About Arkansas State University
Arkansas State University has built its reputation around serving rural Arkansas through strong nursing and agriculture programs. The 7,994-student campus in Jonesboro draws heavily from within state borders, with 84% of students coming from Arkansas. Former NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett and wide receiver Pharoah Cooper both got their starts here before reaching professional football.
The financial picture looks reasonable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $13,085 after aid, though families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,806. Graduates earn a median of $42,617 ten years out, which helps explain why most handle their typical debt load of $20,500 without major strain. The monthly loan payment averages $217.
Women make up 62% of the student body at this Sun Belt Conference school. The Red Wolves compete in 12 varsity sports with 394 total athletes. About 55% of students graduate within six years, which reflects the university's mission of serving first-generation and working-class students who often balance school with jobs and family obligations. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors generally know their students by name.
The financial picture looks reasonable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $13,085 after aid, though families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,806. Graduates earn a median of $42,617 ten years out, which helps explain why most handle their typical debt load of $20,500 without major strain. The monthly loan payment averages $217.
Women make up 62% of the student body at this Sun Belt Conference school. The Red Wolves compete in 12 varsity sports with 394 total athletes. About 55% of students graduate within six years, which reflects the university's mission of serving first-generation and working-class students who often balance school with jobs and family obligations. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors generally know their students by name.
Academics & Faculty
Arkansas State University operates as a public research university with particularly strong nursing and agriculture programs that serve rural Arkansas communities. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors, though the 55% six-year graduation rate suggests many students face challenges completing their degrees. ASU's nursing program has built a solid reputation for preparing healthcare workers for underserved areas across the state. The agriculture department connects closely with Arkansas's farming economy, offering practical training in crop science and animal husbandry. With 84% of students coming from in-state, the university functions primarily as a regional institution focused on meeting local workforce needs rather than competing for national academic prestige.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 53.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 55.1%
- Retention Rate
- 77.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,617
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $135,614 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $68,422 |
| Homeland Security. | Master | $61,516 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $59,124 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,142 |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $58,131 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $57,318 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $56,544 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $54,996 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $54,766 |
Campus Life
Arkansas State's 8,000 students call this red brick campus in northeast Arkansas home. About 44% live in the university's residence halls, creating a tight-knit community where students know their professors by name thanks to the 15:1 student-faculty ratio. Jonesboro sits two hours from Little Rock and Memphis, giving students access to internships and weekend trips while maintaining small-town charm.
The Red Wolves compete in NCAA Division I sports with 394 student-athletes across 12 varsity teams. Fall Saturdays mean football tailgates and Centennial Bank Stadium filling with red and black. With 84% of students from Arkansas, campus feels like an extension of hometown communities. Students bike between classes under oak trees, then gather at the student union or Greek houses on weekends. Winters require light jackets rather than heavy coats, while summers demand serious air conditioning. The nursing and agriculture programs draw students who appreciate hands-on learning and strong job placement rates after graduation.
The Red Wolves compete in NCAA Division I sports with 394 student-athletes across 12 varsity teams. Fall Saturdays mean football tailgates and Centennial Bank Stadium filling with red and black. With 84% of students from Arkansas, campus feels like an extension of hometown communities. Students bike between classes under oak trees, then gather at the student union or Greek houses on weekends. Winters require light jackets rather than heavy coats, while summers demand serious air conditioning. The nursing and agriculture programs draw students who appreciate hands-on learning and strong job placement rates after graduation.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 3,491 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1909
Campus Safety (2023)
42 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 26°–45°F
- July Avg
- 69°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 52.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 3.9"
Student Demographics
Arkansas State draws students who value practical education and strong community ties. With 84% coming from in-state, the university has built deep roots across rural Arkansas. The 62% female student body reflects the school's reputation for nursing and education programs that traditionally attract more women. Over a third receive Pell Grants, showing ASU's commitment to serving working-class families. Students here often come from small towns seeking career-focused degrees in agriculture, healthcare, and business. The Red Wolves pride themselves on being accessible to first-generation college students who want to stay close to home.
- Men
- 37.9%
- Women
- 62.1%
- White
- 67.1%
- Black
- 14.5%
- Hispanic
- 4.9%
- Asian
- 1.0%
- In-State Students
- 83.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 36.8%
Location
Arkansas State University sits in Jonesboro, a city of about 78,000 in northeastern Arkansas. The campus is roughly 70 miles from Memphis, Tennessee, making it the closest major metropolitan area. Jonesboro serves as a regional center for the Arkansas Delta, an agricultural area known for rice and cotton farming. The 83.84% in-state enrollment reflects the university's role as an anchor institution for rural Arkansas communities. Students find a classic college town atmosphere with local restaurants and venues catering to the 7,994-student population. The setting offers small-city conveniences without big-city distractions. Students considering colleges in Arkansas may also compare Arkansas State University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,617
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $49,159
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $30,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 57.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $217/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Arkansas State University?
Arkansas State University accepts 69.51% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a public university. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 980-1200 on the SAT, with an average of 1090.
How much does Arkansas State University cost after financial aid?
Students at Arkansas State University pay an average net price of $13,085 after financial aid, with costs varying by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,806 on average, while those from higher-income families pay up to $17,431.
What is Arkansas State University known for academically?
Arkansas State University is recognized for its strong nursing and agriculture programs that serve rural Arkansas communities. The university maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs, allowing for personalized attention in these professionally-focused fields.
What are the graduation rates at Arkansas State University?
Arkansas State University graduates 55.10% of students within six years and 53.88% within four years. Alumni earn a median salary of $42,617 ten years after graduation, with a 96.9% employment rate showing strong career outcomes.
Where is Arkansas State University located and what is campus life like?
Arkansas State University sits in Jonesboro, Arkansas, a small city setting that houses 7,994 students. The campus can accommodate 3,491 students in residence halls, with 83.84% of students coming from in-state, creating a close-knit Arkansas community.
Does Arkansas State University compete in Division I athletics?
Arkansas State University competes as the Red Wolves in NCAA Division I athletics within the Sun Belt Conference. The university fields 12 varsity sports with 394 total athletes and awards $6,292,529 in athletic scholarships annually.
