The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and University of Arkansas at Monticello have earned high rankings from publications.
In its set of 2026 rankings, U.S. News and World Report ranked UAPB No. 5 among the top regional colleges in the South for veterans, No. 6 among the top regional public schools in the South, No. 19 among regional colleges in the South, No. 20 among the top performers in South for social mobility and No. 27 nationally among historically Black colleges and universities. The No. 19 ranking was up two places from last year and the No. 20 ranking was up seven places.
UAPB Chancellor Anthony Graham revealed these rankings at the university’s Oct. 10 alumni convocation as part of homecoming activities.
U.S. News said schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence. More than 1,700 colleges and universities in the country were evaluated to measure academic quality and graduate success.
UAPB was given an overall score of 66 out of 100. According to U.S. News, 52% of the score was based on outcomes including an average six-year graduation rate, with expert opinion, faculty resources and financial resources also factoring into the overall score.
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Graham added that Georgetown University’s Center for Education and the Workforce ranked UAPB among the top 20% in the nation for return on investment.
According to the CEW, 4,600 colleges and universities were ranked in this category. The return on investment is calculated using variables from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, including students’ median earnings six, eight and 10 years after they enroll at an institution; the average net price of the institution; and the predominant credential awarded at the institution.
UAM was recognized as the third-best small public college in Arkansas for 2026 by Niche.com. UAM said in a news release the distinction highlights its continued institutional progress and strong performance across key academic and student life indicators.
UAPB was ranked fourth-best in the category. Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock were ranked first and second.
Both UAM and UAPB received an overall Niche grade of B-. Niche said its grades and rankings “are calculated by a team of experts using dozens of public data sets and millions of real reviews.”
Of 12 categories in which UAM was graded, the university received an A- in professors and a B- to B+ in academics, diversity, athletics, dorms, value and campus food. UAM earned a C+ in student life, campus, party scene, location and safety.
UAM also was rated No. 266 out of 1,595 “Colleges with the Best Professors in America,” and No. 347 out of 1,367 for “Best College Food in America.”
In a student poll, according to Niche, 89% of students said professors are passionate about the topics they teach and 83% said professors are engaging and easy to understand.
“Niche’s recognition reflects the immense value of our personnel and programs and the individualized experiences we provide throughout our student’ academic journeys,” UAM Chancellor Peggy Doss said. “We remain committed to continuous growth and offering quality educational opportunities for our region and the entire state of Arkansas.”
UAPB received an A- for campus food and A for party scene. The university scored Bs in academics, diversity, athletics, professors, student life and value, while earning Cs in dorms, campus, location and safety.
UAPB was ranked 78th out of 743 “Best Greek Life Colleges in America,” 149th of 1,598 “Top Party Schools in America” and 160th of 706 “Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in America.” It also placed 380th among “Colleges with the Best Professors in America.”
In a student poll by Niche, 75% said professors are passionate about the topics they teach and 72% said professors are engaging and easy to understand.
Niche said its rankings are based on “rigorous analysis of key statistics” from the Department of Education and millions of reviews.