University of Arkansas: A Comprehensive Look at Undergraduate Population Statistics

The University of Arkansas (U of A, UArk, or UA), established in 1871, stands as a public land-grant research university and the flagship campus of the University of Arkansas System. Nestled in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the university's campus spans 512 acres (2.07 km2) and houses 378 buildings. This article delves into various aspects of the University of Arkansas, focusing on its undergraduate population, including enrollment statistics, costs, admissions, and diversity.

Enrollment Overview

In the fall of 2024, the University of Arkansas boasts a total undergraduate enrollment of 28,859 students. However, in 2023, the university had a total enrollment of 32,140 students, encompassing both undergraduate and graduate programs. A significant portion, 83.1%, are full-time students, amounting to 26,706 individuals, while the remaining 5,434 students attend part-time.

Diversity and Demographics

The University of Arkansas demonstrates a commitment to attracting students from diverse backgrounds and age groups. The undergraduate student body represents 37 states, with 50.5% of students originating from out of state and 1.07% from out of the country.

Race and Ethnicity

The racial and ethnic composition of the student body is diverse. In 2023, the enrolled student population consisted of:

71.9% White (23,100 students)
10.3% Hispanic or Latino (3,324 students)
4.42% Two or More Races (1,419 students)
4.14% Black or African American
2.8% Asian
0.828% American Indian or Alaska Native
0.14% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders.

Notably, White females constitute the largest demographic among full-time undergraduate students (42%), followed by White males (33.5%) and Hispanic or Latino females (6.04%).

Gender Distribution in Degrees Awarded

In 2023, the University of Arkansas awarded 6,937 degrees across its undergraduate and graduate programs. Women received 55.8% of these degrees (3,873), while men received 44.2% (3,064).

Admissions

The University of Arkansas maintains a selective admissions process. In 2023, it received 28,186 undergraduate applications, marking a 7.5% increase from the previous year. Out of these, 20,202 students were accepted, resulting in an acceptance rate of 71.7%. This figure is lower than the 78.9% acceptance rate in 2022. The university's enrollment yield, representing the percentage of admitted students who choose to enroll, stands at 31.4%.

Standardized Testing

Approximately 28% of first-time enrollees in 2023 submitted SAT scores with their applications. The university also accepts the Common Application and has a test-optional admissions policy.

Costs and Financial Aid

Tuition

The median undergraduate tuition at the University of Arkansas is $7,666, significantly lower than the national average for Doctoral Universities ($31,004).

Average Net Price

After factoring in grants and loans, the average net price for students is $17,475.

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Financial Aid

In 2023, 52% of undergraduate students received financial aid through grants, while 34% received aid through loans.

Other Expenses

The average yearly cost of room and board is $12,368, while books and supplies average $1,100 per year.

Graduation and Retention

The University of Arkansas demonstrates a strong commitment to student success. The retention rate for full-time undergraduates is 86%, surpassing the average of 84% for similar Doctoral Universities.

Graduation Rates

52% of students complete their program within 100% of the "normal time" (e.g., 4 years for a 4-year degree).
70% graduate within 150% of the normal time.
71% graduate within 200% of the normal time.

The student demographic with the highest graduation rate is White females, with a 76.3% graduation rate.

Campus and Traditions

The University of Arkansas campus is located on the western side of Fayetteville. Old Main, completed in 1875, is the university's signature building. Senior Walk, a unique tradition, contains the names of graduates from each class.

Read also: Legacy of Fordham University

Academic Calendar and Student-Faculty Ratio

The University of Arkansas operates on a semester-based academic calendar. The student-faculty ratio is 20:1.

Post-Graduation Outcomes

Six years after graduation, the median salary for University of Arkansas graduates is $49,686.

A Legacy of Progress

The University of Arkansas has a rich history marked by academic achievements and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. From its early days to its present status as a leading research institution, the University of Arkansas continues to shape the lives of its students and contribute to the advancement of knowledge. The university admitted Silas Herbert Hunt of Texarkana, an African American veteran of World War II to the university's School of Law in 1948. Hunt's enrollment was regarded as the first successful school integration below the Mason-Dixon line of that era. In the fall of 1948, changes were made to the university's segregation policy, which allowed for the admittance of African American students into regular classes. The first to follow Hunt was a law school student by the name of Jackie L. Shropshire, who would later go on to become the university's first black graduate in 1951.

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