University of Arkansas at Fort Smith
General Information of University of Arkansas at Fort Smith
Overview
The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith (UAFS) is a public institution that provides two‑year, four‑year, and selected graduate degree programs. Located in Fort Smith, Arkansas, the university is part of the University of Arkansas System. It has its origins in 1928, when it began as Fort Smith Junior College, evolving through several name changes and roles before becoming a full four‑year university in 2002. UAFS serves a region that combines a strong workforce focus with traditional academic programs.
The campus occupies roughly 164‑168 acres in a suburban environment and features numerous academic facilities, residential options, and student services. With more than 70 academic programs to serve traditional undergraduates and working adult learners, UAFS emphasizes regional opportunity, career‑relevance, affordability, and access. uafs.edu+1 For students seeking a public university experience in western Arkansas, UAFS offers a mix of associate, bachelor’s and a modest number of master’s programs along with professional certificate tracks.
Contact Information
Address: 5210 Grand Avenue (or campus address), Fort Smith, AR 72913, United States uafs.edu
Phone Number: (479) 788‑7000 (Main campus / University of Arkansas System listing) University of Arkansas System
Email Address: admissions@uafs.edu (approximate)
School Facts
| Fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1928 (as Fort Smith Junior College) Encyclopedia of Arkansas+1 |
| Type | Public institution (part of the University of Arkansas System) |
| Location | Fort Smith, Arkansas (suburban campus) |
| Degrees Offered | Associate, Bachelor’s, selected Master’s programs |
| Campus Size | Approx. 164‑168 acres Vikipedi+1 |
| Mission Highlight | Regional access to higher education, workforce readiness, affordability |
University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Rankings
| Ranking Source | National / U.S. Position | Other / Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| EduRank (overall) | ~#1,200‑1,300 among U.S. institutions | — |
| U.S. News & World Report (Regional) | Ranked #34 out of 132 Regional Universities South (2024) Vikipedi | — |
| College Scorecard – Median Earnings | ~$41,102 median earnings (after attending) collegescorecard.ed.gov | — |
University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Academics
University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Faculties / Departments
At UAFS, academic organization has been structured into colleges and schools following a reorganization in 2021:
- College of Arts & Sciences
- College of Business & Industry
- College of Health, Education & Human Sciences (including Carolyn McKelvey School of Nursing & School of Education) Vikipedi
These colleges encompass a broad range of departments that deliver programs from liberal arts to technical and professional fields, enabling students to pursue traditional academic tracks or workforce‑applied credentials.
University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Courses and Programs / Majors
Programs offered at UAFS include:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (with concentrations in management, finance, marketing)
- Associate and Bachelor degrees in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering Technology
- Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education, Criminal Justice, Studio Art
- Graduate programs such as a Master in Healthcare Administration (online) and others
Over 70 academic programs are marketed, offering flexibility for various student populations. uafs.edu
Online Learning
UAFS offers various online and hybrid options, notably for working professionals. For example, their Master in Healthcare Administration is described as “100‑percent online.” uafs.edu Many undergraduate degrees include online or blended coursework, enhancing accessibility for non‑traditional, adult or commuter students.
Average Test Scores
| Test / Metric | Typical Range / Notes |
|---|---|
| Composite ACT (2021) | Average ~22 for freshman entrants uafs.edu |
| Graduation Rate (6‑year) | ~32% for bachelor’s degree completion at UAFS College Factual+1 |
Retention and Graduation Rates
The freshman retention rate at UAFS is approximately 74% for full‑time students, an indicator of student progress from first to second year. College Factual However, the six‑year bachelor’s graduation rate is approximately 32%, which suggests room for growth compared to national averages. College Factual+1 These statistics reflect the institution’s open‑access mission, significant commuter population, many non‑traditional students and workforce‑applied focus.
University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Admission to UAFS as an undergraduate is generally open admission or minimally restrictive; however, freshmen from 2021 reported an average ACT score of 22. uafs.edu Because UAFS serves associate and bachelor’s student populations, undergraduate applications often focus on prior academic readiness, completion of high school or equivalency, and readiness for college coursework.
University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Acceptance Rate
| Program Level | Approximate Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (overall) | Open admission institution – official acceptance rate not strictly limited uafs.edu |
University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Application Requirements
Applicants to UAFS typically complete an online application, provide high school transcript or GED, submit ACT/SAT scores (if applicable), meet placement or remediation guidelines, and may complete a placement test or orientation. For upper‑division and professional programs (like Nursing, Healthcare Administration) additional program‑specific requirements may apply (e.g., prerequisites, minimum GPA, portfolio or interview).
Application Process
- Submit UAFS online application and fee
- Provide official high school transcript or GED certificate
- Provide ACT/SAT scores (where required) and placement test information
- For certain programs, complete prerequisites, program application or portfolio
- Accept admission decision, register for orientation and select courses
University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Program | Deadline Approximation |
|---|---|
| General Undergraduate Admission | Fall semester admission typically begins in March/April; priority deadlines may apply |
| Graduate / Professional Programs | Varies by program – applicants should check individual department deadlines |
Essay Prompt
For select programs (e.g., Nursing, Healthcare Administration) applicants may be asked to provide a personal statement or essay describing their career goals, commitment to their field, previous experience, readiness for online or professional study, and alignment with UAFS’s regional and workforce mission.
University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Scholarships
UAFS offers institutional scholarships, merit awards, need‑based aid, and program‑specific scholarships (e.g., for Nursing, Business, STEM) to support students from varied backgrounds, including first‑generation college attendees. The financial‑aid office advises students on federal aid, state grants, tuition rates and other funding opportunities.
University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Program Level | Estimated Annual Tuition / Fees |
|---|---|
| In‑State Undergraduate (2022) | Approx. $4,104 per year for in‑state tuition for associates and bachelor’s students uafs.edu |
| Out‑of‑State Undergraduate | Approx. $11,376 per year for out‑of‑state tuition uafs.edu |
University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
The student body at UAFS is diverse in age, background and enrollment status. Many are commuter, part‑time, working adults or traditional students. Recent data show whites ~59% of undergraduate population, Hispanic ~19%, two or more races ~11%, Asian ~5%, Black/African American ~4%, American Indian/Alaska Native ~2%, and international students ~1%. Vikipedi Gender distribution is often balanced with slightly more female students typical of U.S. public universities.
Low‑Income Students / Students with Disabilities
UAFS serves a significant number of students from low‑income families; one report indicated ~51% of students were Pell grant eligible or categorized as low‑income. Vikipedi The university offers disability services, accommodations, tutoring and support for non‑traditional learners and adult students balancing work and study.
Student Body
| Category | Value (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment (Fall 2022) | ~5,887 students Vikipedi |
| First‑Time Full‑Time Freshmen | Data not specified in publicly detailed form |
University Diversity
The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith emphasizes accessibility and serving a geographically and socioeconomically diverse region. With a significant portion of the student population coming from rural and regional communities, first‑generation students, adult learners and under‑represented backgrounds, UAFS fosters inclusive pathways to higher education. The campus population reflects a broad range of racial and ethnic backgrounds and supports a culture of workforce transition, regional economic development and community engagement. Programs such as applied technology, nursing, business and education respond to regional demands and welcoming environments support students who may be balancing work, family and studies. UAFS’s role as a regional anchor institution enables it to align academic pathways with local needs while promoting equity in access and outcomes.
Average Earnings
According to its consumer information report, alumni of UAFS achieve a median income of approximately $55,511 within 12 years of graduation for certain cohorts. uafs.edu The College Scorecard reports a median earning of around $41,102 for former students, though the figure may vary by program, time since graduation and industry. collegescorecard.ed.gov While earnings may be lower than some national benchmarks for elite institutions, these outcomes reflect the applied and regional nature of UAFS’s programs. Graduates entering fields such as nursing, business, education, applied technology or cybersecurity often achieve earnings commensurate with regional demand and can build upward mobility within their professions.
University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
UAFS employs full‑time faculty members alongside adjuncts, instructional staff, student support personnel, library and information technology services, and administrative staff. Historically, the university reported around 220 academic staff (full‑time faculty) as of related reports. Vikipedi Staff and faculty work across academic programs spanning liberal arts, sciences, business, nursing, technology and healthcare. Support services such as Advising, CareerLink, tutoring and online learning resources serve a diverse student body.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty at UAFS include scholars and practitioners with expertise in their respective fields—ranging from cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing to nursing, education and business. The university emphasizes applied learning and regional relevance: faculty may engage in industry partnerships, training programs, community outreach, research that impacts economic development and apprenticeships or internships with local employers. This orientation fosters connections between curriculum, workforce demands and student readiness for employment, and prepares graduates for roles in a range of sectors that drive growth in western Arkansas and beyond.
University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
The UAFS campus features residential housing options such as the Lion’s Den Residence Hall and Sebastian Commons Apartments, with capacity for several hundred students. Vikipedi+1 Student life encompasses traditional organizations (Greek life, student government), athletics (NCAA Division II, Lions & Lady Lions) and recreational amenities like the Recreation & Wellness Center. The residential component, while smaller compared to large research universities, supports campus engagement for students who choose to live on campus. The cost of living in Fort Smith is generally lower than many metropolitan areas, which can enhance affordability for residents and commuters alike.
Transportation
Located in Fort Smith, the campus has access to local and regional transportation routes including highways and city transit. Students commuting may drive, car‑pool, or use local bus systems. The suburban‑urban setting facilitates convenient travel for both residential and commuter students. For first‑year students living on campus, parking and shuttle services are often available. The compact campus supports efficient movement between residence, classroom, labs and student services.