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 somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is 57.5%. This means that 58 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
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
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
UAPB GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at UAPB is 2.9. This suggests moderate selectivity.
A mix of A's, B's, and some C's is common. Higher SAT/ACT scores can compensate for a lower GPA.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.10-3.30 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 2.60 and 2.9, aim for a strong standardized test score.
UAPB GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at UAPB utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 2.9, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
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
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At UAPB, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board 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
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into UAPB Without SAT or ACT?
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff requires test (SAT/ACT) scores to determine the merit for admission. It means that students will not be allowed to apply without test scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below. Normally, students may appear in the test multiple times to improve their scores.
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Average SAT Score: 916
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is 916 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 916 — Accessible
This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 916 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1048 SAT or 18 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 880, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at UAPB. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is 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 |
It means that if you have scored less than 880 then you are below most of the admitted students at UAPB and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1048 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
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?
With a 1050 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) are good but the admission staff at UAPB tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at UAPB is 16.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 16 — Accessible
This score makes University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff an easy target for ACT scores. You need to put average efforts to score 16 on the ACT.
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 places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 18 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for UAPB
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
UAPB is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Consistency over Perfection
Prove you can handle a college curriculum by maintaining a steady or upward GPA trend. One or two lower grades won't be a dealbreaker if you've improved since.
Placement Validation
Use the SAT or ACT to exempt yourself from non-credit remedial courses. A solid score here saves you time and tuition money once you enroll.
Practical Leadership
Highlight work experience, family responsibilities, or community service. These schools value 'grit' and real-world maturity.
FAFSA & Deadlines
At schools with higher acceptance rates, the 'win' is financial. Submit your FAFSA and local scholarship apps as early as possible to maximize your aid package.
Next Step: Review the specific 'Pre-Professional' tracks at UAPB to ensure your high school electives align with your intended major.
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?
Getting into UAPB can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. UAPB offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at UAPB is $42,600 and the graduate unemployment rate is 5.32%.
How much does a degree from UAPB Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is $20,907. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is $11,679.
66.9% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 58.5 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to UAPB and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist UAPB as your choice in the form.
How much does a UAPB Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $35,550. An average UAPB graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $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
Full list of all degree programs offered by University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff →
Frequently Asked Questions About UAPB Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $35,550 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $20,907 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
66.9% of students at this university receive a Pell Grant — free money that does not need to be repaid. Your chances of need-based aid are strong. Submit your FAFSA as early as possible and list this institution as your choice to be considered for maximum aid.
The acceptance rate of University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is 57.5% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 2.9. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 2.6, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.6, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 2.5 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 2.9, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 916 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 880–1048.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.