UA Little Rock Earns High Marks in 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has once again been recognized among the nation’s best universities, with several programs ranked in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges list.
UA Little Rock earned national recognition in four undergraduate programs:
· Business – No. 194
· Computer Science – No. 245
· Nursing – No. 160
· Psychology – No. 297
The 2026 edition evaluated more than 1,700 U.S. colleges and universities, using up to 17 factors to measure academic quality and graduate success.
These rankings reflect the university’s strong academic programs and its commitment to providing students with the skills and opportunities needed to succeed in today’s workforce. U.S. News & World Report evaluates programs using a variety of factors, including faculty expertise, graduation rates, research activity, and career readiness.
Chancellor Christina Drale said the recognition is a reflection of the university’s focus on both academic quality and student success.
“These rankings demonstrate the strength of our academic programs and the dedication of our faculty and staff,” Drale said. “We are committed to ensuring our students graduate with the knowledge, skills, and experiences that prepare them to be leaders in their field.”
The School of Business saw a rise of nearly 30 spots, earning a place at No. 194 in the national rankings compared to No. 222 in the 2025 rankings. As one of only two AACSB-accredited business schools in central Arkansas, the program provides students with access to internships and partnerships with top employers in the region.
“We are proud that our programs are once again recognized nationally,” said Dr. Mark Funk, director of the School of Business. “Our faculty focus on partnering with the business community to give students both the academic foundation and the applied experience they need for lifelong professional success.”
The Department of Computer Science, ranked No. 245, continues to grow as a regional leader in cybersecurity and emerging technologies. The program offers a variety of pathways, including a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in cybersecurity as well as a Ph.D. in computer and information science. The department is also home to multiple new certificate programs that are helping to upskill Arkansas’s workforce. Enrollment in the department has increased to about 480 students this year, an increase of 10 percent over last year, with about 150 students enrolled in a cybersecurity certificate or degree program.
“Our faculty are committed to keeping curriculum cutting-edge and involving students in real-world research and development,” said Dr. Ahmed Abu Halimeh, interim chair of the Department of Computer Science. “By the time they graduate, our students have the skills and experiences that employers demand.”
UA Little Rock’s School of Nursing, the university’s largest undergraduate program, offers multiple respected degree pathways, including the traditional RN, the RN-to-BSN, and the LPN/Paramedic-to-RN programs. The school has a strong focus on student-centered learning and hands-on clinical training. The Center for Simulation Innovation, which provides essential simulation education for all nursing majors, has earned international recognition for excellence, including the 2023 Frontline Simulation Champion Excellence Award.
“Our students, faculty, and staff continue to shine year after year,” said Dr. Sloan Davidson, director of the School of Nursing. “This ranking reflects the hard work they put into advancing nursing education and preparing highly skilled nurses for Arkansas’s healthcare workforce.”
UA Little Rock’s psychology program was ranked No. 297. The program prepares graduates for a wide variety of fields, including counseling, research, healthcare, and education.
“We are excited to see psychology recognized nationally,” said Dr. Elisabeth Sherwin, chair of the Department of Psychological Science. “For the past several years, we have been updating our curriculum to better align it with the goals articulated by the American Psychological Association for undergraduate training as well as highlighting the workforce readiness skills that are embedded in our discipline and program. This recognition suggests that we are doing something right.”
UA Little Rock remains focused on strengthening the quality of its academic programs and the support it provides to students. By emphasizing faculty development, practical learning opportunities, and the use of new technologies, the university is preparing graduates to meet the needs of Arkansas and beyond. Learn more about academics at UA Little Rock by visiting ualr.edu/academics.