University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences: 1,361 Students

1,361Students

$73,827Earnings

Public4-yearData: 2023-24

About University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

UAMS trains the next generation of Arkansas healthcare workers through specialized professional programs. This public health sciences university enrolls 1,361 students in Little Rock, focusing exclusively on medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and allied health fields. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the intensive, hands-on training these programs demand. Students here aren't pursuing liberal arts degrees, they're preparing for careers that directly serve Arkansas communities.

The financial picture looks strong for a specialized health sciences education. Students graduate with a median debt of just $14,000, remarkably low for medical training. Ten years after graduation, median earnings reach $73,827, making this investment pay off quickly. Monthly loan payments average only $148, easily manageable on healthcare salaries. The 80.74% loan repayment rate shows graduates can handle their debt successfully.

Women make up 83.98% of the student body, reflecting healthcare professions' demographics. The 97.8% employment rate tells the real story, UAMS graduates find jobs because Arkansas needs healthcare workers. With housing for only 177 students, most live off-campus in Little Rock. This isn't a traditional college experience with football games and fraternities, it's professional training for students serious about healthcare careers.

Academics & Faculty

UAMS operates as Arkansas's top health sciences university, training the state's future doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures intensive mentorship crucial for rigorous medical training. With 83.98% of students being women, the campus reflects the gender distribution common in nursing and health professions programs. The university's medical school has produced physicians serving rural Arkansas communities for over 140 years. Students pursue degrees in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health, and biomedical sciences. The 97.8% employment rate demonstrates strong job placement in healthcare fields. UAMS graduates earn a median of $73,827 within ten years, reflecting the solid earning potential of healthcare careers.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 77.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $73,827
Carnegie Classification: Associate College (High Nontraditional)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration.	Doctoral	$129,122
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Doctoral	$117,572
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Master	$97,604
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$95,134
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services.	Doctoral	$82,440
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Master	$64,493
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$58,013
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Bachelor	$55,512
Public Health.	Master	$54,386
Medicine.	Doctoral	$53,743

View all 54 programs →

Campus Life

UAMS sits in the heart of Little Rock, Arkansas's capital city with 200,000 residents. With only 177 housing spots for 1,361 students, nearly 90% live off-campus in surrounding neighborhoods or commute from across the state. Arkansas weather means sweltering summers and mild winters where a light jacket suffices most days.

Women make up 84% of the student body, reflecting healthcare's gender demographics. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate learning environments in labs and clinical rotations. Students spend weekdays in hospitals, research labs, and simulation centers rather than traditional lecture halls. UAMS operates as Arkansas's only academic health center, so campus life revolves around medical training rather than football games or Greek life.

Weekends often involve studying for boards or completing clinical hours. Many students volunteer at local clinics or participate in health fairs throughout Arkansas communities. The employment rate hits 97.8%, meaning graduates typically secure positions before commencement. Little Rock offers restaurants, outdoor activities along the Arkansas River, and a growing downtown scene when students find time between rotations and residency applications.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 177 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1879

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Noncampus
Domestic Violence	3	0
Fondling	3	0
Aggravated Assault	1	1
Rape	0	2
Burglary	1	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0
Stalking	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 30°–50°F
July Avg: 71°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 50.4"
Annual Snowfall: 3.8"

Student Demographics

UAMS draws students committed to healthcare careers, with women making up 84% of enrollment reflecting the female-heavy nature of nursing, pharmacy, and health professions programs. The student body is predominantly white at 60%, with meaningful representation from Black, Hispanic, and Asian students who often become healthcare providers serving Arkansas's diverse communities. With 27% receiving Pell Grants, the school attracts students from working-class backgrounds who see medicine as a path to economic mobility. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures intensive mentorship crucial for clinical training.

Men: 16.0%
Women: 84.0%
White: 60.3%
Black: 10.6%
Hispanic: 9.9%
Asian: 8.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 26.9%

Location

UAMS sits in Arkansas's capital city of Little Rock, home to roughly 200,000 people. The campus operates in the heart of downtown, making it part of the state's largest metropolitan area. Little Rock serves as Arkansas's political and economic center, with the State Capitol and major corporations headquartered here. The city blends Southern culture with urban amenities, sitting along the Arkansas River. Students have access to internships at nearby hospitals, government agencies, and research facilities. The downtown medical district creates a concentrated center for healthcare education and practice. Little Rock's central location puts it within driving distance of Memphis, Dallas, and other regional cities. Students considering colleges in Arkansas may also compare University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences with similar schools in the region.

Address: Little Rock, Arkansas 72205-7199

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $73,827
Median Earnings (5 years): $73,406
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $68,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 80.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $148/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $14,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences unique among Arkansas universities?

UAMS is exclusively focused on health sciences education and research, serving as Arkansas's only comprehensive academic health center. The school trains 83.98% women students across medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and other healthcare fields. Founded in 1879, it has become the state's top institution for developing healthcare professionals.

How much does University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences cost after financial aid?

Students graduate with a median debt of just $14,000, remarkably low for a health sciences university. Only 35.72% of students take federal loans, and those who do have manageable monthly payments of $148. The school keeps costs accessible while training future healthcare professionals.

What are the academic programs like at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences?

The university maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio across its health sciences programs, ensuring personalized attention in demanding medical fields. With only 1,361 students, UAMS offers intimate class sizes that are crucial for hands-on medical training. The semester system allows for intensive, focused study in specialized healthcare disciplines.

What career outcomes can students expect from University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences?

Graduates achieve an exceptional 97.8% employment rate, reflecting strong demand for healthcare professionals. The median earnings reach $73,827 ten years after graduation, demonstrating the value of specialized health sciences education. With an 80.74% loan repayment rate, graduates successfully manage their educational investments.

Where is University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Little Rock, Arkansas's capital and largest medical center. With housing capacity for only 177 students, most students live off-campus in the surrounding midsize city. The urban setting provides access to major hospitals and medical facilities where students complete clinical rotations.

Is University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences financially accessible to diverse students?

About 26.94% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves students from various economic backgrounds. The student body includes 60.32% white students, 10.58% Black students, and 9.92% Hispanic students. Only 26.94% of students receive financial aid overall, suggesting many can afford the relatively affordable health sciences education.