About University of Arkansas
The Razorbacks call this Ozark Mountains campus home, where 27,312 students pursue degrees at one of the South's prominent public research universities. Sam Walton and Jerry Jones both walked these halls before building retail and sports empires. The business and agriculture programs have deep Arkansas roots, while SEC athletics brings national attention to this midsize city setting.
Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average net price of $13,017 after aid. Out-of-state tuition hits $28,772, but the overall average net price settles at $17,525. Graduates earn a median of $58,191 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $21,500 manageable with monthly payments around $228. The 96% employment rate suggests strong job market connections.
The 78.93% acceptance rate makes admission accessible, though you'll compete with classmates averaging 1125 on the SAT. About 52% of students come from Arkansas, creating a regional feel despite the large enrollment. The Razorbacks compete in 15 Division I sports with $13.9 million in athletic scholarships. Rivalries with LSU and Texas A&M heat up fall weekends, while the 86.46% retention rate indicates most students stick around to experience all four years of Hog football.
Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average net price of $13,017 after aid. Out-of-state tuition hits $28,772, but the overall average net price settles at $17,525. Graduates earn a median of $58,191 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $21,500 manageable with monthly payments around $228. The 96% employment rate suggests strong job market connections.
The 78.93% acceptance rate makes admission accessible, though you'll compete with classmates averaging 1125 on the SAT. About 52% of students come from Arkansas, creating a regional feel despite the large enrollment. The Razorbacks compete in 15 Division I sports with $13.9 million in athletic scholarships. Rivalries with LSU and Texas A&M heat up fall weekends, while the 86.46% retention rate indicates most students stick around to experience all four years of Hog football.
Academics & Faculty
The University of Arkansas operates as a public research university with particularly strong business and agriculture programs that reflect the state's economic foundations. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes are common, especially in introductory courses. Arkansas graduates 70% of students within six years, indicating solid but not strong academic support systems. The Sam M. Walton College of Business draws respect for entrepreneurship and supply chain management, honoring the Walmart founder's legacy. Agricultural programs leverage the university's land-grant mission and research facilities. Engineering and architecture also maintain strong reputations. The 78.93% acceptance rate allows access for most qualified Arkansas residents while maintaining academic standards.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 82.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 69.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 70.0%
- Retention Rate
- 86.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,191
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $106,421 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $78,343 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,854 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,015 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $70,680 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $69,524 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $69,079 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,778 |
| Agricultural Business and Management. | Master | $65,053 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $62,463 |
Campus Life
Campus life centers around the iconic Old Main building and sprawling green spaces that connect 27,312 students across this Ozark Mountain campus. Fayetteville sits two hours from Little Rock, creating a true college town atmosphere where Razorback pride dominates. You'll need both winter coats for January lows around 30°F and plenty of shorts for sweltering August days above 90°F.
Only about 25% of students live in the 6,900 on-campus housing spots, so most upperclassmen scatter across nearby apartments and houses. Dickson Street becomes the weekend heartbeat, lined with bars, restaurants, and live music venues where students gather before and after games. Football Saturdays transform the entire city when 76,000 fans pack Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The "Calling the Hogs" cheer echoes across campus year-round, not just during the SEC season. Greek life claims about 25% of students, but the outdoor recreation scene rivals any social organization. Students regularly hit Devil's Den State Park for hiking or float the Buffalo National River between study sessions.
Only about 25% of students live in the 6,900 on-campus housing spots, so most upperclassmen scatter across nearby apartments and houses. Dickson Street becomes the weekend heartbeat, lined with bars, restaurants, and live music venues where students gather before and after games. Football Saturdays transform the entire city when 76,000 fans pack Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The "Calling the Hogs" cheer echoes across campus year-round, not just during the SEC season. Greek life claims about 25% of students, but the outdoor recreation scene rivals any social organization. Students regularly hit Devil's Den State Park for hiking or float the Buffalo National River between study sessions.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 6,900 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1871
Campus Safety (2023)
103 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 17 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Stalking | 15 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 11 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| Rape | 9 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 8 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 3 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 26°–46°F
- July Avg
- 69°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 46.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 6.5"
Student Demographics
The University of Arkansas draws a balanced mix of students, with 52% coming from in-state and strong representation from across the region. Women make up 56% of the student body, reflecting the university's growth beyond its agricultural roots into diverse fields like business and health sciences. The campus serves primarily middle-class families, with relatively few Pell Grant recipients compared to other public universities. This demographic mix creates a student body that's deeply rooted in Arkansas culture while attracting ambitious students from neighboring states seeking SEC athletics and strong career outcomes.
- Men
- 44.0%
- Women
- 56.0%
- White
- 74.6%
- Black
- 4.0%
- Hispanic
- 11.0%
- Asian
- 2.9%
- In-State Students
- 51.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 17.3%
Location
Fayetteville sits in northwest Arkansas, about 200 miles from Little Rock and 120 miles south of Kansas City. The city of 95,000 people nestles in the Ozark Mountains, creating a classic college town atmosphere where the university dominates local culture. With 27,312 students, the Razorbacks make up nearly 30% of Fayetteville's population. The rolling hills and forests provide a scenic backdrop that's distinctly different from the flat Delta region in eastern Arkansas. Fayetteville consistently ranks among the best places to live in Arkansas, mixing outdoor recreation with college energy. The area offers hiking trails, lakes, and small-town charm within driving distance of major cities. Students considering colleges in Arkansas may also compare University of Arkansas with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,191
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $64,153
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $40,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 67.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $228/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at the University of Arkansas?
The University of Arkansas accepts 78.93% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1125. This makes it accessible to students with solid but not exceptional test scores who want to attend a major SEC university.
How much does the University of Arkansas cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $17,525 annually, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $13,017. Graduates typically leave with $21,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $228.
What is the University of Arkansas known for academically?
Arkansas is recognized for its strong business and agriculture programs, built on the legacy of Walmart founder Sam Walton who attended the school. With a 20:1 student-faculty ratio and 27,312 students, it offers the resources of a major research university.
What are the career outcomes for University of Arkansas graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $58,191 ten years after graduation, with a 96% employment rate. The 70% six-year graduation rate reflects the university's commitment to helping students complete their degrees.
Where do University of Arkansas students live and study?
The Fayetteville campus houses 6,900 students in residence halls, serving a total enrollment of 27,312. About 52% of students come from Arkansas, while the rest experience this college town in the Ozark Mountains.
How competitive are the University of Arkansas Razorbacks in athletics?
The Razorbacks compete in the strong SEC with 470 student-athletes across 15 varsity sports. The athletic program awards $13,954,643 in scholarships and regularly faces rivals like LSU and Texas A&M in some of college sports' toughest conferences.
