Four UA Little Rock Programs Earn National Recognition in 2027 U.S. & World Report Best Colleges Rankings
From business and computer science to nursing and psychology, University of Arkansas at Little Rock students are pursuing degrees from nationally recognized programs across a wide range of fields.
Four UA Little Rock undergraduate programs earned spots in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings:
- Business – No. 262 (tie)
- Computer Science – No. 257 (tie)
- Nursing – No. 336 (tie)
- Psychology – No. 276 (tie)
“Having four undergraduate programs recognized nationally reflects the breadth and strength of the academic opportunities available to students at UA Little Rock,” said Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Ann Bain. “I’m proud of the dedication of our faculty and their commitment to preparing students with the knowledge and experiences they need to thrive after graduation.”
The annual U.S. News Best Colleges rankings are designed to help prospective students and their families compare colleges and universities across the country. In addition to institutional rankings, U.S. News evaluates undergraduate programs in several academic disciplines, including business, computer science, nursing, and psychology.
Business
UA Little Rock’s School of Business was ranked No. 262 nationally. The school combines classroom instruction with opportunities for students to gain practical experience and build connections with employers and business leaders throughout the region.
Mark Funk, director of the School of Business, credited the school’s faculty and the relationships they build with students for the recognition.
“Our faculty are the reason for this,” Funk said. “They teach from experience, they know their students personally, and they invest in them well beyond the syllabus. That’s a rare thing, and we’re fortunate to have built it here.”
Computer Science
UA Little Rock’s computer science program earned a No. 257 national ranking as the university continues to expand education and research opportunities in emerging areas of technology.
“Being ranked among the top 257 computer science programs nationally is a significant recognition of our faculty’s excellence, the quality of our programs, and our students’ success,” said Dr. Ahmed Abu Halimeh, interim director of the School of Computer and Information Sciences. “It reflects our continued commitment to academic excellence and preparing our graduates to lead in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.”
Students in computer science have opportunities to build experience through coursework, research, and hands-on projects in areas including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, and other emerging technologies.
Nursing
UA Little Rock’s School of Nursing was ranked No. 336 nationally. The university’s largest undergraduate program offers multiple pathways for students pursuing nursing careers, including the traditional RN, RN-to-BSN, and LPN/Paramedic-to-RN programs.
“National recognition among top nursing programs reflects the excellence of our faculty, the commitment of our students, and our dedication to preparing nurses who make a positive impact in healthcare,” said Dr. Elizabeth Sloan Davidson, director of the School of Nursing. “The immersive simulation experiences at the Center for Simulation Innovation further strengthen our students’ workforce readiness by providing practical skills and confidence to excel from the start.”
The Center for Simulation Innovation provides nursing students with opportunities to practice clinical skills and decision-making in realistic healthcare scenarios before entering professional practice.
Psychology
UA Little Rock’s psychology program was ranked No. 276 nationally, up from No. 297 in the 2026 rankings.
“We are excited to be recognized for the second year in a row — and especially pleased to have risen from No. 297 to No. 276,” said Dr. Elisabeth Sherwin, chair of the Department of Psychological Science. “We believe this recognition reflects the continued work of our faculty to provide students with a strong undergraduate education in psychological science and to ensure that our curriculum continues to evolve to meet the needs of our students.”
In recent years, faculty have strengthened the program’s curriculum through a revamped virtual statistics lab using Excel and Python alongside writing-intensive Research Methods and Capstone courses. The program has also placed a greater emphasis on career readiness, while four new research labs have expanded opportunities for students to gain hands-on research experience alongside faculty.
Through nationally recognized academic programs, hands-on learning opportunities, and connections with employers and community partners, UA Little Rock continues to prepare students with the knowledge and experience they need to succeed after graduation.
Learn more about academic programs at UA Little Rock at ualr.edu/academics.