Founded in 1909, Arkansas State University is a Carnegie Research 2 institution and the second-largest university in the state. It hosts the first osteopathic medical school in the state of Arkansas, NYIT's College of Osteopathic Medicine, and opened the first U.S.-style residential campus in Mexico in fall 2017. A-State is the heart of activity for its home town of Jonesboro, starting with its FBS Division I athletic program, and is the economic and research hub for the region.
Dedicated to teaching, research and service, the university provides students with the broad educational foundations that help them develop critical thinking, decision-making, analytical, and communication skills. With more than 90,000 living alumni, the university is the state's leading provider of nursing graduates, early childhood educators, and agricultural business graduates.
Research opportunities alongside our faculty are not the exception at A-State. Whether it is performing experiments at the Arkansas Biosciences Institute at A-State or assisting with research studies in other laboratory spaces, hands-on work usually associated with graduate school is common for our students. These undergraduate experiences are highlighted by the annual Create®State spring conference. Create®State participants have an advantage in achieving the graduate school of their choice, including continuing to advance degrees at Arkansas State.
About
From the School
Contact & Visit
Campus Visits Contact
Contact
Mr. Terry Finney
Interim Director of Recruitment
Interim Director of Recruitment
Address
P. O. Box 1800
State University, AR 72467
State University, AR 72467
Phone
870-972-2782
Email
recruitment@astate.edu
Experience College Life
Most Popular Places On Campus
Student Union
Fowler Center
Convocation Center
Red Wolf Center
Centennial Bank Stadium
Fowler Center
Convocation Center
Red Wolf Center
Centennial Bank Stadium
Most Popular Places Off Campus
The Edge Coffee House
Turtle Creek Mall
Craighead Forest Park
The Nature Center
Joe Mack Campbell Athletic Complex
Turtle Creek Mall
Craighead Forest Park
The Nature Center
Joe Mack Campbell Athletic Complex
Campus Tours
Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: Varies
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: Varies
On Campus Interview
Campus Interviews
No
Information Sessions
Not Available
Times
Faculty and Coach Visits
Dates/Times Available
Year-round
Arrangements
Office of Recruitment
Class Visits
Dates/Times Available
Year-round
Arrangements
Office of Recruitment
Overnight Dorm Stays
Overnight Dorm Stays
Available
Arrangements
Other
Transportation
Types of Transportation Available to Campus
taxis,JET Buses,
Greyhound Buses,
Memphis International Airport
Driving Instructions to Campus
70 miles Northwest of Memphis, Tennessee
Local Accommodations
Baymont Inn, Comfort Suites, Days Inn, Fairfield Inn, Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn, Lexington Suites, Motel 6, Park Place Inn, Quality Inn, Super 8
Save School
Admissions
Admissions
Overall
From The School
To achieve admission at Arkansas State, begin by filling out your application at: AState.edu/ApplyNow.
Arkansas State is now a member of the Common Application. Search for Arkansas State in the Common App to add A-State to your universities.
Overview
Applicants: 5,346
Acceptance Rate: 70%
Average HS GPA: 3.51
SAT & ACT Test Scores
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
400 - 540
SAT Math
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
470 - 540
ACT Composite Scores
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
21 - 26
Testing Policies
Standardized testing policy for use in admission
Requires applicants to submit either the SAT or ACT
Deadlines
Regular — August 24
Other Admission Factors
Academic
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Standardized Test Scores
Selectivity Rating
Get a personalized plan for a competitive application from an admissions expert.
Learn MoreAcademics
Academics
Overall
From The School
Academic Programs
Arkansas State University has been selected as one of the top-70 institutions of higher education in the Southern region by the editors of U.S. News & World Report magazine in the 2016 edition of "America's Best Colleges." Arkansas State is also ranked in the top Southern universities by Princeton Review. Among our individual academic programs, A-State has notable achievements, including the following:
- One of the nation's top-10 nursing programs according to NurseJournal.org;
- The largest online enrollment in the state of Arkansas with 34 programs delivered 100 percent online;
- Home to an Honors College with an enrollment of almost 1,000 students in the program;
- A veteran-friendly campus, recognized repeatedly by Military Times magazine, sponsors one of America's oldest ROTC units, and home to the Beck PRIDE Center for America's wounded veterans.
- Most A-State faculty members hold the highest possible degrees and are recognized leaders in their fields.
In addition, Arkansas State's First-Year Experience received the Apple Distinguished Program award Study Abroad is a major component of student experience at A-State. Students outside Arkansas should inquire about Beyond Boundaries scholarship opportunities.
Majors and Degrees Offered
As of fall 2016, Arkansas State had 45 degree programs with 161 major fields of study offered at the doctoral, specialist, master, bachelor, and associate degree levels. Master's degree programs were initiated in 1955, and A-State began offering its first doctoral degree program, educational leadership, in the fall of 1992. Arkansas State has seen continued growth in doctoral programs, adding Environmental Science in 1998, Heritage Studies in 2001, Molecular Biosciences in 2006, Physical Therapy in 2008, Nursing Practice in 2012, and, most recently, Occupational Therapy in 2016.
A-State is a leader in meeting Arkansas's need for educators and health care professionals. The College of Education and Behavioral Science graduates more teachers, counselors, and administrators than any other Arkansas institution, while the College of Nursing and Health Professions is among the state's leaders in graduating nurses with bachelor's degrees. Arkansas State's commitment to excellence in higher education is demonstrated through its accreditation by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, as well as more than 20 specialized accrediting organizations. A-State also holds membership in national and international organizations that support the highest educational standards.
Faculty and Class Information
Student/Faculty
17:1
Total Faculty
711
with Terminal Degree
364
403
Women
308
Men
99
Minority
11
International
Most frequent class size
2 - 9
Most frequent lab / sub section size
10 - 19
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
Graduate in 5 years
Graduate in 6 years
Majors
-
AGRICULTURE, AGRICULTURE OPERATIONS, AND RELATED SCIENCES.
Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations.
Animal Sciences, General.
Plant Sciences, General.
-
BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
-
BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.
Accounting.
Business Administration and Management, General.
Business/Managerial Economics.
Finance, General.
International Business/Trade/Commerce.
Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management.
Management Information Systems, General.
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.
-
COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Communication and Media Studies.
Communication, General.
Journalism, Other.
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication, Other
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication, Other.
-
COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Computer and Information Sciences, General.
Data Processing and Data Processing Technology/Technician.
-
EDUCATION.
Biology Teacher Education.
Business Teacher Education.
Chemistry Teacher Education.
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.
Education, Other.
English/Language Arts Teacher Education.
Foreign Language Teacher Education.
Health Teacher Education.
Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education and Teaching.
Mathematics Teacher Education.
Music Teacher Education.
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching.
Physics Teacher Education.
Social Science Teacher Education.
Spanish Language Teacher Education.
Special Education and Teaching, Other.
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods, Other.
Technology Teacher Education/Industrial Arts Teacher Education.
-
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES AND ENGINEERING-RELATED FIELDS.
Engineering Technologies and Engineering-Related Fields, Other.
-
ENGINEERING.
Civil Engineering, General.
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Engineering, General.
Mechanical Engineering.
-
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
English Language and Literature, General.
-
FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS.
Foreign Languages and Literatures, General.
-
HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Athletic Training/Trainer.
Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist.
Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology/Technologist.
Dietetics/Dietitian.
Health and Wellness, General.
Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist.
Occupational Therapist Assistant.
Physical Therapy Technician/Assistant.
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.
-
HISTORY.
History, General.
-
HOMELAND SECURITY, LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIREFIGHTING AND RELATED PROTECTIVE SERVICES.
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.
Criminal Justice/Police Science.
Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management.
Forensic Science and Technology.
-
LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, GENERAL STUDIES AND HUMANITIES.
General Studies.
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.
-
MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
Mathematics, General.
-
MECHANIC AND REPAIR TECHNOLOGIES/TECHNICIANS.
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician.
-
MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.
-
NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION.
Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management.
-
PARKS, RECREATION, LEISURE, AND FITNESS STUDIES.
Health and Physical Education/Fitness, General.
Kinesiology and Exercise Science.
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management.
-
PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
Philosophy.
-
PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Chemistry, General.
Physics, General.
-
PSYCHOLOGY.
Psychology, General.
-
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONS.
Social Work.
-
SOCIAL SCIENCES.
Criminology.
Economics, General.
Geography.
Political Science and Government, General.
Sociology.
-
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.
Art/Art Studies, General.
Commercial and Advertising Art.
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.
Music Performance, General.
Music, General.
Students Say
Undergrads at Arkansas State University have a lot of pride in their school, and it's easy to understand why. To begin with, the university does a great job of "making everyone feel welcome." Students can also take advantage of numerous "resources" including "tutoring, career services [and] counseling." Perhaps more importantly, Arkansas State offers a "wide variety of major[s]" including the business and nursing programs, which undergrads assert "are some of the best in the state." Fortunately, students report that many of their professors are "great" no matter the course of study. As one undergrad happily explains, "All [of my] professors respond quickly to emails. They are very involved in the lectures [as well]." Just as critically, "They always want to make sure you understand the material for every exam and are willing to help you with any problems that you may have." Students also appreciate that their professors excel at "bring[ing] courses to life" and endeavor "to make [the material] applicable to our future." As another content undergrad sums up, "If I had to choose one thing about A-State that was the absolute best, it would be the faculty and staff."
Degrees
Associate
Bachelor's
Doctoral/Professional
Doctoral/Research
Master's
Post-Bachelor's certificate
Post-Master's certificate
Bachelor's
Doctoral/Professional
Doctoral/Research
Master's
Post-Bachelor's certificate
Post-Master's certificate
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Opportunities at School
Internship
Notable Faculty
Prominent Alumni
Mr. Mike Beebe
Former Governor of the state of Arkansas
Dr. Debbye Turner Bell
Miss America 1990
Mr. Earl Bell
Olympic Pole Vault Medalist and World Class Athletic Trainer
Careers
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
Graduate in 5 years
Graduate in 6 years
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Opportunities at School
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Overview
From The School
Tuition, Room, Board and Fees
One of the best values in the state and region, Arkansas State is sixth out of the 10 in-state four-year universities for undergraduate tuition and fees; one of the lowest cost of attendance among the nation's Research 2 institutions.
Financial Aid
Arkansas State provides in-state tuition to border counties and regions of our state, and alumni families may also apply for in-state tuition waivers. To learn more, go to AState.edu/FinAid
Dates
Application Deadlines
Jul 1
Notification Date
Jun 1
Required Forms
FAFSA
School
School
Financial Aid Statistics
Average Freshman Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$10,000
Average Undergraduate Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$10,000
Average Need-Based Loan
$8,200
Undergraduates who have borrowed through any loan program
67%
Average amount of loan debt per graduate
$27,400
Average amount of each freshman scholarship/grant package
$10,000
Financial aid provided to international students
Yes
Expenses per Academic Year
Tuition (In-State)
$6,060
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$12,120
Required Fees
$2,140
Average Cost for Books and Supplies
$1,000
Tuition / Fees Vary by Year of Study
No
Board for Commuters
Transportation for Commuters
On-Campus Room and Board
$8,540
Comprehensive Fee
Available Aid
Financial Aid Methodology
Federal and Institutional
Scholarships and Grants
Need-Based
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based Private Scholarships
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Non-Need-Based
Institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid is available
Federal Direct Student Loan Programs
Direct PLUS Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Federal Family Education Loan Programs (FFEL)
Federal Perkins Loans
Is Institutional Employment Available (other than Federal Work Study)
Yes
Direct Lender
No
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
From The School
With students from almost every state in America and more than 50 countries around the world, Arkansas State has a diverse student body.
More than 200 registered student organizations offer a wide range of events and activities for students at A-State.
Student Body Profile
Total Undergraduate Enrollment
9,592
Foreign Countries Represented
50
Demographics
13.75%
Black
2.49%
Hispanic
74.31%
Caucasian
5.59%
International
57% female
43% male
11% are out of state
76% are full time
24% are part time
Students Say
As with many colleges, studying tends to take top priority at Arkansas State. Indeed, we're told that "most students…spend a lot of time at the library and student union" hitting the books. Though fret not prospective undergrads, there is fun to be had too. For example, the school sponsors "many concerts, events [like a] rodeo [and] WWE at the Convo, exhibits and active religious groups." Additionally, there are "over 200 RSO (registered student organizations) on campus ranging from the Quidditch club" to a myriad of "intramural sports teams." Many undergrads also report that "Greek life is very prominent at ASU" and that "frats and sororities are always putting on events" as well. And we'd be remiss if we didn't highlight hometown Jonesboro which has "a decent local food culture." In fact, "you can regularly see students" dining at establishments around town. Finally, Arkansas State is only "about 50 minutes from downtown Memphis, so many students take day or weekend trips there."
Campus Life
Campus Life
Overview
From The School
Location
Located in Jonesboro, Ark., and situated in the northeast corner of Arkansas, A-State is connected by interstate highways 55/555 to Memphis on the east and St. Louis to the north; and is less than two hours by four-lane highway to Little Rock.
Jonesboro is one of the fastest growing cities in Arkansas, and has seen remarkable growth in the medical sector with over $1 billion of new facilities completed or under construction related to health care. The town has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state. As the commercial hub of the region, Jonesboro's business activity is considered one of the fastest expanding in the state and in the Delta region. The city serves an 18-county retail trade area of a half-million residents.
Campus Facilities & Equipment
Home to the Arkansas Biosciences Institute, A-State is the location of the first osteopathic medical school in Arkansas with New York Institute of Technology's College of Osteopathic Medicine in historic Wilson Hall. One of the largest instructional buildings in higher education in Arkansas opened in 2015 at A-State: the 130,000 square foot Humanities and Social Sciences.
A pedestrian campus, A-State is also the first Bicycle Friendly University in Arkansas. A 2016 national survey ranked Arkansas State as one of the safest residential campuses, and another placed A-State's security in the top 10.
Campus life is currently at an all-time peak with record participation in on-campus activities and groups during the past five years. With residence hall occupancy at historic highs, space for 500 more graduate and undergraduate students were added for fall 2017.
Annual events include the Agribusiness Conference hosted by the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Technology; the Delta Symposium hosted by the College of Liberal Arts and Communication; and the Women's Business Leadership Forum hosted by the College of Business. Among the major cultural events spanning multiple disciplines are the Delta Symposium and the Johnny Cash Heritage Festival.
Off-Campus Opportunities
Within a one-square mile area of its campus, A-State is the center of cultural, entertainment and tourism for NEA, with the largest concert venue, First National Bank Arena, as well as the largest concert hall and theatre located at Fowler Center. Centennial Bank Stadium is the home of the Red Wolves football program, a FBS Division I athletic program with eight consecutive bowl appearances. Nestled adjacent to all three is the new Red Wolf Convention Center and Embassy Suites Hotel, the first large-scale convention facility in the region. The Bradbury Art Museum is the region's leading visual arts facility, and the Arkansas State Museum is the only natural science, history and children's museum on a university campus in the state.
Campus Life
Undergrads living on campus
30%
Help finding off-campus housing
No
First-Year Students living on campus
72%
Campus Environment
Suburban
90/99
Housing Options
Apartment Married
Apartment Single
Dorms Coed
Dorms Female
Apartment Single
Dorms Coed
Dorms Female
Dorms Male
Frat Sorority
Other
Theme Housing
Frat Sorority
Other
Theme Housing
Students Say
By and large, the student body at Arkansas State is a "close-knit community." Undergraduates excitedly report that their "peers are friendly and helpful." As one student illustrates, "Guys hold open doors for ladies. And if someone overhears you talking about an issue or concern, they step in and make [a] good suggestion." Many undergrads also proclaim that Arkansas State is "very diverse." After all, you can find "students from across the state, nation and even globe." And many love the fact the school is "big enough to…see a new person each day but also small enough that [you] see someone [you] know while walking to class." Perhaps best of all, Arkansas State students are imbued with great school spirit. As one thankful undergrad shares, "the student body has a love for this school and it's very contagious. There's always someone encouraging you to get involved on campus."
Special Needs Admissions
Program / Service Name
Disability Services
Type of Program
For all students with disabilities
Director
Dr. Jenifer Rice Mason
College Entrance Tests Required
Yes
Interview Required
No
Documentation Required for LD
Documentation of disability from a professionalDocumentation Required for ADHD
Documentation of disability from a professionalSpecial Need Services Offered
Calculator allowed in exams
Yes
Dictionary allowed in exams
Yes
Computer allowed in exams
Yes
Spellchecker allowed in exams
Yes
Extended test time
Yes
Scribes
Yes
Proctors
Yes
Oral exams
Yes
Notetakers
Yes
Distraction-free environment
Yes
Accommodation for students with ADHD
Yes
Reading machine
Yes
Other assistive technology
Yes
Student Activities
Registered Student Organizations
175
Number of Honor Societies
10
Number of Social Sororities
7
Number of Religious Organizations
25
5% join a fraternity
5% join a sorority
Sports
Athletic Division
Division I
19% participate in intramural sports
4% participate in intercollegiate sports
Men's Sports (Red Wolves)
7 Sports
Baseball
Basketball
Cross Country
Football
Golf
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Basketball
Cross Country
Football
Golf
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Women's Sports (Red Wolves)
9 Sports
Basketball
Bowling
Cross Country
Golf
Soccer
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Bowling
Cross Country
Golf
Soccer
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Student Services
Day Care
Health
Army ROTC Offered on-campus
Health
LGBT Support Groups: Gay-Straight Alliance
Minority Support Groups: www.astate.edu/a/diversity
Army ROTC Offered on-campus
Sustainability
60*
Campus Security Report
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: https://ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#/
Other Information
Campus-wide Internet Network
Yes
% of Classrooms with Wireless Internet
100
Fee for Network Use
Yes
Partnerships with Technology Companies
Yes
Personal computer included in tuition for each student
No
Discounts Available with Hardware Vendors
Yes
Description
Dell
