University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
The Vibe Check
The campus of UAMS feels like a professional launchpad, where the atmosphere is intensely focused and collaborative, driven by a shared commitment to healthcare. It's less of a traditional undergraduate college and more of a tight-knit community of aspiring medical professionals, with a serious, purposeful energy that permeates the urban setting.
Academics & Majors
UAMS is the state's premier health sciences center, offering unparalleled depth in health professions with top-tier programs in medicine, nursing, and pharmacy. Students benefit from hands-on learning in a clinical environment, with abundant research opportunities tied to its major medical center and regional research institutes.
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
Little Rock offers a balanced urban experience with students enjoying outdoor activities at the nearby Arkansas River Trail and exploring the historic River Market District. The city has a vibrant food scene, local breweries, and cultural attractions like the Clinton Presidential Library, providing plenty of options for downtime.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($73,827):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
As an urban campus in the heart of Little Rock, UAMS is well-integrated with the city's medical district and benefits from 24/7 campus security patrols. Students should practice standard urban safety awareness, but the campus itself is considered secure and well-lit.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Direct access to a major academic medical center for clinical training
- ✓ High demand graduates in a growing healthcare sector
- ✓ Specialized, focused curriculum in health sciences
- ✓ Strong network within Arkansas's medical community
Cons
- ✗ Limited traditional undergraduate campus life and social scene
- ✗ Highly competitive and demanding academic programs
- ✗ Narrow focus with few options outside of health professions
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
UAMS is known for being Arkansas's only public academic health sciences center, with leading programs in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and public health. It is a hub for biomedical research and patient care, operating the state's largest medical center and serving as a critical training ground for healthcare professionals.
Admissions are competitive, particularly for the College of Medicine, which has a low acceptance rate typical of medical schools. The average GPA for admitted students is high (often 3.7+ for undergrad programs), and applicants need strong science prerequisites, healthcare experience, and compelling letters of recommendation.
Campus life is professional and academically intense, centered around the medical district in Little Rock. Social life is more subdued than at a traditional university, with student organizations often focused on professional development and community service, though students do engage in city events and outdoor activities in the area.
Yes, for students committed to a healthcare career, the investment is generally worthwhile. The specialized training leads to high median earnings ($73,827 after 10 years) and strong job placement in a stable industry, often with opportunities for loan repayment in underserved areas.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded 1879
- Type Public
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 1,507
- Zip Code 72205
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a median 10-year earnings of $73,827 and a focus on high-demand health professions, a degree from UAMS offers a strong return on investment. The relatively low Pell Grant rate suggests a diverse economic profile, but the specialized nature of its programs often leads to stable, well-paying careers in healthcare.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.