Acceptance Rate
59%
Avg. SAT
1210
75th percentile
“A dynamic urban university in Little Rock, blending affordability with hands-on learning in the heart of Arkansas.”
Little Rock, AR
Location
Midsize City
Campus Setting
Nestled in the capital city of Arkansas, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) stands as a public institution with a mission to serve its community while fostering opportunity. Founded in 1927 as Little Rock Junior College, it evolved into a four-year university by the 1960s and joined the University of Arkansas system in 1969, reflecting a commitment to accessible education. Today, with nearly 7,500 undergraduates, UALR carries a practical, grounded personality—less about flashy prestige and more about real-world impact, especially for first-generation and non-traditional students who make up a significant portion of the campus.
If you’re a self-motivated learner who values flexibility and isn’t looking for a traditional, rah-rah college experience, you’ll likely find a home here. UALR attracts students who juggle work, family, or other responsibilities, thanks to its strong online and evening course options. The surrounding city of Little Rock offers a mix of Southern charm and urban energy, with the Arkansas River nearby and a growing arts and food scene, though the campus itself can feel more commuter-driven than tightly knit.
One tradeoff to consider is the urban setting’s impact on campus cohesion—many students live off-campus, and parking or traffic can be a hassle around the 250-acre grounds. Additionally, while Little Rock provides cultural and professional opportunities, it’s not a bustling college town, so you might need to seek out social connections proactively. Still, for those who want an affordable degree with direct ties to the state’s political and business hub, UALR delivers a unique blend of accessibility and relevance.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Available Online
Degree Levels Offered
At UALR, academics center on practical, career-focused learning with strengths in fields like nursing, criminal justice, and business administration, reflecting the needs of Arkansas’s workforce. The William H. Bowen School of Law, located on campus, adds a distinctive edge, drawing students interested in legal studies and public policy while offering undergrads rare exposure to law-related events and networking. You can expect a curriculum that often ties directly to local industries, with internships and partnerships in Little Rock’s government and healthcare sectors providing real-world experience early on.
Classroom dynamics lean toward smaller, interactive settings in upper-level courses, though introductory classes can feel crowded with a more lecture-heavy approach. Research opportunities exist, particularly through the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, where projects in cybersecurity and data science stand out. A potential challenge is that some popular programs, like nursing, can be highly competitive to enter, requiring strong planning and grades to secure a spot, so staying on top of advising is key.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
5,939 undergrad • 2,277 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
53%
Black / African American
21%
Hispanic / Latino
3%
Asian
2%
Other / Multi-racial
21%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Little Rock, AR
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life at UALR reflects its commuter-heavy population, with many students balancing studies with jobs or family life, so the social scene often feels more subdued compared to traditional college towns. You’ll find a tight-knit group of on-campus residents—about 1,000 students live in university housing—who build community through events like Trojan Game Nights or the annual Fall Fest, which brings food trucks and live music to the quad. Athletics, under the Little Rock Trojans banner, compete in NCAA Division I, and basketball games at the Jack Stephens Center can spark some school spirit, though they don’t dominate campus culture.
One tradeoff is that the social vibe requires effort—without a classic college-town atmosphere, you might need to join clubs or attend events to forge connections. The city’s weather, with hot, humid summers and mild winters, means outdoor activities are often seasonal, and the cost of living in Little Rock remains relatively affordable compared to larger urban centers. Overall, a typical week might mix early morning classes, a quick lunch at a nearby diner, and evenings spent studying or exploring the River Market district downtown.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Ohio Valley Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
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Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
76%
4 Years Graduation Rate
40%
6 Years Graduation Rate
48%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$45,265
76% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at University of Arkansas at Little Rock and return in the fall. 40% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 48% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
40%
4-5 years
8%
6-8 years
2%
Non-grad
50%
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Key Statistics
Type
Public
Tuition
$6,495
Acceptance
59%
Undergrads
5,939
4-Year Grad Rate
40%
Endowment
$174M
Little Rock, AR 72204
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