recreation, from exploring the River Market District and trying local restaurants to hiking at Pinnacle Mountain State Park. The city offers a vibrant arts scene, including the Clinton Presidential Library and local live music venues, providing plenty of off-campus activities without the overwhelming cost of a major metropolis.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($45,265):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus is located in an urban setting with standard city precautions needed; the university provides campus police and safety resources. While Little Rock has areas with higher crime rates, the campus itself is generally considered safe, with students advised to stay aware of their surroundings.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Very affordable in-state tuition at $8,455
- ✓ Strong programs in Health Professions and Criminal Justice with local job connections
- ✓ Moderate admissions standards with a 57.74% acceptance rate
- ✓ Urban campus offers easy access to internships and city amenities
Cons
- ✗ Low graduation rate of 41.7% and retention rate of 71.5% may indicate challenges with student completion
- ✗ Commuter-heavy campus can limit traditional residential college life
- ✗ 10-year median earnings of $45,265 are below national averages for some fields
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
UA Little Rock is particularly known for its strong programs in Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Criminal Justice, and Public Administration. It has a reputation for being an accessible, urban university that provides practical education and research opportunities, often in partnership with local government and healthcare institutions in Little Rock.
No, it is not highly selective. With an acceptance rate of 57.74%, it is considered moderately selective. The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1049, making it accessible for many applicants, especially in-state students who meet or exceed these benchmarks.
Campus life is urban and commuter-oriented, with a diverse student body that includes many working adults and non-traditional students. While there are student organizations and events, the vibe is less about residential fun and more about balancing academics with work and family life. Students often engage in the broader Little Rock community for entertainment and networking.
For Arkansas residents, yes—the low in-state tuition of $8,455 and average net price of $16,136 make it a financially smart choice. The 10-year median earnings of $45,265 provide a reasonable return, especially for high-demand majors like health and business. However, the low graduation rate (41.7%) suggests that students must be proactive to ensure they complete their degree on time to maximize value.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Public
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 7,132
- In-State Tuition $8,455
- Out-of-State $19,210
- Zip Code 72204
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With in-state tuition at $8,455 and an average net price of $16,136, UA Little Rock offers a solid value, especially for Arkansas residents. The 10-year median earnings of $45,265 suggest a reasonable return on investment for a public university, particularly for degrees in high-demand fields like health and business. For out-of-state students, the $19,210 tuition is competitive compared to many other public universities, making it a financially accessible option.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.