Skip to main content
$8,868Tuition
1,868Students
43%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$36,902Earnings
#21 in ArkansasPublic4-yearNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Arkansas at Monticello

The University of Arkansas at Monticello serves 1,868 students in a small southeastern Arkansas town where agriculture and forestry shape campus culture. This public university has earned recognition for its nursing, education, and natural resources programs. The Boll Weevils and Cotton Blossoms compete in NCAA Division II athletics, reflecting the school's deep agricultural roots. Students enjoy a 12:1 student-faculty ratio that creates close mentoring relationships with professors.

The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $14,013 after aid, with low-income families paying around $12,800. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong support for working-class students. Graduates earn a median of $36,902 ten years after graduation, with typical debt loads of $19,971. Monthly loan payments average $212, making this degree affordable for most graduates.

Women make up 60% of the student body, while the racial composition includes 54% white students and 30% Black students. About 82% of students come from Arkansas, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The 43% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many first-generation college students face, but the 94% employment rate shows strong job placement for those who complete their degrees.

Academics & Faculty

The University of Arkansas at Monticello operates as a full public university with strong roots in agriculture, forestry, and natural resources. Students benefit from small class sizes with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio that enables personalized attention from professors. The school's forestry program stands out as one of the most respected in the region, drawing students interested in timber management and conservation careers. However, the 43.3% six-year graduation rate suggests that many students struggle to complete their degrees on time. UAM also offers solid programs in nursing, education, and business administration. The university's agricultural heritage means hands-on learning opportunities are common, particularly for students in natural sciences and agricultural technology programs.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
12:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
41.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
43.3%
Retention Rate
68.9%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$36,902
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Medium)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. Certificate $64,791
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $61,020
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $54,331
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $41,937
Management Information Systems and Services. Bachelor $41,205
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Master $38,870
Accounting and Related Services. Bachelor $38,829
Health and Physical Education/Fitness. Bachelor $35,330
Agricultural Business and Management. Bachelor $33,459
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Bachelor $31,133

View all 66 programs →

Campus Life

Monticello sits two hours south of Little Rock in rural Arkansas, where students experience all four seasons and need both winter jackets and summer gear. Only 725 students can live on campus at this university of 1,868, creating a tight-knit community where familiar faces are the norm. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and attendance matters.

Weekends revolve around the Boll Weevils and Cotton Blossoms athletic teams competing in NCAA Division II sports. With 260 total athletes across 10 varsity programs, games draw substantial crowds from the student body. The Great American Conference brings rival schools to town throughout the year. Students often head to nearby Wilmar or make weekend trips to Little Rock for bigger city amenities. The forestry and agriculture programs reflect the surrounding landscape of timber and farmland. Greek life and residence hall activities fill the social calendar. Nearly 82% of students come from Arkansas, creating a hometown atmosphere where Southern hospitality defines campus culture.
Setting
Town-Remote
Housing Capacity
725 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1910

Campus Safety (2023)

17 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Dating Violence 5 5 0 0
Burglary 2 2 0 0
Stalking 2 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
34°–54°F
July Avg
73°–92°F
Annual Precipitation
53.0"
Annual Snowfall
0.7"

Student Demographics

The University of Arkansas at Monticello draws heavily from within Arkansas, with more than 8 in 10 students calling the state home. This reflects the university's role as a regional institution serving southeastern Arkansas communities. Women outnumber men by about 3 to 2, largely due to strong programs in nursing, education, and social work. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, indicating UAM's commitment to serving first-generation and working-class families. The student body is diverse for rural Arkansas, with Black students comprising about 30% of enrollment alongside a majority-white population.
Men
39.8%
Women
60.2%
White
54.2%
Black
30.0%
Hispanic
8.9%
Asian
0.2%
In-State Students
81.8%
Pell Grant Recipients
49.4%

Location

Monticello sits in southeastern Arkansas, about 100 miles south of Little Rock. This small town of roughly 9,400 residents becomes noticeably more active when UAM's 1,868 students arrive each fall. The university anchors this rural community surrounded by timber lands and agricultural areas typical of the Arkansas Delta region. Pine forests and farmland stretch in every direction from campus. About 82% of students come from within Arkansas, giving the school a distinctly local feel. The remote setting means students often stay on campus for activities, with 725 housing spots available. Students considering colleges in Arkansas may also compare University of Arkansas at Monticello with similar schools in the region.
Address
Monticello, Arkansas 71656
Historic UAM Music Building
Historic UAM Music Building

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$36,902
Median Earnings (5 years)
$45,273
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$27,300
Loan Repayment Rate
44.6%
Monthly Loan Payment
$212/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,971

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Arkansas at Monticello?

The student-faculty ratio is 12:1, providing relatively small class sizes for a public university. With 1,868 students total, UAM maintains a more intimate learning environment than larger state universities. The school has built its reputation on personalized attention and accessible faculty.

How much does University of Arkansas at Monticello cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $14,013, making it an affordable option for many families. Nearly half of students (49.38%) receive financial aid, and the same percentage qualify for Pell Grants. Students from lower-income families pay even less, with those earning under $30,000 paying just $12,803 on average.

What is the graduation rate at University of Arkansas at Monticello?

The six-year graduation rate is 43.30%, with about 41% of students finishing in four years. The retention rate of 68.90% reflects the challenges many students face at this rural institution. UAM serves a diverse student body, with 54% White and 30% Black students, many of whom are first-generation college attendees.

Where is University of Arkansas at Monticello located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in rural Monticello, Arkansas, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. With housing capacity for 725 students and total enrollment of 1,868, about 39% can live on campus. The school competes as the Boll Weevils and Cotton Blossoms in NCAA Division II, offering 10 varsity sports with 260 student-athletes.

What do graduates of University of Arkansas at Monticello typically earn?

Graduates earn a median salary of $36,902 ten years after starting college, with an employment rate of 94.3%. The typical monthly loan payment is $212, based on median debt of $19,971. UAM has historically served as a pathway to the middle class for students from rural Arkansas and surrounding regions.

Does University of Arkansas at Monticello have unique athletic traditions?

The school's teams are nicknamed the Boll Weevils for men and Cotton Blossoms for women, reflecting the region's agricultural heritage. UAM awards $1,349,293 in athletic scholarships across its 10 sports programs in the Great American Conference. The mascots pay homage to the cotton farming history that shaped this part of Arkansas.