University of Arkansas admits approximately 71.7% of applicants, meaning roughly 7 in 10 applicants receive offers of admission. This acceptance rate places the university in the Moderately Selective category, making it more accessible than highly competitive institutions while maintaining academic standards. The peer median admission rate of 78.1% indicates University of Arkansas is slightly more selective than typical public flagship institutions. This selectivity level means qualified students with solid academic records have reasonable admission chances, though the university does maintain standards for enrollment. Students should view University of Arkansas as a match or safety school if their academic credentials align with enrolled student profiles. The moderately selective nature allows students to focus on fit factors like program strength, campus culture, and post-graduation outcomes rather than primarily worrying about admission probability. For students building college lists, University of Arkansas represents a strong option that balances accessibility with flagship university resources and academic reputation. Prospective students should emphasize academic preparation and program interest in their applications while recognizing that admission probability remains favorable for qualified candidates.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at University of Arkansas typically score between 1050 and 1220 on the SAT, with a median of 1174. The middle 50% range shows that one-quarter of enrolled students score below 1050 while one-quarter score above 1220, indicating the university enrolls students across a range of academic preparation levels. SAT Math scores range from 520 to 600, while SAT Verbal scores span 530 to 620, showing balanced expectations across both sections. ACT scores range from 21 to 28 with a median of 25, providing multiple testing options for applicants. These test score ranges rank at the 93rd percentile nationally, indicating University of Arkansas enrolls academically strong students despite moderate selectivity. The peer median SAT of 1198 shows University of Arkansas students score 24 points below typical flagship peers, though this difference reflects accessible admission rather than academic weakness. Students scoring within the 1050-1220 SAT range should consider themselves academically competitive for admission, while those scoring below 1000 may face challenges but should not automatically exclude the university. Test scores represent just one admission factor, and the university likely considers multiple criteria including GPA, course rigor, and extracurricular involvement. Students should aim for scores within the middle 50% range while recognizing that exceptional performance in other areas can offset lower test performance.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
University of Arkansas enrolls 17.3% Pell-eligible students, indicating nearly one in five students comes from lower-income families qualifying for federal grant aid. First-generation students represent 26.0% of enrollment, meaning roughly one in four students is the first in their family to attend college. The transfer student population comprises 17.8% of enrollment, showing the university accepts a moderate number of students from community colleges and other institutions. This composition suggests University of Arkansas serves a mix of traditional and non-traditional students, though the Pell share remains below many public flagships that typically enroll 30-40% Pell-eligible students. The first-generation share indicates meaningful access for students whose families lack college experience, providing pathways for educational advancement. Geographic diversity likely reflects the university's role as Arkansas's flagship institution, drawing primarily from in-state students while attracting some out-of-state enrollment. Students from lower-income backgrounds should recognize that roughly 17% of their peers will share similar economic circumstances, creating community and support networks on campus. First-generation students should note that 26% of enrolled students are navigating college as family pioneers, indicating institutional experience supporting students without college-educated parents.
With a 71.7% acceptance rate, University of Arkansas should not represent a reach school for most qualified applicants. However, students seeking similar flagship experiences or stronger post-graduation outcomes have several alternatives worth considering.
Schools with comparable admission profiles — useful for building a balanced list.
86.5% of University of Arkansas freshmen return for sophomore year, compared to a peer median of 83.7%, indicating above-average student satisfaction and academic preparation. The university graduates 70.0% of students within six years, slightly above the peer median of 65.9%, demonstrating solid degree completion rates. Pell-eligible students graduate at 52.8%, creating a 17.2 percentage point gap compared to the overall graduation rate. This gap suggests lower-income students face additional challenges to degree completion, though the university maintains support systems for diverse student populations. The retention rate indicates that students who enroll generally find academic and social environments that encourage persistence, with fewer than 14% leaving after the first year. Students who gain admission should expect strong institutional support for degree completion, particularly during the critical first year when retention rates demonstrate effectiveness. The graduation rate indicates that approximately 7 in 10 students who start at University of Arkansas complete bachelor's degrees within six years. Lower-income students should consider the Pell gap when evaluating institutional fit, recognizing that 53% of similar students successfully graduate despite economic challenges. Prospective students should view these completion rates as indicators of the academic rigor and support systems they will encounter.
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