Arkansas Tech University

Russellville, AR

publicgraduate

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Quick Facts

5,993

Total Students

$9K

Tuition (In-State)

$15K

Tuition (Out-State)

$12K

Avg Net Price

96%

Acceptance Rate

49%

Graduation Rate

6-year

71%

Retention Rate

Master's Colleges & Universities

Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Arkansas Tech University

From its roots as an agricultural high school, Arkansas Tech has grown into a dynamic polytechnic college.

Arkansas Tech University, known affectionately as Arkansas Tech, boasts a rich history rooted in the foundational educational movements of early 20th-century Arkansas. Established in 1909 as the Second District Agricultural School, it was one of four such institutions created by the state to provide practical education in agriculture, horticulture, and textile making. This pioneering spirit laid the groundwork for a university dedicated to applied learning and community engagement, evolving significantly over its first few decades.

Initially offering a secondary education focused on technical and agricultural subjects, the institution quickly adapted to the changing educational landscape. By 1925, its purpose had expanded to include the first two years of college instruction, leading to its renaming as Arkansas Polytechnic College. This transformation underscored its commitment to a broader technical and academic curriculum, preparing students for diverse careers and further studies.

The evolution continued, with the school becoming a two-year junior college in 1927 and discontinuing high school classes by the 1929-1930 academic year. This progression highlights Arkansas Tech's persistent drive to elevate its academic offerings and solidify its role as a key institution for higher education. For prospective students, this history signals a commitment to growth, practical skills, and a responsive educational environment designed to meet future demands.

Key Highlights

✦Established in 1909 as one of four pioneering agricultural high schools in Arkansas under Act 100.
✦Evolved from a secondary agricultural school to Arkansas Polytechnic College by 1925, reflecting expanded college instruction.
✦Transformed into a two-year junior college in 1927, completely discontinuing high school classes by 1929–1930.
✦The Russellville location was chosen on February 10, 1910, after evaluating proposals from Fort Smith, Morrilton, and Ozark.
✦Original curriculum focused on vital practical subjects such as horticulture, textile making, and agriculture.

Timeline

1909

Act 100 passed, establishing four district agricultural high schools, including what would become Arkansas Tech.

1910

Russellville selected as the location for the Second District Agricultural School on February 10.

1910

Construction of the school's Main Building commenced on April 10.

1910

First classes were held in Russellville on October 26.

1925

The school's name changed to Arkansas Polytechnic College, reflecting its new focus on college-level instruction.

1927

The institution officially became a two-year junior college.

1930

High school classes ceased being offered by the end of the 1929–1930 academic year.

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