University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff: 69.3% Acceptance Rate

69.3%Acceptance

$9,019Tuition

1,899Students

40%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$35,550Earnings

Public4-yearNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24HBCU

About University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff traces its legacy to 1873 as Arkansas's top historically Black institution. This Golden Lions campus serves 1,899 students in a tight-knit town setting about an hour southeast of Little Rock. UAPB has built its reputation on providing accessible higher education while maintaining strong traditions in agriculture, business, and the sciences. The university accepts 69% of applicants, welcoming students with an average SAT of 925. Faculty maintain close relationships with students through a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

The financial picture makes UAPB particularly accessible to Arkansas families. Students pay an average net price of $11,679 after financial aid, with 67% receiving assistance. Low-income families often pay just $10,558 annually. Graduates earn a median of $35,550 ten years after leaving, though they typically carry $24,202 in debt. The monthly loan payment averages $257, making repayment manageable for most graduates. In-state students pay $9,019 in tuition, while out-of-state costs reach $17,029.

UAPB competes in NCAA Division I athletics as part of the Southwestern Athletic Conference. The student body reflects the university's mission as an HBCU, with 90% Black enrollment and 63% coming from Arkansas. Campus housing accommodates 1,418 students, fostering the close community atmosphere that defines the UAPB experience.

Academics & Faculty

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff operates as a historically Black public university with a strong focus on undergraduate education and community service. Students work closely with faculty in a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio that enables personalized attention. The university is particularly known for its agriculture, education, and business programs, building on its land-grant mission since 1873. However, academic support varies as reflected in the 39.70% six-year graduation rate. UAPB emphasizes practical, career-focused education that prepares students for immediate employment, with 95% of graduates finding jobs. The semester calendar system allows students to build relationships with professors across traditional liberal arts and professional programs.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 83.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 40.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 39.7%
Retention Rate: 64.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $35,550
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians.	Bachelor	$44,468
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.	Bachelor	$30,771
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$30,409
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Bachelor	$29,141
Social Work.	Bachelor	$28,598
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$28,055
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.	Bachelor	$27,204
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$26,187
Agricultural Business and Management.	Bachelor	$25,194
Biology, General.	Bachelor	$25,194

View all 50 programs →

Campus Life

Pine Bluff sits about 45 minutes southeast of Little Rock, giving students access to Arkansas's capital without big-city distractions. The campus houses 1,418 students in residence halls, meaning about 75% of the 1,899 total students live on campus. This creates a tight-knit community where nearly 90% of students are Black, reflecting the university's proud HBCU heritage dating back to 1873.

Arkansas weather means hot, humid summers and mild winters where a light jacket usually suffices. Students gather for Golden Lions athletic events, with 245 athletes competing across 10 Division I sports in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic struggles. Weekend activities center around campus since Pine Bluff offers limited off-campus entertainment options. Greek life, residence hall programming, and athletic events fill most social calendars. The close-knit environment means friendships form quickly, but some students feel isolated from major urban centers and broader cultural opportunities.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 1,418 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1873

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Aggravated Assault	1	1	1
Domestic Violence	1	1	0
Burglary	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 33°–51°F
July Avg: 73°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 53.6"
Annual Snowfall: 2.5"

Student Demographics

This historically Black university draws students primarily from Arkansas and surrounding states, with nearly two-thirds coming from in-state. The student body is overwhelmingly African American, reflecting UAPB's mission as an HBCU serving the Black community in Arkansas and the broader South. Two-thirds of students receive Pell Grants, showing the university's commitment to providing access for first-generation and lower-income students. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for many HBCUs where female enrollment has grown steadily. Students here often come from families where college attendance isn't guaranteed, making UAPB a pathway to middle-class careers.

Men: 44.7%
Women: 55.3%
White: 2.6%
Black: 89.9%
Hispanic: 2.6%
Asian: 0.3%
In-State Students: 62.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 66.9%

Location

Pine Bluff sits about 45 miles southeast of Little Rock in Arkansas's Delta region. The town of 41,000 residents centers around the Arkansas River and serves as Jefferson County's seat. Pine Bluff once thrived as a cotton and lumber center but has faced economic challenges in recent decades. The university's 327-acre campus anchors the community as one of the area's largest employers. The Delta region offers flat agricultural landscapes dotted with small towns, quite different from Arkansas's mountainous northwest. Only 62.63% of students come from in-state, drawing others to this rural setting. Students considering colleges in Arkansas may also compare University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff with similar schools in the region.

Address: Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71601

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $35,550
Median Earnings (5 years): $41,710
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $23,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 36.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $257/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $24,202

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff?

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff accepts 69% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a public HBCU. The average SAT score is 925, with middle 50% scores ranging from 805 to 1045. This historically Black institution founded in 1873 provides access to higher education for students seeking a supportive academic environment.

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

Students pay an average net price of $11,679 annually after aid, with in-state tuition at $9,019. Nearly 67% of students receive financial aid, and the same percentage qualify for Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving students from lower-income backgrounds. Room and board adds $9,122 for on-campus living.

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

The student-faculty ratio is 13:1 with total enrollment of 1,899 students. This small size allows for personalized attention in a close-knit campus community. The retention rate stands at 65%, and students benefit from the intimate learning environment typical of smaller HBCUs.

What are the graduation rates and career outcomes at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff?

The six-year graduation rate is 40% with median earnings of $35,550 ten years after graduation. Graduates typically start with median earnings of $32,132 one year after graduation and have a 95% employment rate. The median student debt load is $24,202 with monthly loan payments of $257.

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

The campus sits in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, a town-distant setting that provides a focused academic environment. With 1,418 housing spaces available, most of the 1,899 students can live on campus. The Golden Lions compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 10 varsity sports and 245 total athletes in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

What makes University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff unique as an HBCU?

Nearly 90% of students are Black, making UAPB one of the most concentrated HBCUs in terms of African American enrollment. Founded in 1873, it represents the rich tradition of historically Black colleges providing educational opportunities in the South. The university receives $2.6 million in athletic scholarships and maintains strong ties to the HBCU community through its SWAC conference membership.