Overview
Arkansas State University is a less selective public four-year institution in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The school accepts 69.5% of applicants and enrolls 7,994 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 69.5%
- Average SAT
- 1,090
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 980–1,200
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 22
- Total Enrollment
- 7,994
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Arkansas State University accepts applications on a rolling basis, so apply early in your senior year to maximize scholarship opportunities and housing options. The Red Wolf community takes pride in supporting first-generation college students and career changers through dedicated mentoring programs.
Your application essays should highlight connections to Northeast Arkansas or your commitment to rural community development. ASU's Delta Studies Center offers unique research opportunities in agricultural innovation and rural economics that distinguish it from urban universities. Mention specific faculty research if you plan to study engineering or nursing, as these programs maintain strong industry partnerships with companies like Hytrol Conveyor and NEA Baptist Health System.
The Honors College requires a separate application with additional essays focusing on leadership and service. Your responses should demonstrate genuine interest in small-class discussion formats and undergraduate research projects. The college provides priority registration and dedicated residence halls that create tight-knit academic communities.
Campus culture centers around Red Wolves athletics, particularly football and basketball games that draw the entire Jonesboro community. Greek life involves about fifteen percent of students but does not dominate social life. Many students work part-time jobs in town or participate in work-study programs, creating a practical, down-to-earth atmosphere rather than a party school environment.
You will fit well at ASU if you prefer knowing professors personally and want hands-on learning opportunities. Class sizes allow for direct interaction with faculty who often become mentors and research collaborators. The campus serves students who value affordability without sacrificing academic quality, especially in professional programs like nursing and engineering that lead directly to regional employment.
Submit your FAFSA early since Arkansas residents qualify for state-specific aid programs. The university offers automatic merit scholarships based on your GPA and test scores, but competitive scholarships require separate applications with deadlines in early spring. Visit campus during Red Wolf Preview Days to meet faculty in your intended major and tour facilities like the new Engineering Building or the simulation labs in the College of Nursing and Health Professions.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $13,085/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $7,754
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $13,826
- Students Receiving Aid
- 37%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 55.1%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $42,617/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 77.8%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the application deadlines for Arkansas State University?
Arkansas State University has rolling admissions with priority deadlines of August 1 for fall and December 1 for spring. Applications are accepted after these dates on a space-available basis.
Does Arkansas State University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Arkansas State University requires either SAT or ACT scores for freshman applicants. Students with a 3.0 GPA or higher may be eligible for test-optional admission in some cases.
What GPA do you need to get into Arkansas State University?
Arkansas State University requires a minimum 2.75 GPA for unconditional admission. Students with lower GPAs may be admitted conditionally or through the Success Academy program.
How many credit hours can transfer to Arkansas State University?
Arkansas State University accepts up to 64 credit hours from community colleges and up to 90 credit hours total from all previous institutions. Transfer students need at least 24 transferable credit hours and a 2.0 GPA.