Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Fort Smith, Arkansas
81.5% Acceptance Rate
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
81.5%Acceptance Rate
3.39Avg GPA
1050Avg SAT
21Avg ACT
$18,052Annual Cost
$41,102Grad Salary
39.1%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
81.5%
Avg GPA
3.39
Avg SAT
1050
Avg ACT
21
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1010–1080
ACT Middle 50%
18–23
Avg Net Price
$10,097
Need-Based Aid
39.1% receive Pell
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith serves western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma as a regional comprehensive university. Established in 1928 as a junior college, UAFS has grown into a four-year institution offering 70+ bachelor's and associate degrees to over 6,000 students. The 170-acre campus features modern facilities including the Boreham Business Building with trading room, the Windgate Art & Design Building with professional studios, and the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center.
UAFS excels in career-focused programs like cybersecurity, graphic design, and industrial technology that boast strong regional employment outcomes. The university's 'Western Arkansas Technical Center' provides customized workforce training for employers like ArcBest and Mercy Hospital. UAFS maintains unique partnerships through its 'Renaissance Institute' for adult learners and 'YES College Prep' for first-generation students. The campus's River Valley location supports outdoor learning opportunities in environmental science and recreation. UAFS's commitment to affordability includes the 'Lion Pride Scholarship' covering full tuition for qualifying students.
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Acceptance Rate
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith (UAFS) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 81.5%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 81.5% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.39 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.19 – 3.38
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.94
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.
UAFS GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at UAFS is 3.39. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.59-3.79 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.09 and 3.39, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
UAFS GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at UAFS utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.39, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.39 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.19 – 3.38
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.99 – 3.18
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.98
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At UAFS, 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 UAFS
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on University of Arkansas-Fort Smith'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-Fort Smith (UAFS) 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 UAFS Without SAT or ACT?
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith 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-Fort Smith Average SAT Score: 1050
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith is 1050 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1050 — Accessible
This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1050 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1080 SAT or 23 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of Arkansas-Fort Smith allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1010, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at UAFS. 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 | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 1050 | 1010 | 1080 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1010 then you are below most of the admitted students at UAFS and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1080 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 1050
Can I get into University of Arkansas-Fort Smith (UAFS) with a 1100 SAT?
With a 1100 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith (UAFS) are good but the admission staff at UAFS 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-Fort Smith (UAFS) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at UAFS is 21.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 21 — Less Competitive
This score makes University of Arkansas-Fort Smith less competitive for ACT scores. You need to put average efforts to score 21 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 21 | 17 | 24 |
| ACT English | 21 | 18 | 24 |
| ACT Composite | 21 | 18 | 23 |
Can I get into University of Arkansas-Fort Smith with a 23 ACT?
A 23 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith — 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-Fort Smith 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-Fort Smith — 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-Fort Smith 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 23 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 UAFS
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
UAFS 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 UAFS to ensure your high school electives align with your intended major.
UAFS Profile
Full Name
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith (UAFS)
City
Fort Smith
State
Arkansas
ZIP Code
72913-3649
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a UAFS Degree Worth It?
Getting into UAFS 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. UAFS 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 UAFS is $45,300 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.24%.
How much does a degree from UAFS Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith is $18,052. 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-Fort Smith is $10,097.
39.1% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 28.2 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to UAFS and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist UAFS as your choice in the form.
How much does a UAFS Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $41,102. An average UAFS 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-Fort Smith. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faulkner University | Montgomery, AL | 1016 | 20 |
| University of West Alabama | Livingston, AL | 1015 | 20 |
| Central Baptist College | Conway, AR | 1022 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton | Morrilton, AR | 1020 | 20 |
| Williams Baptist University | Walnut Ridge, AR | 1018 | 19 |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | Denver, CO | 1014 | 20 |
| Colorado State University Pueblo | Pueblo, CO | 1005 | 22 |
| Trinity Baptist College | Jacksonville, FL | 1007 | 20 |
| College of Coastal Georgia | Brunswick, GA | 1001 | 18 |
| Thomas University | Thomasville, GA | 1037 | 21 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Magnolia, AR | 1050 | 20 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
Degree Programs at UAFS
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by University of Arkansas-Fort Smith →
Frequently Asked Questions About UAFS Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $41,102 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $18,052 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
39.1% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of University of Arkansas-Fort Smith is 81.5% 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 3.39. 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 3.09, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.09, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 2.99 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 3.39, 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-Fort Smith is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1050 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1010–1080.
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.