University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
The Vibe Check
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith has a practical, hands-on vibe where students are focused on building real-world skills for regional careers. It's an unpretentious, community-focused campus where class sizes are manageable and you get to know your professors. There's a strong sense of camaraderie among students who are often balancing work and school.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
SAT data not available
Average: 1050
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
Estimate your admission chances
⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
UAFS excels in career-oriented programs, particularly in Health Professions, Mechanic & Repair Technologies, and Business, which are tailored to the needs of the local economy. The university emphasizes applied learning and teaching quality, with smaller classes that allow for direct professor interaction. While research opportunities are more limited compared to large research universities, there are chances for undergraduate involvement in practical projects.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Fort Smith
Fort Smith offers a mix of city amenities and outdoor recreation, with easy access to the Arkansas River for biking and walking. Students enjoy the vibrant downtown area with its local restaurants, breweries, and the historic Fort Smith National Historic Site. For entertainment, there are local music venues, minor league sports, and proximity to the natural beauty of the Arkansas Ozarks for hiking and camping.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).
Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($41,102):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus is generally considered safe with its own campus police force, and the urban setting is patrolled. As with any city, students should remain aware of their surroundings, especially off-campus, but the Fort Smith area is known for being community-oriented.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Exceptional affordability, especially for in-state students.
- ✓ Strong, career-focused programs in high-demand fields like Health and Tech.
- ✓ Small class sizes for personalized attention from professors.
- ✓ Located in a mid-sized city with a low cost of living.
Cons
- ✗ Low graduation rate (39.5%) can be a concern.
- ✗ Limited campus life compared to larger universities.
- ✗ Research opportunities are not a primary focus.
- ✗ Retention rate (71.6%) suggests some students struggle to persist.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
UAFS is known for its strong, practical programs in Health Professions, Business & Marketing, and Mechanic & Repair Technologies. It serves as a key educational hub for the Western Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma region, focusing on workforce development and providing an affordable, accessible path to a degree or technical certification.
No, UAFS is not highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 81.47%. This means the university is accessible to a broad range of applicants. While meeting the average SAT score of 1050 is a good benchmark, the school considers a holistic application, and many students with a solid GPA and clear goals are admitted.
Campus life at UAFS is more intimate and community-focused than at a large state university. Students often describe it as a commuter-friendly school with a tight-knit feel, where it's easy to get involved in student organizations. Life in Fort Smith itself provides a mix of urban amenities and outdoor access, offering a balanced experience outside the classroom.
Yes, UAFS offers a compelling financial value, especially for in-state students with an average net price of $10,097. The combination of low tuition and solid median earnings of $41,102 ten years after graduation provides a strong return on investment. For students seeking a career-focused education without the burden of heavy debt, it is a financially sound choice.
Similar Universities
Top Employers
Next Steps & Tools
Make the best decision with our free planning tools.
Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Public
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 5,981
- In-State Tuition $6,906
- Out-of-State $13,770
- Zip Code 72913
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With an average net price of around $10,000 and in-state tuition under $7,000, UAFS offers a significant financial value for Arkansas residents. The 10-year median earnings of $41,102 for graduates provide a solid return on investment, especially given the low cost of attendance. For out-of-state students, the value is still strong compared to national averages, but it's particularly compelling for those looking to build a career in the region.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.