Understanding Tuition and Costs at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Planning for college expenses is a crucial part of the application process. Understanding the costs associated with attending a particular school and the financial aid options available is the first step in managing those costs effectively. This article provides a comprehensive overview of tuition, fees, and financial aid at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UA Little Rock).

Cost of Attendance: The Sticker Price

The "Cost of Attendance" represents the total amount of money the average student has to pay to attend a particular school before any financial aid is applied. It’s essentially the school’s sticker price. Here's a breakdown of the costs at UA Little Rock:

In-State Tuition: \$8,455 per year
Out-of-State Tuition: \$19,210 per year
Books and Supplies: \$1,250 per year
Personal Expenses: \$6,799 per year

Transportation costs were not available in the provided data.

As noted, out-of-state students pay significantly more in tuition, \$9,777 more, than their in-state counterparts.

Tuition and Fees: A Closer Look

UA Little Rock offers relatively affordable tuition rates compared to national averages, but fees can be higher.

For undergraduate students:

In-District Tuition: \$6,600 per year (bottom 20% nationally)
In-State Tuition: \$6,600 per year
Out-of-State Tuition: \$19,050 per year (considered low relative to similar institutions)
Fees (all): \$3,017 annually (top 15% nationally)

For graduate students:

In-District Tuition: \$5,850 annually (bottom 20% nationally)
In-State Tuition: \$5,850 annually
Out-of-State Tuition: \$13,266 (low compared to national figures)
Fees (all): \$1,834 per year (top 30%)
Part-time (per credit hour): \$325 (in-district/in-state), among the more affordable options.

Compared with the national average cost of in-state tuition of \$12,436, UA Little Rock is cheaper. For students coming from out of state, the tuition is cheaper than the national average cost of out-of-state tuition of \$29,815.

Understanding Financial Aid

Financial aid can significantly reduce the cost of college. It comes in various forms:

Grants: Money you don't have to pay back.
Scholarships: Money you don't have to pay back, often based on merit or specific criteria.
Loans: Money you have to pay back with interest.
Work-Study Jobs: Part-time jobs on campus to help earn money for expenses.

While the exact percentage of students receiving financial aid and the financial aid application due date were not available, the average aid package is \$7,561.

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Grants and Scholarships

Grants and scholarships are the most desirable forms of financial aid because they don't require repayment. UA Little Rock seems to offer substantial grant aid, with more students receiving financial aid and each award being higher.

Student Loans

Student loans are a common way to finance college, but it's important to minimize debt.

Federal Loans: At UA Little Rock, 46% of all students take out federal loans, with an average annual amount of \$4,537. Federal loans generally have lower interest rates.
Private Loans: Only 1% of students at UA Little Rock take out private loans, with an average amount of \$6,781. Private loans typically have higher interest rates than federal loans.

The fact that a lower percentage of students take out loans at UA Little Rock is a positive sign.

Net Price: What You'll Actually Pay

The Net Price is the total cost of attending UA Little Rock after subtracting grants and scholarships. It's the amount you'll pay out of pocket.

Average Net Price of real students - Not available.
To get a personalized estimate, use UA Little Rock's Net Price calculator.

Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

The US government uses a standardized formula to calculate the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is an estimate of how much your family can afford to pay for college. Colleges use the EFC as a guideline when determining financial aid packages.

Read also: Legacy of Fordham University

Work-Study Programs and On-Campus Housing

UA Little Rock offers work-study opportunities for eligible students, providing financial support and valuable work experience. These programs often involve minimum wage or entry-level positions on campus. Internships, sometimes integrated with work-study funding, provide practical experience in a student's field of study.

On-campus housing is available, with a dormitory capacity of approximately 1,395 students.

Financial Obligations and Withdrawal Policies

Enrolling in classes at UA Little Rock creates a financial obligation to pay tuition and fees. Students withdrawing after the specified deadlines remain liable for full charges. The university accepts financial aid and third-party sponsorship but the responsibility for payment remains with the student. Collection costs incurred due to delinquency will be at the borrower's expense, up to 33.3% of the balance owed.

Value and Alternatives

While UA Little Rock is a decent value, exploring other high-value schools is recommended to find the best fit for your financial situation. Consider schools with similar academic levels that may offer more financial aid. In-state public schools often have subsidized tuition for state residents, making them a potentially more affordable option.

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