University of Arkansas--Fort Smith

School Overview

Situated in Fort Smith, AR, University of Arkansas--Fort Smith is a well-regarded institution of higher education. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, it is ranked #21 among Regional Colleges South (tie). It is also recognized as #8 in Top Public Schools. The school features a suburban setting and serves 5,459 undergraduate students. Admissions are welcoming to a broad range of applicants, with an acceptance rate of 98%. Admitted students typically present ACT scores of 18-23. The average high school GPA of incoming freshmen is 3.4. A 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides an environment conducive to individualized academic attention. About 56% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students, fostering an intimate learning environment. The most popular areas of study include Business Administration and Management, General (18%), Organizational Leadership (14%), and Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse (11%). Graduates in Business Administration and Management, General earn a median salary of $49,573 after entering the workforce. The average net price for students receiving financial aid is $10,737. University of Arkansas--Fort Smith achieves a four-year graduation rate of 25%. The application deadline is Aug. 1.