Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Fayetteville, Arkansas
71.7% Acceptance Rate
University of Arkansas — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
71.7%Acceptance Rate
3.74Avg GPA
1174Avg SAT
25Avg ACT
$26,161Annual Cost
$58,191Grad Salary
17.3%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
71.7%
Avg GPA
3.74
Avg SAT
1174
Avg ACT
25
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Branch Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1050–1220
ACT Middle 50%
21–28
Avg Net Price
$17,525
Need-Based Aid
17.3% receive Pell
University of Arkansas is a prestigious public research university known for its commitment to academic excellence, high-impact research, and student success. Offering a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, the university fosters a dynamic campus environment that encourages innovation, leadership, and professional development. Its state-of-the-art facilities, strong alumni network, and tradition of excellence make it a top-tier choice for students seeking a transformative and high-value degree.
University of Arkansas Acceptance Rate
University of Arkansas is moderately selective. 71.7% of applicants are admitted, with room for a well-rounded, if imperfect, transcript.
What University of Arkansas Admissions Looks For
- Whole-Person Review: Personal circumstances and career goals are weighed alongside grades.
- Flexible on GPA: Strong extracurriculars or work experience can offset an average transcript.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 71.7% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.74 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.54 – 3.73
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.29
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
University of Arkansas Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for University of Arkansas is November 1 for Early/Priority applicants, with additional plans listed below.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 82 days left — Early/Priority
Early/Priority
November 1
Regular Decision
December 15
Regular Decision
August 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (2025/11/15 (freshman academic scholarship)) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
University of Arkansas GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at University of Arkansas is 3.74. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.44 and 3.74? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently. For an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.94–4.14.University of Arkansas GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.74 – 4.00
Competitive Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.54 – 3.73
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.34 – 3.53
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.33
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Automatic admission review at 3.20+ recalculated GPA, no test score required.
- Honors College essay is capped at 600 words.
- Nov 1 is the priority deadline for scholarships, housing, and orientation.
- State scholarships require test scores regardless of test-optional admission status.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at University of Arkansas
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on University of Arkansas's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of Arkansas Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if University of Arkansas is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into University of Arkansas Without SAT or ACT?
University of Arkansas considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
University of Arkansas Average SAT Score: 1174
The average SAT score of admitted students at University of Arkansas is 1174 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1174 — Less Competitive
This average is slightly below the national mean SAT score.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1220 SAT or 28 ACT) to stand out. Below average? University of Arkansas allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 1050, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at University of Arkansas. Retaking multiple times is completely normal. Most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 560 | 520 | 600 |
| SAT Reading | 575 | 530 | 620 |
| SAT Composite | 1174 | 1050 | 1220 |
Below 1050, you're behind most admitted students; at 1220 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1150
Can I get into University of Arkansas with a 1200 SAT?
A 1200 SAT puts you ahead of most of University of Arkansas's admitted class, but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
University of Arkansas ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at University of Arkansas is 25.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 25 — Slightly Competitive
This sits close to the national average ACT score.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 23 | 19 | 26 |
| ACT English | 25 | 21 | 28 |
| ACT Composite | 25 | 21 | 28 |
Can I get into University of Arkansas with a 28 ACT?
A 28 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of University of Arkansas's admitted students. That's a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several that admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section, especially Science at STEM-focused schools, stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at University of Arkansas.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for University of Arkansas
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
University of Arkansas takes a broad view of applicants. Your energy is best spent proving readiness for coursework and maximizing your financial aid package.
Let the GPA formula do the work
A 3.20+ recalculated GPA gets automatic review without a test score. Arkansas only counts AP, IB, and clearly marked dual-enrollment for weighting, so get your counselor to confirm how your transcript will be recalculated before you assume you're above or below the line.
Submit scores anyway if you want scholarship money
General admission is test-optional, but the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship and Governor's Distinguished Scholarship both require ACT/SAT scores by May 1. Being admitted test-optional does not carry over to scholarship eligibility.
Apply by November 1, even though the deadline is rolling
Arkansas accepts applications through August, but November 1 unlocks priority scholarship, housing, and orientation slots. Rolling doesn't mean "no rush" here.
Write the Honors essay as a contribution pitch
The 600-word Honors College essay asks two things: why you want in, and what you'll contribute. Weak essays only answer the first half. Name a specific way you'd add to the honors community: a research interest, a project, a peer-mentoring angle.
Expert Insight:
Students who get in test-optional often assume they can skip testing altogether, then lose out on state merit scholarships worth thousands because those programs still require ACT/SAT scores submitted by May 1.
University of Arkansas Profile
Full Name
University of Arkansas
City
Fayetteville
State
Arkansas
ZIP Code
72701
Type
Public
Campus
Branch Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a University of Arkansas Degree Worth It?
University of Arkansas offers a rigorous academic environment, but 'worth it' is a personal calculation of cost, program fit, and outcomes. The figures below are a starting point.
The average household income among admitted students is $52,500, with a graduate unemployment rate of 3.8%.
How much does a degree from University of Arkansas Cost?
The sticker price is $26,161/year, but the average net price students actually pay, after Pell and federal grants, is closer to $17,525.
17.3% of students receive a Pell Grant and 34.1% take federal loans at University of Arkansas. File your FAFSA early and list University of Arkansas as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a University of Arkansas Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $58,191. That's about 43% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of Arkansas. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO | 1130 | 25 |
| Lynn University | Boca Raton, FL | 1136 | 25 |
| Florida International University | Miami, FL | 1154 | 23 |
| University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | 1137 | 24 |
| Georgia College & State University | Milledgeville, GA | 1150 | 24 |
| Georgia State University | Atlanta, GA | 1149 | 23 |
| Toccoa Falls College | Toccoa Falls, GA | 1155 | 23 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Arkansas. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Southeastern University | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 1182 | 25 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah, GA | 1178 | 25 |
| Spelman College | Atlanta, GA | 1184 | 24 |
| Hawaii Pacific University | Honolulu, HI | 1180 | 25 |
| The College of Idaho | Caldwell, ID | 1166 | 24 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Arkansas. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | 1212 | 25 |
| California Lutheran University | Thousand Oaks, CA | 1224 | 26 |
Degree Programs at University of Arkansas
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Arkansas Admissions
Median graduate earnings at University of Arkansas run about $58,191 a year.
At about $26,161 a year, University of Arkansas is on the more affordable end.
University of Arkansas's Pell Grant rate of 17.3% sits below the national average. Merit-based aid is worth checking regardless of income.
At 71.7%, University of Arkansas's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at University of Arkansas average a 3.74 GPA.
University of Arkansas doesn't publish a hard GPA floor, but landing at or above 3.44 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 3.34, University of Arkansas becomes a harder reach, though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at University of Arkansas — aim above 1174, ideally within the 1050–1220 range admitted students typically fall in.
The application deadline for University of Arkansas is November 1 for Early/Priority applicants.
The application fee is 40. Fee waivers may be available. Check with admissions.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is 2025/11/15 (freshman academic scholarship). Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes, transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most, along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.
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