Undergraduate Credit Hours Up 12% as UA Little Rock Prepares to Welcome the First Fall Class of its Second Century
When students arrive on campus Aug. 24, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock expects to welcome a larger student body than it did last fall.
Preliminary enrollment figures show combined undergraduate and graduate headcount up 5% and nearly 300 students for fall 2026, with student semester credit hours up 11% compared with the same time last year. Undergraduate enrollment continues to lead that growth, with headcount up 7%, or more than 325 students, and undergraduate credit hours increasing 12%, as of July 27.
Growth is particularly strong among new students. First-time freshman enrollment is up 17%, and more than 60 students, while transfer student enrollment is up 29%, more than 100 students.
“These preliminary results show that more students and families are recognizing both the quality and affordability of a UA Little Rock education,” said Chancellor Christina S. Drale. “That reflects years of work to strengthen the value we offer students through affordability, academic quality, hands-on learning, and the support they need to succeed. We look forward to welcoming the first fall class of our second century in just a few weeks.”
The increase in student semester credit hours is another encouraging sign, Drale said, because it indicates students are enrolling in more coursework as they progress toward their degrees.
“Credit-hour growth matters because it reflects students making meaningful progress toward completing their degrees,” Drale said. “Our responsibility now is to make sure every student who joins us this fall has the resources and support to thrive from their first day through graduation.”
Those students will arrive at a university entering its second century with momentum across academics, research, student success, and athletics. Students entering this fall will be the first fall class of UA Little Rock’s second century, as the university began its yearlong Centennial celebration July 1, recognizing 100 years of expanding educational opportunity and serving Arkansas. This summer also marked the university’s move into the United Athletic Conference following the baseball program’s historic season and first appearance in an NCAA Super Regional.
The university continues to expand opportunities for students through nationally recognized artificial intelligence research, a growing cybersecurity initiative that provides hands-on learning while serving communities across Arkansas, and a new graduate certificate in health informatics launching this fall.
“Students are looking for a university that delivers both opportunity and value,” said Dr. W. Cody Decker, vice chancellor for student affairs and chief data officer. “These preliminary numbers suggest more students are finding that at UA Little Rock. We still have several weeks before classes begin, and our team will continue working with prospective and admitted students as they complete the enrollment process.”
While undergraduate enrollment continues to grow, graduate enrollment remains an area of strategic focus. Preliminary graduate headcount is down 5%, a decline of less than 40 students, while graduate student semester credit hours are down 2%. The decline is concentrated primarily among international students. UA Little Rock is responding by strengthening graduate recruitment, adding workforce-focused programs, and increasing financial support. Beginning this fall, minimum graduate assistant stipends will increase to $10,000 for master’s students and $15,000 for doctoral students — the university’s largest investment in graduate assistant stipends in more than a decade.
Students who are still considering UA Little Rock have time to join the fall 2026 class before classes begin Aug. 24. Eligible incoming freshmen may qualify for the Trojan Guarantee, which covers remaining tuition and mandatory fees after other financial aid is applied, or the university’s Half-Off Scholarship. More information about admissions, scholarships, and enrollment is available at ualr.edu/admissions or by calling 501-916-3127.
“Every fall brings a new class of students with their own goals, ambitions, and potential,” Decker said. “We’re excited to welcome them to campus and help them take advantage of everything UA Little Rock has to offer. As we prepare to begin our second century, there’s tremendous energy around where this university is headed, and it’s an exciting time to be a Trojan.”