Nearly 4,800 students celebrated their graduation from the U of A this spring — a new record for the U of A. Combined with graduates from the fall of 2023, the U of A had a total of more than 6,200 graduates this academic year.

That's reason for the state of Arkansas to celebrate, too.  

The record number of U of A graduates means a record number of highly motivated, talented, work-ready people starting their careers in the Natural State.

Recent U of A graduating classes are finding jobs and furthering their education in Arkansas in ever-increasing numbers. The Class of 2023 had outstanding career outcomes, with 93% of those reporting either working, in military service, volunteering or continuing their education. Seventy-six percent of graduates from Arkansas stayed in Arkansas to work or study, while a record number of out-of-state students (29.4%) remained in Arkansas. That's a jump of 10% in just three years.  

More U of A graduates staying in-state translates to more startups, more innovative thinking, more tax revenue and more skilled workers at businesses throughout Arkansas. It's benefits like these that make our graduates one of the biggest factors in the university's $2.2 billion annual economic impact.

The May 11 commencement ceremony was a milestone for the graduates and their families — a celebration of both the past and the bright future ahead. As this year's graduation speaker, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon, said to the Class of 2024, "My congratulations to all of you. Now go make this university proud."

It's a very safe bet they will. And that's great news for the state of Arkansas.

A student wears a mortar board decorated with a Razorback at the 2024 Spring Commencement.

Doug McMillon, CEO of Walmart Inc., addresses students during the 2024 Spring Commencement.