What Is It Known For?
With a history stretching back to 1873, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff has long served its community. Joseph Carter Corbin was the founding leader when classes began in 1875. Known first as Branch Normal College, its original mission was to prepare African American teachers. A significant milestone came in 1882, when the school awarded the first Black college degree in the state.
This growth led to joining the University of Arkansas System in 1972, where it continues today as a historic land-grant institution. Current enrollment holds steady, welcoming around 2,100 students each year.
Degrees & Certifications
The university teaches specific job skills through certificate and technical paths. You can find several trade options here:
- Cosmetology
- Practical Nursing
- Commercial Vehicle Driving (CDL)
- CNC Operator
- Industrial Technology
- Emergency Medical Technology, Basic & Paramedic
- And Much More!
Class Schedules
Because many students balance work or other commitments, UAPB supports flexible learning. A good number of students, 170 in the last academic year, complete their studies entirely online. While traditional on-campus evening classes are not common, online formats provide evening access. This flexibility extends to partnerships with platforms like Coursera. To prepare you for the workforce, many programs include hands-on practice. Clinical externships, such as those in Audiology at local healthcare providers, are a core part of the health training.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. You can be confident in the quality of your education here. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff holds full accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
Acceptance Rate
The admissions process is somewhat selective, with an acceptance rate of 58 percent.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff costs vary by program, location, and residency status. Below is a quick look at undergraduate tuition per credit hour:
- On-campus resident: $219.93
- On-campus non-resident: $522.00
- North Little Rock resident: $254.77
- North Little Rock non-resident: $522.00
However, it’s important to remember that graduate and online undergraduate rates are higher than these figures. Additional fees for enrollment and technology will also apply. For a personalized estimate, we recommend using the school’s net price calculator.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Finance
- Marketing
- Management
Criminal Justice & Law
- Criminal Justice
Healthcare
- Human Sciences
- Nursing
- Nursing, RN-to-BSN
- Psychology
Professional Services
- Music
Technology
- Computer Science
Campus Locations
Pine Bluff 1200 North University Drive Pine Bluff, AR 71601
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff (UAPB) is a beloved HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) with a strong sense of community and history, providing a life-changing educational foundation for many alumni. However, a significant number of detailed negative reviews point to severe, chronic issues within the Financial Aid and administrative departments.
Overall Score: 3.9/5 Stars
Common Praises
Strong Sense of Community and History: UAPB is passionately referred to as “My Dear Mother” and an “HBCU” with a rich history. Alumni frequently describe the school as providing a “family” feel and a “personal touch.”
Quality Education and Life Foundation: Many alumni assert that UAPB provided a “quality education” and the “necessary tools” to succeed, giving them a foundation that they will use for the rest of their lives.
Networking and Opportunities: Attending the university led to “lifetime great experience,” meeting “life long friends,” and gaining job opportunities through the alumni network.
Positive Campus Environment: The campus is described as a “beautiful place” that is “well organized” and an ideal university for those seeking a quality education in a smaller city.
Common Criticisms
Catastrophic Financial Aid and Administrative Issues: This is the most severe and consistent criticism. Multiple reviewers spent months dealing with the Financial Aid office, citing “the WORSE financial aid department,” “incompetent workers,” and being “hustled” for reimbursement after the school made errors (like awarding the wrong scholarship).
Poor Communication and Follow-Through: The administration is criticized for not following through on official offers (like full scholarships awarded at expos), not returning phone calls, and not answering emails.
Billing and Enrollment Errors: Students reported being billed for classes they were automatically dropped from due to non-payment, leading to unjustified debt.
Past Accreditation Concerns: One former student mentioned that in the past, accreditation was lost for certain programs (e.g., journalism, nursing) before being reestablished, raising concerns about the long-term validity of some degrees.
Facility and Safety Issues (Isolated): Minor complaints included the need to fix air conditioning during a heatwave and isolated concerns regarding potential scams involving students.
Momentum
The most recent detailed reviews are mixed: very recent alumni express love for their HBCU, while many of the detailed, negative accounts regarding financial aid and administration are older (7-10 years ago). However, the long-term consistency of these critical themes suggests a potentially chronic issue. The university’s strong, positive cultural impact continues to draw high praise, contrasting sharply with the severe administrative complaints.