University of Arkansas

Arkansas admitted about 73.9% of applicants in the most recent cycle, offering admission to roughly 24,300 of nearly 33,000 applicants and enrolling about 6,950 first-year students. The flagship reviews applications holistically but admits a large majority of its pool, so it reads as moderately selective rather than a reach for most well-prepared applicants.

Out-of-state applicants are admitted at nearly the same rate as Arkansas residents. In the Fall 2025 cycle the university admitted 79% of in-state applicants and 76% of out-of-state applicants, a small gap that reflects the same academic standards rather than a residency penalty. Out-of-state students now make up close to half of all undergraduates, and the New Arkansan non-resident scholarship helps close the tuition difference for those who qualify.

Aim for roughly a 3.5 or higher; the average high school GPA of enrolled first-years is about 3.83, and academic GPA is the single factor Arkansas rates as very important. Applicants at or above a 3.20 GPA are reviewed without a required test score, so strong grades in a solid course load are the clearest path to admission.

Yes, for applicants with a 3.20 high school GPA or higher, who can be admitted without submitting an SAT or ACT score. Below that GPA, a test score is required for review, and scores are also used for course placement, the Honors College, and most scholarships. Among enrolled first-years who did submit, the middle 50% scored 1020–1210 on the SAT and 21–28 on the ACT.

A 1200 is competitive and sits near the top of the admitted range; the middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 1020–1210 on the SAT, placing a 1200 at roughly the 75th percentile. A score in that band strengthens an application, qualifies for more merit aid, and approaches the 1310 SAT the Honors College looks for.

Annual tuition and required fees run about $10,916 for Arkansas residents and $33,184 for out-of-state students. The New Arkansan non-resident scholarship covers a large share of that difference for eligible out-of-state students, and across all undergraduates the average need-based aid package is about $12,543, meeting roughly 55% of demonstrated need.

Business and marketing is the largest field by far at about 31% of bachelor's degrees, anchored by the Sam M. Walton College of Business. Health professions follow at roughly 10%, with engineering, communication and journalism, and the life and social sciences each accounting for 6–7% of degrees conferred.

The essay is considered in Arkansas's review rather than weighed as a deciding factor; academic GPA is the only element rated very important, and grades and course rigor carry the most weight. A clear, specific essay still helps, especially for honors admission, competitive scholarships, and adding context to an application near the GPA threshold.

Esslo gives free line-by-line feedback on your draft. Try it now