University of Arkansas--Fort Smith

School Overview

University of Arkansas--Fort Smith is located in Fort Smith, AR, 72913, set within a suburban environment that shapes the daily student experience. The university is ranked #21 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. It offers programs at the bachelor’s degree level, serving students with a range of academic interests and career aspirations.

University of Arkansas--Fort Smith has an acceptance rate of 98%, providing broad access to higher education and welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds. Successful applicants typically present ACT scores of 18-23. The average high school GPA among enrolled freshmen is 3.4. Applications are due by Aug. 1, so students should plan their materials well in advance.

University of Arkansas--Fort Smith enrolls 5,459 undergraduate students, creating a mid-sized community where students can explore diverse academic interests while still being recognized by their professors. The student-to-faculty ratio is 17:01, meaning professors are accessible for office hours, research mentorship, and one-on-one guidance. Approximately 56% of classes have fewer than 20 students, fostering the kind of seminar-style discussion and hands-on collaboration that deepens real understanding. The institution achieves a four-year graduation rate of 25%, a strong indicator that students receive the support they need to finish on time and move into their careers or further study.

The most popular fields of study at University of Arkansas--Fort Smith include Business Administration and Management, General (18% of students, median early-career salary: $49,573), Organizational Leadership (14% of students, median early-career salary: $49,573), and Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse (11% of students, median early-career salary: $73,763). These enrollment patterns reflect the institution's strengths and the career interests of its student body, giving prospective students a clear sense of the academic culture and post-graduation opportunities available here.

Room and board adds approximately $10,543. However, the average net price after financial aid is $10,737, which is the amount most aided students actually pay — often considerably less than the sticker price. For families evaluating the return on a college investment, these figures — combined with University of Arkansas--Fort Smith's academic reputation and graduate outcomes — provide a concrete basis for comparison.

Choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions a student and family will make. University of Arkansas--Fort Smith combines nationally recognized academic quality, a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, a diverse range of popular programs to create an environment where students can grow intellectually, build professional skills, and form lasting connections. We encourage prospective students to explore the detailed data on this page to determine whether University of Arkansas--Fort Smith is the right fit for their academic and personal goals.