💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Arkansas Pine Bluff 2026-2027
📅 2027–2028 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2026–2027). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2027–2028 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$9,412 |
$17,992 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$9,194 |
$9,194 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$18,606 |
$27,186 |
Average Federal Net Price: $11,649 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Out-of-State Discounts: UAPB participates in the Academic Common Market (ACM) for approved majors, which may allow students from participating states to pay in-state tuition. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Additionally, UAPB offers the “Neighbors of Arkansas” program for out-of-state students from certain states (e.g., IL, KS, LA, MO, MS, OK, TN, TX) that may reduce out-of-state tuition. (Discounts vary by GPA/test scores.)
FAQ about Discounts & Waivers
Who qualifies? Out-of-state students with sufficient GPA/test scores from eligible states, or students in ACM-approved majors may qualify for in-state tuition.
How much can you save? The Neighbors program can reduce out-of-state tuition substantially — in some cases to nearly in-state rates – depending on scholarship/waiver eligibility.
Do you need to apply? Yes — eligibility for the Neighbors or ACM waivers typically requires completion of admission, scholarship, and/or state application processes.
Sources:
University COA page — https://uapb.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/tuition-and-fees/cost-of-attendance/
Scholarships & Waivers page — https://uapb.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/scholarships-and-aid/
Academic Common Market (ACM) — https://home.sreb.org/acm/
University of Arkansas System — https://uasys.edu/
College Scorecard — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?107526-University-of-Arkansas-at-Pine-Bluff
IPEDS / DataUSA profile — https://datausa.io/profile/university/university-of-arkansas-at-pine-bluff
CollegeSimply (Net Price) — https://www.collegesimply.com/colleges/arkansas/university-of-arkansas-at-pine-bluff/price/
CollegeTuitionCompare (Tuition Summary) — https://www.collegetuitioncompare.com/edu/106412/university-of-arkansas-at-pine-bluff/tuition/
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
UAPB awards most of its scholarships automatically when students apply for admission. Awards are based on high school GPA and ACT/SAT scores, and funds are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. No separate application is required—just apply to the university before the priority deadline.
Automatic
Chancellor's Scholarship
📅 Deadline: December 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$16,500/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.8+ GPA✎ ~28 ACT✎ ~1300 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
This is UAPB's highest institutional academic tier, so it typically replaces (rather than stacks with) other UAPB academic scholarships — you receive the top match, not multiple layered tiers. It generally does layer alongside federal Pell, state aid, and outside private scholarships. Always double-check the exact stacking rules with UAPB Financial Aid before planning your total package.
💡
Strategic Detail
UAPB's flagship automatic award — $16,500 per year, up to $66,000 across four years — for freshmen with at least a 3.75 GPA and a 28 ACT or 1300 SAT. Unlike UAPB's other tiers that follow the March 1 final deadline, Chancellor's specifically requires admission by January 1, so families targeting this award should treat New Year's as their real cutoff.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Freshmen coming in with roughly a 3.8+ GPA and a 28 ACT (or SAT around 1300 and up) who lock in their admission application by January 1. UAPB rewards students who complete everything early — waiting until spring often means the top tier is already spoken for.
Automatic
University Scholarship
📅 Deadline: December 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$12,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~23 ACT✎ ~1130 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
As a mid-tier institutional academic award, this typically replaces (rather than stacks with) other UAPB academic scholarship tiers — students receive the single best match. It does generally layer alongside federal Pell and outside private scholarships. Confirm final stacking rules with UAPB Financial Aid.
💡
Strategic Detail
UAPB's second-highest automatic tier — $12,000 per year, totaling $48,000 across four years — for freshmen with at least a 3.5 GPA and an ACT of 23–27 or SAT of 1130–1260. Applying by the December 1 priority deadline gives students the best shot before the March 1 final cutoff.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Solid, well-rounded freshmen carrying a 3.5+ GPA with an ACT in the 23–27 range (or SAT roughly 1130–1260). If your student is a strong-but-not-top-1% applicant, this is the tier they're realistically hitting.
Automatic
Dean's Scholarship
📅 Deadline: December 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 3.3+ GPA✎ ~21 ACT✎ ~1060 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
This mid-range automatic tier usually replaces — rather than stacks with — other UAPB academic scholarships. It should layer normally with federal Pell, state aid, and outside private awards. UAPB Financial Aid can confirm the exact stacking math for a specific student.
💡
Strategic Detail
A steady mid-tier automatic award at $5,000 per year, totaling $20,000 over four years, for freshmen with at least a 3.25 GPA and an ACT of 21–22 or SAT of 1060–1100. Meeting the December 1 priority deadline is smart, though March 1 is the final cutoff.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Freshmen in the mid-3.0s GPA range with an ACT around 21–22 (or SAT roughly 1060–1100). This is the tier for students who are academically capable and consistent — not necessarily top of their class, but clearly college-ready.
Automatic
Leadership Scholarship
📅 Deadline: December 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~19 ACT✎ ~980 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
As a lower automatic tier, this award is usually replaced rather than layered when a student qualifies for a higher UAPB academic scholarship. It should combine normally with federal Pell, state aid, and outside private awards. UAPB Financial Aid can walk through the exact totals.
💡
Strategic Detail
A dependable entry-level automatic award — $2,000 per year, totaling $8,000 across four years — for freshmen with at least a 3.0 GPA and an ACT of 19–20 or SAT of 980–1030. December 1 is the priority window; March 1 is the final deadline.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Freshmen with a clean 3.0 GPA and an ACT in the high teens (19–20) or SAT around 980–1030. This is a great baseline for students who show up prepared and consistent, even if standardized test scores aren't their strongest area.
Automatic
Black & Gold Scholarship
📅 Deadline: December 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 2.8+ GPA✎ ~18 ACT✎ ~960 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
This entry-level tier is generally replaced when a student qualifies for a higher UAPB academic scholarship, so treat it as a floor rather than an add-on. It should layer normally with federal Pell, state aid, and outside private awards.
💡
Strategic Detail
UAPB's entry-level automatic award — $1,500 per year ($750 per semester), totaling $6,000 across four years — for freshmen with at least a 2.75 GPA and an 18 ACT or 960 SAT. The December 1 priority window is worth hitting; March 1 is the hard cutoff.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Freshmen who meet UAPB's baseline academic profile — a 2.75 GPA and an 18 ACT (or SAT around 960). This is the tier that ensures a strong majority of admitted students walk in with some institutional aid attached.
Automatic
Golden Lion Scholarship
📅 Deadline: December 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 2.8+ GPA✎ ~17 ACT✎ ~920 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
This is the lowest of UAPB's automatic academic tiers and is replaced whenever a student qualifies for a higher scholarship on the ladder. It should stack normally with federal Pell, state aid, and outside private awards.
💡
Strategic Detail
UAPB's floor-level automatic award — $1,000 per year, totaling $4,000 across four years — for freshmen with at least a 2.75 GPA and a 17 ACT or 920 SAT. December 1 is the priority window and March 1 is the final deadline.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Freshmen with a 2.75 GPA and a 17 ACT (or SAT around 920). This is UAPB's floor — the award that ensures nearly every admitted freshman meeting minimum thresholds walks in with something institutional attached.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Only
Transfer Scholarship
📅 Deadline: December 1
✓ Renews (2 yrs)
🏫 3.2+ GPA🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
UAPB's top transfer merit tier typically replaces other UAPB academic transfer awards rather than stacking with them. It should combine normally with federal Pell, state aid, and outside private scholarships — confirm the exact math with UAPB Financial Aid.
💡
Strategic Detail
UAPB's top transfer merit award — $5,000 per year for up to two years ($10,000 total) — for junior-level transfer students bringing in 60–85 approved transferable hours with at least a 3.20 GPA. The December 1 priority window helps, and March 1 is the final cutoff.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Junior-level transfer students with 60–85 approved transferable credits and a cumulative college GPA of 3.20 or higher. If your student is transferring in with two years of solid community college work under their belt, this is the top tier they're aiming at.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Only
The Pride Transfer Scholarship
📅 Deadline: December 1
✓ Renews (3 yrs)
🏫 2.8+ GPA🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
The Pride is UAPB's mid-tier transfer award and generally replaces rather than stacks with other UAPB academic transfer scholarships. It should combine normally with federal Pell, state aid, and outside private awards.
💡
Strategic Detail
A steady transfer award — $2,500 per year for up to three years ($7,500 total) — for transfer students bringing in 30–59 approved transferable hours with at least a 2.75 GPA. December 1 is the priority window; March 1 is the final deadline.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Sophomore-level transfer students with 30–59 approved transferable credits and a cumulative college GPA of 2.75 or higher. If your student is transferring in after roughly a year of community college work, this is the tier they're realistically hitting.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Onlymajor
RN to BSN Scholarship
📅 Deadline: December 1
✓ Renews (2 yrs)
⚠ Restricted to licensed RNs enrolling in UAPB's RN to BSN program.
🏫 3.0+ GPA🎓 TransferRequires an active, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license and admission to UAPB's RN to BSN program.
✚
Stacking & Combining
This is a program-specific transfer award for RN to BSN students. It typically replaces other UAPB academic transfer scholarships rather than stacking with them but should combine with federal Pell, state aid, and outside nursing scholarships.
💡
Strategic Detail
A program-specific transfer award — $2,500 per year for up to two years ($5,000 total) — for licensed RNs enrolling in UAPB's RN to BSN program with at least a 3.0 GPA. Requires a valid, unencumbered RN license as a condition of eligibility.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Working registered nurses with a valid RN license and at least a 3.0 GPA who are transferring in to complete their bachelor's degree in nursing at UAPB. This award is designed for practicing RNs bridging to a BSN.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Note: Award amounts are per year and renewable up to 4 years. GPA and test score cutoffs are based on the university’s most recent scholarship grid. UAPB superscores ACT/SAT (subscore composite) for all awards. Meet the March 1 deadline for best consideration; Chancellor’s Scholarship has a Jan 1 priority window.
FAQ about Automatic Scholarships
Do I need a separate application? No. Your admissions application is also your scholarship application. Meeting the priority deadline (March 1) is essential, and the Chancellor’s tier requires admission by January 1.
Does UAPB superscore the ACT or SAT? Yes. UAPB uses your highest subscores across dates to calculate a new composite. Submit all ACT/SAT results for the highest possible award.
Are UAPB scholarships renewable? Yes, all awards are renewable up to 4 years if you meet required GPA/credit standards (see Financial Aid for specifics).
Can scholarships be combined with waivers? Sometimes; stacking rules may vary—always consult Financial Aid to clarify what can be combined.
Sources:
UAPB Scholarships — https://www.uapb.edu/admissions/scholarships.aspx
UAPB Freshmen Scholarships — https://www.uapb.edu/admissions/freshmen_scholarships.aspx
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Unlike the automatic scholarships that come with admission, competitive awards at UAPB require extra steps such as essays, recommendations, or interviews. These are usually limited in number and go to students who stand out beyond GPA and test scores. At this time, UAPB does not publish any central, university-wide competitive scholarships outside of the automatic merit tiers.
This institution does not offer designated Competitive scholarships at this time.
FAQ about Competitive Scholarships
Does UAPB have competitive, full-ride programs? Not at this time. The major scholarships at UAPB are automatic merit awards tied to GPA and test scores.
Where should students look instead? Departmental scholarships and Honors Program awards are handled separately and will be covered in their own sections of this guide.
Is it still worth applying early? Yes. Even though there are no extra competitive programs, automatic merit funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sources:
UAPB Scholarships Overview — https://www.uapb.edu/admissions/scholarships.aspx
UAPB Freshmen Scholarships — https://www.uapb.edu/admissions/freshmen_scholarships.aspx
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
Beyond the main merit awards, UAPB has several lesser-known opportunities that can significantly cut costs. These are not automatic with admission—you’ll need to apply through the right office, audition, or commit to a program.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Onlymajor_specificpipeline
Choir & Auxiliary Performance Awards
📅 Deadline: March 1
✓ Renews
⚠ Audition‑based choir/auxiliary awards can significantly reduce tuition but are not reliably full‑tuition; families should treat them as partial performance scholarships, not guaranteed free tuition
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Awards can often be combined with academic scholarships, subject to institutional stacking policies.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to UAPB and complete an audition for choral ensembles or auxiliary units such as Golden Girls or Silks to be considered for performance awards.
Selection criteria: Selection is based on audition quality, skill level, and fit with ensemble needs.
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table notes choir awards can reach up to full tuition and auxiliary awards up to about $1,500 per year; amounts and availability vary with program needs and funding.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with strong vocal, dance, or auxiliary performance skills who audition successfully and remain active in their ensembles.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
SAFHS / Departmental Awards
📅 Deadline: March 1
✓ Renews
$1,000–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Varies by departmental funding and endowed awards winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Departmental awards typically supplement institutional merit and external aid, subject to cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences or individual departments using their scholarship forms and deadlines.
Selection criteria: Awards consider academic performance, faculty recommendations, and engagement in departmental activities or research.
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table summarizes typical award ranges of $1,000–$5,000 per year for agriculture, aquaculture & fisheries, and human sciences majors; specific scholarships and criteria vary by department.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: SAFHS majors who earn strong faculty recommendations, participate in research or extension activities, and maintain solid academic records.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Onlymajor_specificpipeline
Marching Band (Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South)
📅 Deadline: March 1
✓ Renews
⚠ Audition‑based band scholarships at UAPB can go as high as full tuition, but many awards are smaller; students should treat this as potentially full‑tuition, not a guaranteed full‑tuition band package.
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Band awards may be combined with some institutional and external aid, subject to institutional stacking and cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission to UAPB and complete a successful audition with the Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South to be considered for band scholarships.
Selection criteria: Awards are based on audition performance, musicianship, and the needs of the ensemble.
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table notes awards up to full tuition for students in the Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South; exact amounts vary by year and funding.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Talented instrumentalists who pass auditions and remain active and in good standing with the marching band program.
Full RideApp Requiredmajor_specific
1890 USDA Scholars Program (SAFHS)
📅 Deadline: March 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Ride
full_cost_of_attendance
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Ag/Science majors only. Requires a commitment to work with the USDA after graduation.
👥 ~Limited number of USDA 1890 National Scholars selected nationally and through partner universities winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers tuition, required fees, room, board, and books; stacking with other institutional aid is typically limited since this award meets most direct costs.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the USDA 1890 National Scholars application listing UAPB as a partner institution and complete any supplemental materials required by UAPB’s School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences.
Selection criteria: Evaluated on academic achievement, leadership, community service, and commitment to careers in food, agricultural, natural resource, or related sciences.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table describes this as a full tuition, room, board, fees, and books package tied to the USDA 1890 National Scholars initiative at UAPB.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
High-achieving students majoring in agriculture, fisheries, or human sciences disciplines who show leadership and interest in USDA-related careers.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Disclaimer: Deadlines listed are based on the most recent publishing cycle. For best results, apply and audition by March 1. Some scholarships (like the institutional 1890s) have an additional May 15 window. Confirm with departments, as some auditions or applications may be scheduled earlier or later each year.
Sources:
UAPB Scholarships & Aid — https://www.uapb.edu/admissions/scholarships.aspx
UAPB Music & Marching Band — https://www.uapb.edu/academics/school-of-arts-and-sciences/music/scholarships.aspx
UAPB Army ROTC — https://www.uapb.edu/academics/rotc/scholarship.aspx
UAPB SAFHS/1890 Scholars — https://www.uapb.edu/academics/school-agriculture-fisheries-human-sciences/scholarships.aspx
USDA 1890 National Scholars — https://www.usda.gov/partnerships/1890NationalScholars
🎖️ Honors College
UAPB’s Carolyn F. Blakely Honors Program is designed for motivated students who want a more personalized academic experience. It offers smaller seminars, close faculty mentorship, and enrichment opportunities that go beyond the standard curriculum. Admission is selective, but it’s accessible to strong students who demonstrate both academic readiness and commitment.
What a Typical UAPB Honors Student Looks Like:
GPA of 3.25 or higher, solid academic preparation, willingness to engage in seminars and colloquia, and leadership potential.
Honors Perks That Matter:
- Priority registration for classes
- Access to honors-only seminars and colloquia
- Book loan program to offset costs
- Opportunities for cultural events, professional meetings, and study abroad
This institution does not offer designated Honors College scholarships at this time.
Scholarship Connection: The Carolyn F. Blakely Honors Program does not have a separate scholarship application. Instead, the same high-achieving students who qualify for the program also qualify for UAPB’s top merit awards:
- Chancellor’s Scholarship: $16,500 per year ($66,000 total) for students with a 3.75 GPA and a 28 ACT or 1310 SAT. Many recipients are also admitted into Honors.
- University Scholarship: $12,000 per year ($48,000 total) for students with a 3.5 GPA and ACT/SAT scores in the mid-20s range. Strong candidates often overlap with Honors admission.
In short, there isn’t a separate “Honors College Scholarship.” Instead, the academic bar for Honors lines up with UAPB’s most generous awards, making the program an added value on top of those scholarships.
FAQ about the Honors Program
Is admission automatic? No. Students must apply to the program and meet GPA requirements; current UAPB students can also apply after enrollment.
Does it add time to a degree? No. Honors is designed as an enrichment program and does not add extra semesters.
How do scholarships work with Honors? Honors students are usually the same students who receive UAPB’s top merit awards, like the Chancellor’s and University Scholarships.
When should students apply? The program encourages early application, ideally before or at the time of enrollment, since spaces are limited.
Sources:
UAPB Carolyn F. Blakely Honors Program — https://www.uapb.edu/academics/blakely-honors-program/
UAPB Merit Scholarships — https://www.uapb.edu/admissions/scholarships.aspx
UAPB Freshman Scholarships — https://www.uapb.edu/admissions/freshmen_scholarships.aspx
⭐ College Specialty
If you’ve heard of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, chances are it’s because of its deep roots in agriculture and aquaculture. As Arkansas’s only public HBCU and a federally designated 1890 land-grant institution, UAPB has carved out a niche in programs that directly support the state’s industries and communities. Families looking for a school where academics connect closely to real-world careers will find those ties here.
Signature Program:
Aquaculture & Fisheries — UAPB hosts the state’s only comprehensive program in this field, with a nationally recognized Center of Excellence supporting Arkansas’s $60+ million aquaculture industry.
- Agriculture & Human Sciences: As an 1890 land-grant university, UAPB plays a key role in agricultural research, extension, and human sciences education in Arkansas.
- STEM & Cybersecurity: Offers a B.S. in Cybersecurity and expanding computing programs to meet national workforce needs in information security.
- Music & Performing Arts: The Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South (band) is regionally famous and a source of scholarships and visibility for the university.
- Teacher Education: Longstanding School of Education programs prepare K-12 teachers, especially for underserved Arkansas communities.
Final Thoughts
For families looking at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the numbers tell a clear story: strong automatic scholarships, generous hidden gems like ROTC and band, and an Honors Program that lines up with the school’s top awards. If your student is motivated and willing to take advantage of auditions, applications, or enrichment opportunities, UAPB can be an affordable path with plenty of support built in. It’s a place where effort really does translate into savings.
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