| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 5 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
Founded: 1928 (originally as Fort Smith Junior College)
Type: Public University
Campus: Urban, 170+ acres
Enrollment: Approximately 5,000 - 6,000 students
Academic Programs: Offers bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and certificates across various disciplines
Mascot: Numa the Lion
Athletics: NCAA Division II, competing in the Lone Star Conference
Colors: Blue & White
Motto: "Prepare for Life"
UAFS offers programs in areas like:
Business (Accounting, Finance, Management, etc.)
Engineering & Technology (Mechanical, Electrical, Information Technology)
Health Sciences (Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Radiography)
Liberal Arts & Communication
Science & Mathematics
Education
Applied Sciences & Workforce Development
Housing: On-campus residence halls available
Clubs & Organizations: 80+ student organizations
Athletics: Men's & Women's sports teams in basketball, baseball, golf, tennis, volleyball, and more
Library & Research Facilities: Boreham Library
Career Services: Internship and job placement assistance
Admission Requirements: Varies by program; generally requires high school transcripts, standardized test scores (ACT/SAT optional in some cases), and application fee
Tuition: More affordable compared to larger universities; offers in-state and out-of-state tuition rates
Financial Aid: Scholarships, grants, and work-study programs available
Affordable tuition compared to many universities
Small class sizes for personalized learning
Career-focused programs with industry partnerships
Beautiful, modern campus with strong student life
Supportive faculty and academic resources
UAFS provides Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), and Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) degrees in various fields.
1 College of Business & Industry
Accounting (B.B.A.)
Business Administration (B.B.A.)
Finance (B.B.A.)
Marketing (B.B.A.)
Supply Chain Management (B.B.A.)
Organizational Leadership (B.A.S.)
Technology Leadership (B.A.S.)
2 College of Health, Education, & Human Sciences
Nursing (B.S.N.) (Pre-licensure and RN-to-BSN options)
Dental Hygiene (B.S.)
Radiography (B.S.)
Healthcare Administration (B.S.)
Teacher Education (B.S.E.) (Elementary, Middle School, Secondary Education)
Criminal Justice (B.S.)
Social Work (B.S.W.)
3 College of Arts & Sciences
Biological Science (B.S.)
Chemistry (B.S.)
Mathematics (B.S.)
Psychology (B.S.)
Media Communication (B.A.)
History (B.A.)
Political Science (B.A.)
English (B.A.)
Spanish (B.A.)
4 College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)
Electrical Engineering (B.S.E.E.)
Mechanical Engineering (B.S.M.E.)
Information Technology (B.S.) (Cybersecurity, Programming, Data Science concentrations)
Computer Science (B.S.)
Associate of Arts (A.A.) (General Studies, Transfer Pathway to Bachelor’s Degree)
Associate of Science (A.S.) (STEM-focused degree, Transfer Option)
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) (Business, Technology, Criminal Justice, Health Sciences, etc.)
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
|
Accounting (B.B.A.) |
4 years |
$13,500 - $15,000 |
|
Business Administration (B.B.A.) |
4 years |
$13,500 - $15,000 |
|
Finance (B.B.A.) |
4 years |
$13,500 - $15,000 |
|
Marketing (B.B.A.) |
4 years |
$13,500 - $15,000 |
|
Supply Chain Management (B.B.A.) |
4 years |
$13,500 - $15,000 |
|
Organizational Leadership (B.A.S.) |
4 years |
$13,500 - $15,000 |
|
Technology Leadership (B.A.S.) |
4 years |
$13,500 - $15,000 |
|
Nursing (B.S.N.) |
4 years |
$15,000 - $17,000 |
|
Dental Hygiene (B.S.) |
4 years |
$15,000 - $17,000 |
|
Radiography (B.S.) |
4 years |
$15,000 - $17,000 |
|
Healthcare Administration (B.S.) |
4 years |
$13,500 - $15,000 |
|
Teacher Education (B.S.E.) |
4 years |
$13,500 - $15,000 |
|
Criminal Justice (B.S.) |
4 years |
$13,500 - $15,000 |
|
Social Work (B.S.W.) |
4 years |
$13,500 - $15,000 |
|
Biological Science (B.S.) |
4 years |
$13,500 - $15,000 |
|
Chemistry (B.S.) |
4 years |
$13,500 - $15,000 |
|
Mathematics (B.S.) |
4 years |
$13,500 - $15,000 |
|
Psychology (B.S.) |
4 years |
$13,500 - $15,000 |
|
Media Communication (B.A.) |
4 years |
$13,500 - $15,000 |
|
History (B.A.) |
4 years |
$13,500 - $15,000 |
|
Political Science (B.A.) |
4 years |
$13,500 - $15,000 |
|
English (B.A.) |
4 years |
$13,500 - $15,000 |
|
Spanish (B.A.) |
4 years |
$13,500 - $15,000 |
|
Electrical Engineering (B.S.E.E.) |
4 years |
$15,000 - $17,000 |
|
Mechanical Engineering (B.S.M.E.) |
4 years |
$15,000 - $17,000 |
|
Information Technology (B.S.) |
4 years |
$13,500 - $15,000 |
|
Computer Science (B.S.) |
4 years |
$13,500 - $15,000 |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
|
Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (M.S.H.A.) |
2 years |
$12,000 - $14,000 |
Affordable Tuition: Lower tuition compared to many U.S. universities
Quality Education: Accredited degree programs with small class sizes
Diverse Student Community: Students from various countries
Safe & Friendly Campus: Located in Fort Smith, Arkansas, with a low cost of living
Scholarships Available: Financial aid opportunities for international students
UAFS offers Bachelor’s degree programs in fields such as:
Business (Accounting, Marketing, Finance, etc.)
Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical)
Health Sciences (Nursing, Healthcare Administration)
Computer Science & IT
Arts & Humanities (English, History, Political Science)
Science & Mathematics (Biology, Chemistry)
Duration: 4 years for most bachelor’s programs
Tuition Fees: $13,500 - $17,000 per year (approximate for international students)
Application Form (Submit online through UAFS website)
High School Transcripts (Officially translated to English)
English Proficiency Test (One of the following required):
TOEFL: Minimum 61 (IBT)
IELTS: Minimum 5.5
Duolingo: Minimum 85
SAT/ACT (Optional) – Not required for admission but may help with scholarships
Copy of Passport
Proof of Financial Support (Bank statement to show ability to cover tuition and living expenses)
Application Deadlines:
Fall Semester (August Start): May 1
Spring Semester (January Start): October 1
Explore the available Bachelor’s degree programs at UAFS.
Check program-specific admission requirements (if any).
Apply online through the UAFS Admission Portal:
UAFS Application Portal
Application Deadlines:
Semester |
International Students |
Domestic Students |
|---|---|---|
|
Fall Semester (August Start) |
May 1 |
August 1 |
|
Spring Semester (January Start) |
October 1 |
December 1 |
|
Summer Semester (June Start) |
March 1 |
May 1 |
Application Fee: $40 (non-refundable, for international students)
Official High School Transcripts (Translated into English if needed)
English Proficiency Test Scores (For international students)
ACT/SAT Scores (Optional for Admission, Required for Some Scholarships)
Copy of Passport (International Students Only)
Proof of Financial Support (International Students Only)
Immunization Records (All Students)
English Proficiency Requirements (International Students Only)
Test |
Minimum Score Required |
|---|---|
|
TOEFL (IBT) |
61 |
|
IELTS |
5.5 |
|
Duolingo |
85 |
Tip: If you do not meet the English requirement, you may take English as a Second Language (ESL) courses at UAFS.
UAFS will review your application and notify you via email within 2-4 weeks after submission.
If accepted, international students will receive an I-20 Form (needed for the U.S. visa application).
Steps to apply for an F-1 Student Visa:
1 Pay the SEVIS Fee ($350)
2 Schedule a Visa Interview at the nearest U.S. Embassy
3 Attend the Visa Interview and receive your F-1 Visa
4 Travel to Fort Smith, Arkansas, USA before your program starts
UAFS offers International Student Orientation to help new students adjust.
Once admitted, log in to the UAFS Student Portal to register for classes.
Arrange housing (on-campus or off-campus).
Submit health & immunization records.
Attend Orientation & Welcome Events.
UAFS currently offers a limited number of master’s programs, such as:
Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MSHA)
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution
GPA of 2.75 or higher (on a 4.0 scale)
English Proficiency (International Students Only)
Professional Resume & Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Letters of Recommendation (If required by the program)
Tuition Fees for Master’s Programs: $12,000 - $14,000 per year
Semester |
Application Deadline (International Students) |
Application Deadline (Domestic Students) |
Semester Start Date |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Fall Semester (August Start) |
May 1 |
August 1 |
Late August |
|
Spring Semester (January Start) |
October 1 |
December 1 |
Mid-January |
|
Summer Semester (June Start) |
March 1 |
May 1 |
Early June |
Tip: International students should apply at least 3-6 months in advance to allow time for visa processing.
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Academic Qualification |
Completion of high school (12 years of education) with a minimum GPA of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale) |
|
English Proficiency (International Students Only) |
Must meet one of the following: |
|
Standardized Tests (Optional) |
ACT/SAT scores not required for admission but may be used for scholarships |
|
Financial Proof (International Students Only) |
Proof of financial ability to cover tuition & living expenses (bank statement) |
|
Immunization Record |
Required for MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine |
Additional Notes:
Some programs (e.g., Nursing, Engineering) may have higher GPA or prerequisite requirements.
Students who do not meet English proficiency can enroll in English as a Second Language (ESL) courses at UAFS.
UAFS offers limited master’s programs, such as:
Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MSHA)
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Academic Qualification |
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a minimum GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) |
|
English Proficiency (International Students Only) |
TOEFL (IBT): Minimum 79 |
|
Work Experience (If required) |
Some programs may prefer applicants with professional experience |
|
Resume & Statement of Purpose (SOP) |
Required for most graduate programs |
|
Letters of Recommendation |
May be required depending on the program |
UAFS is expanding its graduate programs, so check their official website for new updates.
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Award Amount (USD per Year) |
Renewable? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
International Excellence Scholarship |
Incoming international students with GPA 3.25+ (on a 4.0 scale) |
Up to $4,000 |
Yes, with GPA 3.0+ |
|
Global Leadership Scholarship |
Exceptional leadership, community service, and GPA 3.0+ |
Up to $2,000 |
Yes, with GPA 3.0+ |
|
Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship |
High academic achievers, GPA 3.5+, SAT 1200+ or ACT 25+ |
Up to $5,000 |
Yes, with GPA 3.25+ |
|
Academic Achievement Scholarship |
GPA 3.0 - 3.49 |
Up to $2,000 |
Yes, with GPA 3.0+ |
Application Deadline: Same as admission deadlines (Fall: May 1, Spring: Oct 1)
How to Apply: Automatically considered upon admission (no separate application required for most scholarships).
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Award Amount (USD per Year) |
Renewable? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lion’s Share Scholarship |
Arkansas residents with GPA 2.75+ and financial need |
Up to $3,500 |
Yes |
|
UAFS Chancellor’s Scholarship |
High school GPA 3.75+, ACT 30+, or SAT 1400+ |
Up to $8,000 |
Yes |
|
Dean’s Scholarship |
High school GPA 3.5+, ACT 27+, or SAT 1290+ |
Up to $5,000 |
Yes |
|
Honors Program Scholarship |
Must be accepted into the UAFS Honors Program |
Full Tuition Coverage |
Yes |
|
Transfer Student Scholarship |
Transfer students with GPA 3.0+ |
Up to $2,500 |
Yes |
How to Apply: Some scholarships require an application; others are automatically awarded.
Deadline: Varies, but most require application by March 1 for Fall intake.
Residence Hall |
Room Type |
Amenities |
Cost Per Year (USD) (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lion’s Den Residence Hall |
Shared (2-person) |
Fully furnished, Wi-Fi, laundry, common lounge |
$6,380 |
|
Lion’s Den Residence Hall |
Private (1-person) |
Private room, Wi-Fi, laundry, study areas |
$7,200 |
|
Sebastian Commons (Apartments) |
2-Bedroom Apartment |
Kitchen, living room, washer/dryer, Wi-Fi |
$7,650 |
|
Sebastian Commons (Apartments) |
4-Bedroom Apartment |
Private bedroom, shared kitchen, living room |
$6,850 |
Meal Plan (Required for On-Campus Students): $3,820 per year
Total Estimated Cost (Housing + Meal Plan): $10,200 - $11,500 per year
Accommodation Type |
Cost Per Month (USD) (Approx.) |
Features |
|---|---|---|
|
Shared Apartment (2-3 roommates) |
$400 - $700 |
Utilities included, furnished/unfurnished |
|
Studio Apartment |
$600 - $900 |
Private, kitchen, Wi-Fi, close to campus |
|
1-Bedroom Apartment |
$750 - $1,100 |
Kitchen, Wi-Fi, parking available |
|
Homestay (with a family) |
$500 - $800 |
Meals included, private/shared room |
Living off-campus can be more affordable, but students need to arrange transportation.
Campus Life & Student Community
UAFS has a close-knit student community, with a student-to-faculty ratio of around 18:1, ensuring personalized attention. The university welcomes students from different cultural backgrounds, making it a great place for international students to feel at home.
Students have access to modern classrooms, research facilities, a library, computer labs, and quiet study spaces across the campus.
On-Campus Housing & Dining
UAFS offers comfortable on-campus housing in residence halls and apartments. Living on campus provides students with a safe, convenient, and social experience.
The Dining Services offer a variety of meal plans, with options including cafeteria dining, grab-and-go meals, coffee shops, and food courts.
Clubs & Student Organizations
Students can join 80+ clubs and organizations, including:
Academic & Professional Clubs – Business, Engineering, Science, and more
Cultural & International Clubs – Multicultural student groups, language exchange programs
Leadership & Honor Societies – Student Government Association (SGA), Honors Program
Special Interest Groups – Music, Media, Gaming, Volunteer Work
Religious & Spiritual Organizations – Faith-based student communities
Tip: Joining a club is a great way to meet people, network, and develop leadership skills!
Sports & Athletics (NCAA Division II)
UAFS has competitive athletic teams that participate in the Lone Star Conference (NCAA Division II). Sports include:
Basketball (Men’s & Women’s)
Soccer (Men’s & Women’s)
Baseball
Softball
Golf
Tennis
Students also have access to fitness centers, intramural sports, and recreational activities.
Events & Social Activities
UAFS hosts year-round events to keep students engaged and entertained. Some popular events include:
Concerts & Cultural Festivals – Live music, international festivals, and food fairs
Leadership Conferences – Workshops to develop leadership and career skills
Theater & Arts Performances – Student drama productions and art exhibitions
Welcome Week & Homecoming – A week full of activities, games, and celebrations
Career Fairs & Networking Events – Internships, job fairs, and employer meetups
Career Services & Student Support
UAFS provides excellent career guidance and student support services, including:
Career Development Center – Helps with internships, resume building, and job placement
Academic Tutoring & Mentoring – Free tutoring sessions and study resources
Mental Health & Counseling Services – Student wellness programs and counseling support
International Student Services – Visa guidance, cultural adjustment support, and workshops
Why Students Love UAFS?
Affordable Tuition & Cost of Living – One of the most affordable universities in the USA
Diverse & Inclusive Environment – Students from various backgrounds and nationalities
Small Class Sizes – Personalized learning and close faculty-student interaction
Strong Academic Programs – Career-focused degree programs with internship opportunities
Safe & Friendly Campus – 24/7 security and student support services
Career Services & Support at UAFS
The UAFS Career Development Center (CDC) provides:
Internship & Co-op Opportunities – Hands-on experience in relevant industries
Resume & Cover Letter Assistance – Helps students build professional resumes
Mock Interviews & Job Coaching – Prepares students for job interviews
Career Fairs & Employer Networking Events – Meet potential employers on campus
Handshake Job Portal – Online platform for job and internship listings
UAFS Career Services
UAFS Graduate Employment Rate
85%+ of UAFS graduates find employment or pursue higher education within six months of graduation.
Many UAFS programs have 100% job placement rates in high-demand fields like nursing, engineering, and IT.
Top Hiring Industries for UAFS Graduates
UAFS graduates are placed in various industries, including:
Business & Finance – Accounting, Management, Marketing
Engineering & Technology – IT, Cybersecurity, Electrical & Mechanical Engineering
Healthcare & Nursing – Hospitals, Clinics, Medical Research
Education & Public Services – Schools, Government Jobs
Manufacturing & Supply Chain Management – Logistics, Production
Media & Communication – Journalism, Digital Marketing, Public Relations
Top Employers Hiring UAFS Graduates
Some of the top companies and organizations that hire UAFS graduates include:
Walmart, J.B. Hunt, ArcBest (Logistics & Supply Chain Management)
Mercy Hospital, Baptist Health, UAMS (Healthcare & Nursing)
IBM, Acxiom, ABB (IT & Cybersecurity)
Rheem Manufacturing, Baldor Electric (Engineering & Manufacturing)
State & Federal Government Agencies (Public Administration, Education)
Internship & Co-op Programs
UAFS offers internship opportunities to help students gain hands-on experience before graduation. Over 70% of students complete at least one internship.
Internships are available in business, healthcare, IT, and engineering fields
Paid internships help students earn while gaining experience
Co-op programs allow students to work with companies while studying
Placement Success by Program
Some UAFS programs have exceptional job placement rates:
Nursing (BSN) – 100% job placement in hospitals & healthcare
Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical) – 90%+ placement in industries
Computer Science & IT – 95% placement in tech companies
Business & Accounting – 85% placement in corporate jobs
Supply Chain Management – High demand in logistics & operations
Why UAFS for Career Success?
Strong Industry Partnerships – Collaborations with Fortune 500 companies
Affordable Tuition with High ROI – Graduates secure well-paying jobs
Hands-on Learning Experience – Internships, research projects, and real-world exposure
Dedicated Career Services Team – Job support even after graduation
The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith (UAFS) has a high acceptance rate of approximately 96-99%, making it an accessible university for most applicants.
Type: Public University
Acceptance Rate: 96-99% (Very High)
Admissions Policy: Open Admissions for most programs (some competitive programs may have additional requirements)
Inclusive & Student-Friendly Admissions – UAFS welcomes students from diverse backgrounds.
Test-Optional Admissions – ACT/SAT scores are not mandatory for general admission.
Flexible Entry Requirements – Students can enroll in remedial courses if they don’t meet standard entry criteria.
Minimum GPA: 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (Some programs require higher GPAs)
High School Diploma or Equivalent
English Proficiency (International Students Only)
TOEFL (IBT): 61+
IELTS: 5.5+
Duolingo: 85+
ACT/SAT (Optional but may help with scholarships)
Some programs like Nursing, Engineering, and Healthcare may have more selective criteria.
Minimum GPA: 2.75+ on a 4.0 scale
Bachelor’s Degree from an Accredited Institution
English Proficiency (For International Students)
TOEFL (IBT): 79+
IELTS: 6.5+
Duolingo: 100+
Resume, Statement of Purpose (SOP), and Recommendation Letters (if required by program)
University of Arkansas - Fort Smith
5210 Grand Avenue,
Fort Smith, Arkansas 72913,
United States
City: Fort Smith, Arkansas
State: Arkansas (AR)
Region: Southern United States
Nearest Major Cities:
Little Rock, AR – ~2 hours drive
Tulsa, OK – ~1.5 hours drive
Oklahoma City, OK – ~2.5 hours drive
Fort Smith Regional Airport (FSM) – 5 miles (10 mins) from campus
Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) – 85 miles (1.5 hours away)
Tulsa International Airport (TUL) – 110 miles (2 hours away)
