UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS ENROLLS RECORD-SETTING FRESHMAN CLASS

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The University of Arkansas’ 2003-04 freshmen class charted an increase in both average college test scores and average high school grade point averages, according to enrollment figures compiled by the UA Institutional Research Office.

The average ACT score for all entering freshmen has increased from 25 to 25.4. The average high school gpa has increased from last year’s 3.57 to 3.6. (See Table 1.)

More than 64 percent of new freshmen scored 24 or better on the ACT, and more than 59 percent had a high school gpa of 3.5 or higher.

"It’s encouraging to see such accomplishment among the students attracted to the University," Chancellor John A. White said. "These young men and women are raising the bar of academic excellence on this campus and moving the university along toward meeting the goals set by the 2010 Commission."

The 2010 Commission is a panel of 95 leaders from business, government and education working to develop strategies to position the U of A as a nationally competitive, student-centered research university serving Arkansas and the world.

In its initial report, Making the Case, the commission set a 2010 goal: That the average scores of UA freshmen would be 26.5 (ACT) and 3.65 (gpa).

Each year, the UA Office of Institutional Research uses statistics from U.S. News and World

Report’s America’s Best Colleges to compare UA freshman classes to those of 53 selected public colleges and universities.

According to data from the 2003-04 edition, the University’s 2002 freshman class ranked 23^rd among the 53, with a mid-range ACT score of 25.0. The UA’s class score tied with six institutions. (See Table 2.)

The average freshman high school gpa placed the 2002 UA class 13^th among the 53. UA’s 2002 freshmen tied with Virginia Tech University and the University of Wisconsin with a 3.57 average high school gpa. (See Table 3. Note: U.S. News and World Report rounds data, accounting for the difference between these statistics and those presented on Table 1 and the Progress Report.)

Among the 10 public SEC institutions, the 2002 class’ average high school gpa ranked it fourth behind the University of Florida (3.80), the University of Georgia (3.70) and the University of South Carolina (3.70). In average ACT scores, the University was third behind Florida (27.5) and Georgia (26.5).

"By charting the academic scores of entering freshman classes each year, we gain a better empirical sense of where the University stands among its peers," Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Bob Smith said. "These numbers show the significant improvement each year, and I think it’s an achievement in which the UA faculty, staff and students can take pride."

The University also recorded growth in the size of its Honors College student body this fall. Last year, 1,667 students were enrolled in Honors College. This fall 1,762 students enrolled, a 5.3 percent increase from year to year.

Of those students, 558 are freshmen—an increase of 13.6 percent from 2002. The average high school gpa of that group is 4.0, and the average ACT score is 30.3.

"In 1956, the honors studies program in Fulbright College began with just two students. In 1990, this number swelled to an enrollment of 140 students," White said. "We’re moving quickly to achieve the goal of 2,000 honors students by 2005."

Within the six academic colleges and schools, four had an increase in the number of Honors College freshmen enrolled for 2003.

The College of Engineering recorded the largest increase, enrolling 100 honors freshmen in 2002 and 170 in 2003. Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences enrolled 285 honors freshmen in 2002 and 291 in 2003.

The School of Architecture enrolled 15 honors freshmen in 2002, and 22 this year. The College of Education and Health Professions increased from 7 in 2002 to 13 freshmen in 2003.

The Sam M. Walton College of Business enrolled 57 honors freshmen in 2002, and 51 in 2003. The Dale Bumpers College of Agriculture, Food and Life Sciences enrolled 27 honors freshmen in 2002 and 11 in 2003.