Students at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff benefit from exceptional affordability, with low-income students paying just over $10,500 annually in one of the most accessible public university environments in the country.
The university combines strong financial aid support with broad access, serving nearly two-thirds Pell Grant recipients while maintaining excellent loan repayment outcomes.
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff serves as an accessible public option for students seeking affordable higher education in Arkansas. As a historically black university, UAPB enrolls a diverse student body with nearly 67% of students receiving Pell Grants and about 37% being first-generation college students. While the institution faces challenges with completion rates and earnings outcomes that place it in the lower percentiles nationally, it provides meaningful access to higher education for students who might not otherwise attend college.
UAPB's affordability stands out as a key strength, with low-income students paying just $10,558 annually and middle-income families seeing costs around $14,740. The university's commitment to access is evident in its broad admissions approach and substantial financial aid support. Graduates typically earn $35,550 ten years after enrollment, which while modest compared to national averages, represents meaningful economic progress for many students from the backgrounds UAPB serves.
As a small public institution in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, UAPB offers a close-knit campus environment where students can build strong relationships with faculty and peers. The university's mission centers on providing educational opportunities and supporting student success within a historically black college and university framework that emphasizes community, heritage, and academic achievement.
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offers a focused set of programs that serve different student career goals and earning potential. Chemical Engineering Technology emerges as the standout program, graduating 35 students annually with strong median earnings of $44,468, demonstrating that technical programs can deliver solid financial returns even at smaller institutions. This program represents the university's highest aggregate return offering, combining reasonable enrollment with strong post-graduation outcomes.
Business Administration and Management serves as a popular professional pathway, graduating 44 students with median earnings of $30,409, providing a solid foundation for careers in Arkansas's business sector. Biology represents the university's largest program by enrollment with 53 graduates, though earnings outcomes at $25,194 suggest that many students may pursue additional education or training to maximize their career potential in healthcare, research, or related fields.
The program mix reflects UAPB's mission as a comprehensive university serving diverse student interests, from technical training to foundational sciences to business preparation. While overall earnings outcomes are modest compared to larger research universities, students who choose technical and professional programs can achieve meaningful financial returns that justify their educational investment and provide pathways to economic mobility.
Graduates of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff earn a median of $35,550 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the lower range of national earnings outcomes. While these earnings are modest compared to larger research universities, they represent meaningful economic progress for many students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds who comprise the majority of UAPB's student body. The university's earnings outcomes reflect both the regional job market in Arkansas and the academic programs that dominate its offerings.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly across fields of study. Chemical Engineering Technology stands out as the highest-return program, with 35 graduates earning a median of $44,468 ten years out, demonstrating that technical programs can provide strong financial outcomes even at smaller institutions. Business Administration and Management, with 44 graduates, shows median earnings of $30,409, while Biology, the largest program with 53 graduates, sees more modest outcomes at $25,194. This pattern suggests that students in technical and professional fields tend to see stronger early-career earnings, while those in foundational sciences may need additional education or training to maximize their earning potential.
The university's location in Arkansas provides access to regional employment opportunities, though graduates may need to consider broader geographic mobility to maximize their career prospects. While UAPB's overall earnings outcomes place it in the 7th percentile nationally, the institution serves an important role in providing educational access and economic mobility for students who might not otherwise pursue higher education.
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff excels in affordability, particularly for low- and middle-income families. Low-income students pay an average net price of just $10,558 annually, well below national averages and making college accessible for families with limited financial resources. Middle-income families see annual costs around $14,740, while even higher-income families pay a modest $15,423, reflecting the university's commitment to keeping education affordable across income levels.
The institution's strong financial aid programs help minimize the debt burden for students. Typical graduates leave with about $24,202 in federal student loan debt, a manageable amount that reflects both the university's low net prices and its efforts to provide grant aid rather than relying heavily on loans. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $10,000, indicating that many families can cover educational costs without taking on substantial parent debt. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, suggesting that graduates are generally able to manage their debt obligations successfully despite modest earnings levels.
UAPB's affordability advantage extends beyond just low sticker prices to include comprehensive support that helps students complete their degrees without accumulating excessive debt. The combination of low net prices, reasonable debt levels, and strong financial aid makes UAPB an attractive option for cost-conscious families seeking quality higher education in Arkansas.
University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
