Arkansas Gems: Unveiling the Top 3 Colleges in The Natural State

In the heart of the South lies a trio of educational institutions that shine brightly in the Arkansas landscape. Kelly's top picks for colleges in Arkansas are not just academic havens; they are renowned for their excellence in specific fields, setting them apart as beacons of learning and innovation. Let's take a closer look at these institutions and what makes them stand out in the world of higher education.

 

First Up…

www.uark.edu

University of Arkansas (Fayetteville, AR):  In the heart of Arkansas lies the University of Arkansas, a renowned institution that stands as a testament to academic excellence and rich traditions. Let's take a closer look at what makes the University of Arkansas a top choice for students seeking a quality education in the Natural State.

→ Admission Rates:

  • The University of Arkansas has an acceptance rate of around 77%.

→ SAT/ACT Scores:

  • The middle 50% SAT score range for admitted students is 1130-1360, and the ACT composite score range is 23-29.

→ Campus Life:

  • Located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the campus covers over 400 acres and offers a vibrant college town atmosphere. The student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1.

→ Traditions:

  • The university has several cherished traditions, including the Calling of the Hogs at football games and Senior Walk, a sidewalk engraved with the names of all graduates dating back to 1876.

→ Notable Programs:

  • The University of Arkansas is known for its strong programs in business, engineering, and architecture. The Sam M. Walton College of Business is particularly renowned.

→ Athletics:

  • The university competes in NCAA Division I sports as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The Razorbacks have a strong tradition in football, basketball, and track and field.

University of Arkansas Fun Facts

  1. The University of Arkansas is home to the oldest living graduate of the university, who is over 100 years old.

  2. The university's mascot, the Razorback, was selected in 1910 by a group of students.

  3. The university's Senior Walk is one of the longest sidewalks in the world, measuring over 5 miles long and engraved with the names of over 170,000 graduates.

  4. The university's campus was used as a filming location for the movie "God's Not Dead 2."

  5. The university is known for its strong agricultural programs and is home to the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences.

  6. The university's Greek Theater is a replica of the theater in Epidaurus, Greece, and is used for outdoor performances and ceremonies.


Next Up…

www.astate.edu

Nestled in the charming city of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Arkansas State University stands as a beacon of higher education in the Natural State. With a rich history dating back to its founding in 1909, ASU has evolved into a vibrant hub of learning, innovation, and cultural diversity. From its beautiful campus spanning over 1,300 acres to its renowned academic programs and spirited Red Wolves athletics, ASU offers a collegiate experience like no other. Let’s delve into the heart of ASU, uncovering its traditions, notable programs, and the vibrant campus life that defines this esteemed institution.

→ Admissions Rates & SAT/ACT Scores:

  • Acceptance Rate: Approximately 70%

  • SAT Range (25th-75th percentile): 980-1190

  • ACT Range (25th-75th percentile): 20-26

→ Campus Life:

  • Location: Jonesboro, Arkansas

  • Campus Size: Approximately 1,376 acres

  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1

→ Traditions:

  • Homecoming Week: A celebration of school spirit with events like the Howl Yes! Parade and the Homecoming Football Game.

  • Order of the Pack: An organization dedicated to promoting ASU pride and traditions.

→ Athletics:

  • ASU teams are known as the Red Wolves.

  • Competes in NCAA Division I FBS, primarily in the Sun Belt Conference.

  • Notable programs include football, basketball, and baseball, among others.

→ Notable Programs:

  • Agriculture: ASU's College of Agriculture offers a range of programs focusing on agribusiness, animal science, and plant science.

  • Business: The College of Business is accredited by AACSB International and offers programs in areas like finance, marketing, and management.

Arkansas State University Fun Facts

1. Mascot: The university's mascot is the Red Wolves, chosen in 2008 through a student vote to replace the previous mascot, the Indians.

2. A-State: Arkansas State University is often referred to as "A-State" for short, a nickname that reflects the university's prominence and recognition within the state.

3. Sun Belt Conference: A-State is a member of the Sun Belt Conference and has a strong athletics program, with notable achievements in football, basketball, and other sports.

4. Heritage Sites: The campus is home to several historical sites, including the Dean B. Ellis Library, which is a designated Arkansas State University Heritage Site.

5. NASA Partnership: A-State has a partnership with NASA through its Arkansas Space Grant Consortium, which provides opportunities for students and faculty to engage in research and educational activities related to space exploration.

6. World War II History: During World War II, A-State served as a training ground for U.S. Army Air Corps cadets, contributing to the war effort.


Last, but not least…

www.atu.edu

In the heart of the picturesque Arkansas River Valley lies Arkansas Tech University, known for its commitment to academic excellence and student success. As one of the state's premier universities, Arkansas Tech has a rich history dating back to 1909 and has grown to become a vibrant campus community that attracts students from across the region and beyond. Join me as I explore what makes Arkansas Tech University a top choice for students seeking a quality education in a supportive and dynamic environment.

→ Admissions Rates & SAT/ACT Scores:

  • Arkansas Tech University has an acceptance rate of around 90%. The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores between 980-1200 and ACT scores between 19-26.

→ Campus Life:

  • The university's main campus is situated in a picturesque location in the Arkansas River Valley, offering a blend of natural beauty and modern facilities. The campus spans over 500 acres and has a student-to-teacher ratio of 18:1, ensuring personalized attention and a supportive learning environment.

→ Traditions:

  • Arkansas Tech University boasts a number of cherished traditions, including Homecoming celebrations, Greek life events, and the Green and Gold Cup competition among residence halls.

→ Notable Programs:

  • The university is known for its strong programs in areas such as engineering, education, business, and the arts. The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, in particular, is highly regarded for its innovative approach to engineering education.

→ Athletics:

  • Arkansas Tech University competes in NCAA Division II athletics, with a strong tradition of success in sports such as football, basketball, volleyball, and softball. The university's teams are known as the Wonder Boys and Golden Suns.

Arkansas Tech University Fun Facts

  1. Mascot: The university's mascot is the Wonder Boys for men's teams and Golden Suns for women's teams. The mascot was inspired by the 1920 football team, which was described as a "wonder" by a local newspaper.

  2. Russellville Campus: Arkansas Tech's main campus in Russellville is home to the Ross Pendergraft Library and Technology Center, which houses over 300,000 volumes and offers a variety of resources and services to students.

  3. Historic Building: One of the university's most iconic buildings is the Old Main, which was constructed in 1909 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It serves as a symbol of the university's rich history and commitment to education.

  4. Tech's Day of Giving: Arkansas Tech University hosts an annual Day of Giving, during which alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends come together to support various university initiatives through donations and fundraising efforts.

  5. Arkansas Tech Traditions: The university has several longstanding traditions, including the Green and Gold Cup competition among residence halls, Homecoming festivities, and the Hanging of the Green ceremony, which marks the beginning of the holiday season.

  6. Notable Alumni: Arkansas Tech University has a number of notable alumni, including professional athletes, politicians, and business leaders. Examples include former NFL player Cliff Harris, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, and Walmart CEO Doug McMillon.

  7. Campus Size: The main Russellville campus of Arkansas Tech University spans over 500 acres, providing plenty of space for academic buildings, residence halls, and recreational facilities.

Whether you're drawn to the vibrant culture of Fayetteville, the scenic beauty of Jonesboro, or the historic charm of Russellville, Arkansas has something to offer for every type of student. Consider these top three schools and universities in Arkansas as you embark on your educational journey, and discover all that this beautiful state has to offer.

 
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