University of Arkansas-Fort Smith: $6,906 Tuition

$6,906Tuition

4,133Students

37%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$41,102Earnings

#20 in ArkansasPublic4-yearNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith serves 4,133 students in this western Arkansas city, building on nearly a century of practical education since 1928. This regional public university has earned a reputation for career-focused programs that serve working adults and traditional students alike. The school emphasizes hands-on learning and workforce preparation rather than theoretical research.

Students pay an average net price of $10,097 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable options in Arkansas. Graduates earn a median of $41,102 ten years after graduation, while carrying relatively modest debt loads of $18,250. The math works reasonably well for most students, though the 37% six-year graduation rate suggests many struggle to finish their degrees.

Women make up 61% of the student body, reflecting the university's strength in health sciences and education programs. The Lions compete in NCAA Division II with 10 varsity sports and 146 total athletes. About 85% of students come from Arkansas, creating a tight-knit regional community. The 71% retention rate indicates most freshmen return for sophomore year, though persistence through graduation remains a challenge for this population of often first-generation college students.

Academics & Faculty

University of Arkansas-Fort Smith builds its academic reputation around career-focused programs designed for working adults and traditional students alike. The school offers practical degree paths in nursing, business, and technical fields that directly connect to regional job markets. With a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, students get reasonable access to professors, though the 37% six-year graduation rate suggests many face challenges completing their degrees. The university serves as a regional center for workforce development, particularly in healthcare and technology sectors. About 85% of students come from Arkansas, reflecting the school's role as a local educational anchor. The 95.4% employment rate demonstrates strong job placement success for graduates who complete their programs.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Full-Time Faculty: 61.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 39.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 37.0%
Retention Rate: 71.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $41,102
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$61,681
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$61,218
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$55,964
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Bachelor	$55,964
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Bachelor	$53,810
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$51,392
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$37,208
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$35,416
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.	Bachelor	$35,274
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.	Associate	$33,993

View all 78 programs →

Campus Life

Fort Smith sits along the Arkansas River near the Oklahoma border, about 160 miles northwest of Little Rock. The campus houses just 22% of its 4,133 students, making this primarily a commuter school where most students drive in from the surrounding region. Arkansas weather means hot, humid summers and mild winters with occasional ice storms that can close campus for a day or two.

With 61% women and 85% in-state students, the atmosphere feels more like a community college than a traditional university. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes, especially in introductory courses. Weekend life revolves around the city rather than campus activities since most students head home or work part-time jobs. The Lions compete in 10 NCAA Division II sports with 146 total athletes, but athletics don't dominate campus culture. Students often hang out at Garrison Avenue downtown or drive to nearby Lake Fort Smith for outdoor activities. The semester calendar gives students traditional winter and summer breaks, though many use these times for internships or work.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 918 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1928

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Burglary	5	0
Fondling	3	2
Stalking	3	1
Rape	2	1
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 29°–51°F
July Avg: 72°–94°F
Annual Precipitation: 47.3"
Annual Snowfall: 2.9"

Student Demographics

University of Arkansas-Fort Smith draws heavily from the local region, with most students staying close to home for their education. Women outnumber men, reflecting the school's strong programs in nursing, education, and business that traditionally attract female students. The substantial number of Pell Grant recipients shows UAFS serves as an accessible pathway to higher education for working-class families in western Arkansas. This regional public university has built its reputation on providing practical, career-focused programs that prepare students for immediate employment in the local job market.

Men: 38.8%
Women: 61.2%
White: 57.8%
Black: 3.9%
Hispanic: 19.1%
Asian: 4.9%
In-State Students: 84.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 39.1%

Location

The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith sits in Fort Smith, Arkansas, a city of about 90,000 people along the Oklahoma border. Fort Smith lies roughly 160 miles northwest of Little Rock and 120 miles southeast of Tulsa. The area blends small-city convenience with outdoor recreation opportunities near the Arkansas River and Ozark Mountains. Fort Smith's historic downtown district and growing healthcare sector provide internship and job opportunities for students. The campus serves a largely in-state population, with 84.94% of students from Arkansas. The region's affordable cost of living helps keep total attendance costs around $18,073 annually. Students considering colleges in Arkansas may also compare University of Arkansas-Fort Smith with similar schools in the region.

Address: Fort Smith, Arkansas 72913-3649

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $41,102
Median Earnings (5 years): $45,861
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $30,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 51.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $193/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $18,250

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the graduation rates at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith?

The four-year graduation rate sits at 39.45%, while the six-year rate is 37%. These numbers reflect the university's focus on serving working adults and non-traditional students who often take longer to complete their degrees due to work and family commitments.

How much does University of Arkansas-Fort Smith cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $10,097 annually for all students. For families earning under $30,000, the net cost drops to just $8,450, making this regional university particularly affordable for Arkansas residents seeking career-focused education.

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

Classes average 20 students per faculty member, which is typical for a regional public university. The school emphasizes practical, workforce-oriented programs that prepare graduates for careers in healthcare, business, and technical fields in the Arkansas River Valley region.

What do University of Arkansas-Fort Smith graduates earn after college?

Alumni earn a median of $41,102 ten years after graduation with typical monthly loan payments of $193. The 95.4% employment rate reflects strong job placement in fields like nursing, education, and business throughout western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma.

Where do University of Arkansas-Fort Smith students come from?

Nearly 85% of the 4,133 students are Arkansas residents, with women making up 61% of enrollment. The diverse student body includes 19% Hispanic students, reflecting the changing demographics of Fort Smith and the surrounding border region.

Does University of Arkansas-Fort Smith offer athletic scholarships?

The Lions compete in NCAA Division II with 10 varsity sports and distribute $1.24 million in athletic scholarships among 146 student-athletes. The athletic program competes in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association, primarily against other regional universities.