Incoming Class Sets Records for Size and Grade Point Average

The University of Arkansas opened the fall semester with a record incoming class of more than 7,100 students. The freshman class also boasts a 3.87 average incoming GPA, the highest in school history.  

“This year's freshman class is the largest and most academically accomplished group of incoming students in our history,” said Suzanne McCray, vice provost for enrollment and dean of admission. “The word is out that we are the place to be for students who want to have a great campus experience and launch on an exciting career path.  We cannot wait to see the impact they will have in our classrooms, in our community, and in the not too distant future, on our state and beyond it."

The high achieving class bodes well for future success as the university continues to focus on increasing its six-year graduation rate, already at a record level (70.9%) and expected to climb to above 72% when the final graduation numbers for the incoming class of 2020 are updated later this fall.

While final numbers aren’t available yet, preliminary estimates indicate that the university’s total enrollment continues to hover around 34,000, likely the second largest total in school history, despite record graduation rates and in the number of degrees awarded. During the 2025-26 academic year, the university awarded a record 9,155 degrees, more than 16% higher than the previous year and the largest total in university history.

"The progress we are seeing in so many areas is the result of intentional investments in student success across the university,” said Provost Indrajeet Chaubey. “Increasing graduation rates is a key goal of our 150 Forward Reaching Higher strategic plan, and awarding a record number of degrees shows that our students are thriving. We are proud of this momentum and remain focused on helping even more students stay on track and graduate while also continuing to better prepare them for the workforce with an emphasis on providing experiential learning opportunities and ensuring AI fluency."

Achieving an 80% graduation rate is one of the transformation goals of the 150 Forward Reaching Higher plan.

The number of Arkansans enrolled and as a part of the incoming class will also be among the largest totals in university history. The incoming class includes more than 3,100 Arkansas students, the second-most in school history, and by far, the state’s largest number of Arkansans in an incoming class. The university’s total enrollment will include more than 16,000 Arkansans for the fourth year in a row, which is also the largest among state institutions, and when the final numbers are tallied will likely be the third-largest total in school history.

“Expanding educational opportunity for Arkansans while attracting exceptional students from here and across the country is central to the university's mission,” said McCray. “We have increased scholarship support in record amounts, especially for students from Arkansas. The Land of Opportunity Scholarship is a great example, with more than $141 million already raised toward the $200 million goal, and the first group of students to benefit from the scholarship enrolled this fall. We are delighted to welcome them and all our new and returning students to campus.”

Graduate enrollment remains near record levels at more than 4,380 students, while doctoral enrollment has climbed to a record of more than 1,440 students, bettering the previous high mark set in 2021. The School of Law has also sustained near record enrollment for the fourth-straight year, with more than 370 students.

The U of A is also welcoming its most diverse student population in history. Nearly 1,900 students from underrepresented groups are part of this year's freshman class, comprising more than 26.5% of incoming students, a new record. The university also set a record for the number of students from underrepresented groups as a part of the student body, with 8,600 students, passing 25% of the university’s total enrollment for the first time.

Enrollment numbers may change as corrections are made, reviewed and officially reported by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education later this fall.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas’ economy  through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.