UA Little Rock Begins Second Century with Continued Enrollment Growth
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is starting its centennial year with continued enrollment growth, as preliminary fall 2026 figures show increases in both student headcount and credit hours.
After the 11th class day at UA Little Rock, undergraduate and graduate headcount is up 2% and 140 students for fall 2026, with student semester credit hours up 5.1% compared with the same time last year. Undergraduate enrollment continues to lead that growth, with headcount up 3.1%, or around 178 students, and undergraduate credit hours increasing 5.8%, as of September 9th.
Growth is particularly strong among new students. Combined, undergraduate first-time freshman and transfer students are up around 50 students. In all, more than 8,200 students are choosing to call UA Little Rock home this fall.
“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 are thrilled to welcome the first fall class of our second century.”
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 has the resources and support to thrive from their first day through graduation.”
Students are beginning the fall semester during a time of momentum across academics, research, student success, and athletics. This year’s students are part of a milestone moment for UA Little Rock, as the university celebrates its centennial and 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 also continues expanding 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 that launched 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.”
While undergraduate enrollment continues to grow, graduate enrollment remains an area of strategic focus. Preliminary graduate headcount is down 3.1%, a decline of less than 40 students, while graduate student semester credit hours are flat. 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 increased 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.
With the fall semester underway, UA Little Rock is focused on helping its growing student body make progress toward graduation. Students have access to academic advising, tutoring, career development, student organizations, and other resources designed to support their success throughout their time at the university.
“Every fall brings a new class of students with their own goals, ambitions, and potential,” Decker said. “We’re excited to have them on campus and to help them take advantage of everything UA Little Rock has to offer. As we begin our centennial year with more students choosing UA Little Rock, there’s tremendous energy around where this university is headed and what we can accomplish together. It’s an exciting time to be a Trojan.”