Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Jonesboro, Arkansas
69.7% Acceptance Rate
Arkansas State University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
69.7%Acceptance Rate
3.66Avg GPA
1119Avg SAT
22Avg ACT
$22,823Annual Cost
$42,617Grad Salary
36.8%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
69.7%
Avg GPA
3.66
Avg SAT
1119
Avg ACT
22
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1030–1180
ACT Middle 50%
19–25
Avg Net Price
$13,085
Need-Based Aid
36.8% receive Pell
Arkansas State University, founded in 1909 in Jonesboro, is a public research university and the flagship campus of the Arkansas State University System. Ranked among the top national universities by U.S. News, A-State offers 160+ degree programs across 11 colleges, with particular strengths in agriculture, nursing, and media. The university's 1,376-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including the Neil Griffin College of Business building and the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State. A-State is classified as an R2 research institution and operates the nation's first College of Veterinary Medicine at a regional comprehensive university.
A-State's location in northeast Arkansas provides unique research opportunities in agriculture and environmental science through its 14,000-acre farm system. The Red Wolves compete in NCAA Division I athletics in the Sun Belt Conference. The university's Convocation Center hosts major cultural events, while its Delta Studies Center preserves regional heritage. A-State's growing online programs serve students worldwide, and its military-friendly initiatives support a significant veteran population. The campus's distinctive red brick architecture and the iconic 'Indian Mound' create a memorable collegiate environment.
Arkansas State University Acceptance Rate
Arkansas State University takes a broad view of applicants, admitting about 69.7% each year.
What A-State 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 — 69.7% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.66 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.46 – 3.65
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.21
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Arkansas State University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Arkansas State University 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
A-State 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.
A-State GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at A-State is 3.66. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.36 and 3.66? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 3.86–4.06.A-State GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective, with solid academic performance as the expectation.
Recommended Strategy: A clear, defined strength in one activity or research area matters more than breadth.
This range is a rough map. Where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application.:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.66 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.46 – 3.65
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.26 – 3.45
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.25
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- No essay or letter of recommendation required for general admission, though specific programs or scholarships may require them - confirm by major and scholarship tier.
- A-State Campus Quer?taro, Mexico is the first U.S.-style residential university campus in Mexico, offering degrees valid in both countries - a genuine structural differentiator from peer regional publics.
- Test-optional; acceptance rate clusters around 63-82% depending on source and cycle, with median admitted SAT around 1100 and ACT around 21.
- Originally founded in 1909 as an agricultural school; today the second-largest university in Arkansas with 150+ degree programs across multiple in-state campuses and university centers.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself. A 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
- Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average. The trajectory tells its own story.
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 A-State
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from Arkansas State University's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
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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.
Arkansas State University (A-State) Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at A-State. Landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into A-State Without SAT or ACT?
A-State considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Arkansas State University Average SAT Score: 1119
Admitted students at Arkansas State University average a 1119 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1119 — Less Competitive
A 1119 average leaves meaningful room above it for a competitive application.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1180 SAT or 25 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Arkansas State University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 1030? A retake is worth it at A-State. Two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 555 | 520 | 590 |
| SAT Reading | 550 | 510 | 590 |
| SAT Composite | 1119 | 1030 | 1180 |
A score under 1030 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1180+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into Arkansas State University (A-State) with a 1200 SAT?
At 1200, your SAT is squarely in A-State's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file. GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
Arkansas State University (A-State) ACT Requirements
A-State's admitted students average an ACT of 22.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 22 — Slightly Competitive
An average of 22 tracks near the middle of the national distribution.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 21 | 17 | 25 |
| ACT English | 23 | 19 | 27 |
| ACT Composite | 22 | 19 | 25 |
Can I get into Arkansas State University with a 25 ACT?
At 25, you're in the top quarter of A-State's admitted class by ACT score. That's a real advantage, but admissions still reads GPA, essays, and activities alongside it.
The ACT's four sections, English, Math, Reading, and Science, are each scored independently on a 1–36 scale, and admissions staff do notice a lopsided breakdown. If one section trails the others significantly, that's worth addressing before you apply, particularly for STEM programs where Science carries extra weight.
Beyond the number itself, A-State weighs your transcript rigor, activities, recommendations, and essays just as heavily. The ACT opens the door, and the rest of your file decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for A-State
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
A-State is accessible to students who show core competency. Focus on proving readiness for college-level work and locking in financial aid.
Don't spend essay-writing energy where it isn't required
A-State does not require or recommend a personal essay or statement for general undergraduate admission - though some specific programs or scholarships may require one. Confirm a student's target program and scholarship goals first, since defaulting to a full essay-writing process here wastes effort better spent on scholarship-specific applications.
For students drawn to international experience, consider A-State's Quer?taro, Mexico campus as a genuine structural option, not a study-abroad add-on
A-State Campus Quer?taro, opened in 2017, is the first U.S.-style residential university campus established in Mexico, offering degrees in business & communications, engineering & technology, and science that are valid in both the U.S. and Mexico. For bilingual or internationally minded students, this is a distinct degree pathway - not a semester-abroad program - worth presenting as a real option alongside the Jonesboro campus.
Use scholarship deadlines, not the general application, as the real timeline driver
Since A-State's admission process is largely test-optional and essay-free for general entry, the meaningful deadlines for a family to track are scholarship-related rather than admission-related. Build the application calendar around A-State's specific scholarship priority dates rather than treating the general rolling admission timeline as the main driver of urgency.
Lean into A-State's land-grant agricultural roots for relevant majors
A-State was founded in 1909 as one of four Arkansas schools created specifically to teach agriculture, horticulture, and textile manufacturing - a genuine historical and programmatic anchor for students interested in agriculture, agribusiness, or related fields, distinct from generic regional-public framing.
Expert Insight:
Families sometimes assume "no essay required" means no differentiation opportunity exists at all - but specific programs, honors admission, and scholarship tiers can still require supplemental materials. Confirm requirements at the program and scholarship level rather than assuming the general admission process (which is essay-free) applies uniformly across every track.
A-State Profile
Full Name
Arkansas State University (A-State)
City
Jonesboro
State
Arkansas
ZIP Code
72401
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a A-State Degree Worth It?
At $22,823/year against a $42,617 median graduate salary, A-State is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation. The numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $42,200, and graduates see a 3.75% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from A-State Cost?
Listed tuition runs $22,823/year at A-State. Factor in Pell and federal grant aid, and most students land closer to $13,085.
At A-State, 36.8% receive a Pell Grant and 42.3% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming A-State on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a A-State Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, A-State graduates report a median income of $42,617, about 5% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Arkansas State University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Angwin, CA | 1093 | 22 |
| Fort Lewis College | Durango, CO | 1084 | 20 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Central Connecticut State University | New Britain, CT | 1091 | 24 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Arkansas State University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | Denver, CO | 1119 | 24 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Arkansas State University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | 1194 | 26 |
Degree Programs at A-State
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About A-State Admissions
Arkansas State University graduates earn a lower median salary of $42,617/year, especially outside technical fields.
Tuition at Arkansas State University is relatively affordable, around $22,823/year.
36.8% of Arkansas State University students get a Pell Grant. Your odds depend mostly on household income, and filing FAFSA early still helps maximize what you're offered.
Arkansas State University's acceptance rate is 69.7%, comparatively higher than most selective universities. Admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted Arkansas State University students is 3.66, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 3.36 puts you in the standard applicant pool at Arkansas State University. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 3.26 or below makes admission tougher at Arkansas State University, but strong test scores, activities, and essays, plus AP/IB coursework, can still keep you in contention.
Arkansas State University weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1119, and within the 1030–1180 range, keeps you competitive.
Arkansas State University follows Rolling Admissions. Applications are reviewed year-round, so applying early is your best strategy.
Arkansas State University charges an application fee of 30; ask admissions about waiver eligibility if cost is a barrier.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out, plus a solid test score where the school considers one.
Explore Other Options
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