UA Acceptance Rate

The University of Arkansas System, encompassing multiple campuses across the state, has varying acceptance rates depending on the specific institution and program. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2028), the flagship campus in Fayetteville reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 78.9%, based on data from the university’s admissions office and historical trends published in the Common Data Set. This rate reflects a moderately selective admissions process, influenced by factors such as a growing applicant pool, increased interest from out-of-state students, and the university’s efforts to expand access to higher education. The University of Arkansas System is generally transparent with its admission statistics, often publishing detailed reports through official channels like the University of Arkansas website.

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 78.9% for the Class of 2028, with approximately 26,000 applicants and around 20,500 admitted students at the Fayetteville campus, showing a slight decrease from prior years.
• Early Action/Decision Rate: Specific data for early action is unavailable for the most recent cycle; however, historical trends suggest a slightly higher acceptance rate of around 80-85% for early applicants due to smaller pool sizes.
• International Student Rate: Estimated at 75.0% based on regional norms and historical data, as specific figures for the Class of 2028 are not yet published; international admissions often face additional scrutiny due to visa and language requirements.

Over the past few years, the University of Arkansas System, particularly the Fayetteville campus, has seen a gradual increase in competitiveness, with acceptance rates declining from around 81% five years ago to the current 78.9%. This trend is driven by a surge in applications, especially from out-of-state and international students, as the university enhances its academic reputation and affordability. While early action rates tend to be more favorable, they do not significantly impact overall selectivity. Compared to peer institutions in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and other public universities in the region, Arkansas remains less selective than schools like the University of Georgia but more competitive than some smaller state schools. As application numbers continue to rise, prospective students are encouraged to apply early and highlight strong academic and extracurricular profiles to stand out in an increasingly crowded field.