Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Pine Bluff, Arkansas
57.5% Acceptance Rate
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
57.5%Acceptance Rate
2.9Avg GPA
916Avg SAT
16Avg ACT
$20,907Annual Cost
$35,550Grad Salary
66.9%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
57.5%
Avg GPA
2.9
Avg SAT
916
Avg ACT
16
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
880–1048
ACT Middle 50%
14–18
Avg Net Price
$11,679
Need-Based Aid
66.9% receive Pell
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, founded in 1873, is a public historically black land-grant university and member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. UAPB offers 50+ degree programs across five schools, with strengths in agriculture, STEM fields, and criminal justice. The university's 600-acre campus features the new STEM Center, the Aquaculture/Fisheries Center of Excellence, and the historic L.A. Davis Student Union. UAPB maintains a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio and emphasizes hands-on learning through its land-grant mission.
UAPB's location in the Arkansas Delta provides unique research opportunities in aquaculture and sustainable agriculture. The Golden Lions compete in NCAA Division I athletics in the SWAC conference. The university's band program, the Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South, is nationally renowned. UAPB's Small Farm Program and Cooperative Extension Service serve rural communities throughout Arkansas.
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Acceptance Rate
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is moderately selective. 57.5% of applicants are admitted, with room for a well-rounded, if imperfect, transcript.
What UAPB 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 — 57.5% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
2.90 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
2.70 – 2.89
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.45
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline.
Key Admission Dates
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
UAPB reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
UAPB GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at UAPB is 2.9. That makes admissions here moderately selective. Most admitted students carry a blend of A's, B's, and the occasional C.
A stronger SAT or ACT score can comfortably offset a GPA on the lower end of this range.
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 3.10–3.30.UAPB GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
2.90 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
2.70 – 2.89
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.50 – 2.69
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.49
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Early scholarship planning can reduce educational costs.
- Career-focused students often perform better academically.
- Leadership strengthens scholarship competitiveness.
- Research and applied learning opportunities should be explored early.
- 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 UAPB
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff'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 at Pine Bluff (UAPB) Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if UAPB is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into UAPB Without SAT or ACT?
UAPB requires SAT or ACT scores. Applications without them won't be reviewed. Plan test dates early, and if your first score lands below the average shown below, sit for it again.
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Average SAT Score: 916
The average SAT score of admitted students at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is 916 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 916 — Accessible
This average is on the lower end nationally, making a strong score here a genuine advantage.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1048 SAT or 18 ACT) to stand out. Below average? University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 880, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at UAPB. 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 | 485 | 450 | 520 |
| SAT Reading | 479 | 430 | 528 |
| SAT Composite | 916 | 880 | 1048 |
Below 880, you're behind most admitted students; at 1048 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 900
Can I get into University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) with a 1050 SAT?
A 1050 SAT puts you ahead of most of UAPB'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 at Pine Bluff (UAPB) ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at UAPB is 16.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 16 — Accessible
This average is on the lower end nationally, making a strong score here a real advantage.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 16 | 15 | 17 |
| ACT English | 20 | 17 | 22 |
| ACT Composite | 16 | 14 | 18 |
Can I get into University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff with a 18 ACT?
A 18 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of UAPB'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 UAPB.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for UAPB
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
UAPB takes a broad view of applicants. Your energy is best spent proving readiness for coursework and maximizing your financial aid package.
Position Yourself for Scholarship and Academic Support Opportunities
UAPB offers significant opportunities for students who proactively engage with scholarships, honors programs, and student success initiatives. Early application submission and strong academic preparation can improve both affordability and long-term success.
Develop Career-Focused Academic Goals
Applicants should connect their intended major with long-term professional objectives. Students who demonstrate educational purpose often build stronger academic pathways and take greater advantage of campus opportunities.
Engage in Leadership and Community Impact Activities
Leadership, service, athletics, employment, and community engagement demonstrate initiative and strengthen overall competitiveness for scholarships and special programs.
Explore Research and Agricultural Strengths Early
Students interested in agriculture, STEM, business, and applied sciences should investigate research, extension, and experiential learning opportunities available through the university.
Expert Insight:
Many students focus only on admission and overlook scholarships, enrichment programs, and academic support resources that can substantially improve outcomes.
UAPB Profile
Full Name
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB)
City
Pine Bluff
State
Arkansas
ZIP Code
71601
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a UAPB Degree Worth It?
UAPB 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 $42,600, with a graduate unemployment rate of 5.32%.
How much does a degree from UAPB Cost?
The sticker price is $20,907/year, but the average net price students actually pay, after Pell and federal grants, is closer to $11,679.
66.9% of students receive a Pell Grant and 58.5% take federal loans at UAPB. File your FAFSA early and list UAPB as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a UAPB Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $35,550. That's somewhat below the U.S. median graduate income of $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity College of Florida | Trinity, FL | 905 | 19 |
| Wesleyan College | Macon, GA | 905 | NA |
| Bennett College | Greensboro, NC | 890 | NA |
| University of Puerto Rico-Carolina | Carolina, PR | 904 | NA |
| Chamberlain University-Illinois | Addison, IL | 868 | 16 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bethune-Cookman University | Daytona Beach, FL | 913 | 17 |
| Morningside University | Sioux City, IA | 910 | 17 |
| Kentucky State University | Frankfort, KY | 910 | 17 |
| Southern University at New Orleans | New Orleans, LA | 910 | 16 |
| Maine College of Health Professions | Lewiston, ME | 910 | NA |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama A & M University | Normal, AL | 947 | 17 |
| Alabama State University | Montgomery, AL | 977 | 18 |
| Baptist Health College Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 980 | 20 |
| University of Bridgeport | Bridgeport, CT | 985 | NA |
| Delaware State University | Dover, DE | 984 | 24 |
Degree Programs at UAPB
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About UAPB Admissions
Median earnings for University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff graduates sit around $35,550 a year.
At about $20,907 a year, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is on the more affordable end.
With 66.9% of University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff students on a Pell Grant, need-based aid odds here are strong. An early FAFSA filing naming University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is the key move.
At 57.5%, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff average a 2.9 GPA.
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff doesn't publish a hard GPA floor, but landing at or above 2.6 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 2.5, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 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 at Pine Bluff — aim above 916, ideally within the 880–1048 range admitted students typically fall in.
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff follows Rolling Admissions. Applications are reviewed year-round, so applying early is your best strategy.
The application fee is 30. Fee waivers may be available. Check with admissions.
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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