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Arkansas State University (ASU) is a public research institution located in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Founded in 1909, it is the flagship campus for the Arkansas State University System. It’s also the second largest higher education institution in the state.


Overview of Arkansas State University (ASU)


With a mission to educate leaders, enhance intellectual growth, and enrich lives, Arkansas State University (ASU) is a catalyst for progress in the state. The institution is also dedicated to encouraging the pursuit of research, scholarly inquiry, and creative activity. By bringing these intellectual resources together, the school hopes to develop the economy of the state and the education of its citizens throughout their lives.

The total student population is 12,863, with 8,241 enrolled in undergraduate programs. Arkansas State University employs approximately 509 full-time and 169 part-time faculty members, all of whom focus exclusively on instruction. Overall, the school’s student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1, which is lower than the national average. The university also maintains 226 graduate assistants. Of these, 216 provide instructional support and 10 perform research.

General Information


School Type Public
Campus Setting City: Small
Campus Housing Yes
Student Faculty Ratio 14 : 1
Graduation Rate 53%
Year Founded 1909

Student Enrollment


Total Students13,106

Undergraduate
8,486
Graduate
4,620

Undergraduate Student

Male 3,310
3,310
Female 5,176
5,176

Graduate Student

Male 1,802
1,802
Female 4,620
4,620

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ASU Acceptance Rate and Admissions


APPLICATIONS5,836

Male 2,252
Female 3,580

ACCEPTANCE3,910

Male 1,419
Female 2,506

Acceptance Rate67%

Male 63%
Female 70%

Enrollment 1,290

Male 493
Female 797
Admissions
Application Fee $30
High School GPA Required
High School Rank Recommended
High School Transcripts Required
College Prep Courses Recommended
Recommendations N/A
SAT/ACT Required
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Required
Application Deadline August 22
Common Application Accepted Yes

ASU Tuition Cost & Financial Aid


The cost of attending Arkansas State University varies depending on residency, the number of classes taken, and the degree type sought. In-state students pay the least. Arkansas residents enrolled in 15 hours of undergraduate classes will be charged $4,655 per semester. In-state graduate students, on the other hand, are charged $4,472 for taking 12 hours per semester.

Students from states other than Arkansas are charged more in tuition and fees. These students must pay $8,315 per 15-hour semester at the undergraduate level and $7,964 per 12-hour semester at the graduate level. Additional program, course, and college specific fees may apply. Notably, it‘s possible for non-residents to obtain in-state tuition. Arkansas State grants in-state tuition to students who qualify. Waivers may be available to students from many out-of-state counties, children or spouses of alumni, and individuals with certain GPAs and ACT scores.

Arkansas State University understands the need for financial assistance when attending college. To help ensure students receive the help they need, the institution has counselors and staff dedicated to the financial aid and scholarship process. Federal assistance is available to those who submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Additionally, the university has a variety of institutional and privately funded scholarships for transfer students, current students, and more.

The institution also has the Pack Support Completion Grant. This program is designed for students in good financial standing, who have made continuous progress toward their degrees. When within one semester of earning their first bachelor’s degree, a $1,000 award may be granted to eliminate all or a portion of any remaining balances.

Students enrolled at Arkansas State University receive financial assistance through scholarships, grants, loans, waivers, work-study, and on-campus employment. During the 2020-2021 academic year, 100% of students entering postsecondary education for the first time at the university received some form of financial assistance. Additionally, approximately 90% of all students receive aid.

Average net price Current Year
Net Price $14,275
Average Total Aid $10,913
Students Receiving Financial Aid 98%
Room & Board $10,022

Sticker Price


  • Tuition In-State -$7,315
  • Tuition Out-of-State - $12,883
  • Books and Supplies - $1,250
  • Room & Board - $10,022
  • Other - $4,708

Popular Educational Academics at ASU


Arkansas State University strives to contribute to the educational, cultural, and economic advancement of Arkansas by providing quality general undergraduate education and specialized programs leading to certificates and associate, baccalaureate, masters, professional, and doctoral degrees. The institution is dedicated to academic excellence, interdisciplinary research, and student-centered programs designed to develop world-class leaders.

As a doctoral-level national institution with more than 150 degree areas of study and a robust online program, students can choose from a wide variety of majors offered by the following colleges and departments:

  • College of Agriculture
  • Neil Griffin College of Business
  • Education and Behavioral Sciences
  • Engineering and Computer Science
  • Liberal Arts and Communication
  • Nursing and Health Professions
  • Sciences and Mathematics
  • University College
  • Graduate School

According to data provided by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the retention rate for first-time, undergraduate freshmen who began their studies at Arkansas State University in 2020 was 75% for full-time students and 37% for part-time students. Notably, the national average is 68%. Overall, this indicates that most students enrolled at the university chose to return to further their educations.

The overall graduation rate is comparable. Of the students who began their studies in fall 2015, 54% were able to complete requirements within 150% of normal time, or about six years. Most students strive to graduate within four years, however, which was achieved by 38% of those included in the data. The transfer-out rate reported was 7%.

Arkansas State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Many individual programs are also accredited by specialized accrediting agencies. Notable examples include the Association to Advance Collegiate School of Business (AACSB) International, Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, and American Chemical Society.

Student Population Total


Student Population 13,106

Undergraduate
8,486
Graduate
4,620
Evening Classes : Yes
Online Learning : Yes

Most Popular Programs & Majors

(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)


Health Professions and Related Programs 333 Total Graduates / 19%
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse 205 Graduates
Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist 41 Graduates
Health and Wellness, General 32 Graduates
Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist 31 Graduates
All Business Majors 248 Total Graduates / 15%
Business Administration and Management, General 104 Graduates
Finance, General 54 Graduates
Accounting 41 Graduates
Marketing/Marketing Management, General 27 Graduates
All Education Majors 172 Total Graduates / 10%
Early Childhood Education and Teaching 80 Graduates
Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education and Teaching 22 Graduates
English/Language Arts Teacher Education 16 Graduates
Music Teacher Education 15 Graduates
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities 172 Total Graduates / 10%
General Studies 172 Graduates
All Social Sciences Majors 116 Total Graduates / 7%
Criminology 67 Graduates
Sociology, General 26 Graduates
Political Science and Government, General 18 Graduates
Economics, General 5 Graduates
All Other Diplomas 39%

Outcome & Salary


Arkansas State University conducts regular surveys to determine employment and earnings outcomes for graduates. The data is divided by major, with some degree programs leading to better outcomes than others.

In 2018, the degrees with the highest full-time job placement rates were:

  • Master’s Degree in Counseling Education / School Counseling and Guidance Services
  • Post Master’s Certificate in Counselor Education / School Counseling and Guidance Services
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Junior High / Intermediate / Middle School Education and Teaching
  • Associate Degree in Physical Therapy Technician / Assistant

Notably, the master’s degree in counseling education / school counseling and guidance services was the only program that had a 100% employment rate in 2018.

Average annual earnings were also documented. The degrees with the highest reported salaries include:

  • Master’s Degree in Nurse Anesthetist
  • Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy / Therapist
  • Associate Degree in Registered Nursing / Registered Nurse
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Biology / Biological Sciences, General
  • Post Masters Certificate in Elementary and Middle School Administration / Principalship
Graduates Salary
College Grads Early Career Salary $48,200
College Grads Average Salary $61,000
College Grads Mid Career Salary $84,200
Return on Investment (ROI)
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential $610,000
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential $1,452,000
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year $57,100
10 Year Projected ROI $552,900
20 Year Projected ROI $1,394,900
No College Education Salary Comparison
National Average Salary $38,792
10 Year Projected Income $387,920
20 Year Projected Income $775,840

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