University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Pine Bluff, AR

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Quick Facts

1873

Founded

Public historically black university

Type

1,899

Total Students

$28M

Endowment

$9K

Tuition (In-State)

$17K

Tuition (Out-State)

$12K

Avg Net Price

58%

Acceptance Rate

40%

Graduation Rate

6-year

65%

Retention Rate

Baccalaureate Colleges

Classification

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

About University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Arkansas's oldest and largest HBCU, a pioneer in aquaculture research with a rich historical legacy.

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) stands as a beacon of education and innovation, holding the distinction of being the oldest and largest Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Arkansas. Established in 1873, UAPB has a profound historical legacy, evolving from its roots as Branch Normal College to a comprehensive university known today for its groundbreaking research and dedicated student community.

UAPB's journey began with a mission to provide higher education for Black students during a time of segregation. Authorized in 1873 and opening in 1875, it was initially part of the University of Arkansas system before becoming independent as Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical & Normal College (Arkansas AM&N) in 1927. This institution played a critical role as a land-grant college, dedicated to accessible education. After decades of growth and development, it rejoined the University of Arkansas System in 1972, gaining university status and its current name.

Today, UAPB is particularly celebrated for its leadership in aquaculture studies, offering Arkansas's only comprehensive program in this vital field. Since 1988, the university has been a hub for research supporting a growing regional industry, demonstrating its commitment to both academic excellence and economic impact. With the addition of an Aquaculture/Fisheries PhD program in 2012, UAPB provides unparalleled opportunities for students interested in contributing to a critical global industry, fostering a unique and impactful learning experience for its 2,670 students.

Key Highlights

✦Oldest and largest Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Arkansas, founded in 1873.
✦Designated as a land-grant college in 1890, expanding educational access and practical studies.
✦Home to Arkansas's only comprehensive aquaculture studies program, recognized as a leading research institution since 1988.
✦Offers an advanced Aquaculture/Fisheries PhD program, added in 2012, for cutting-edge research.
✦Supports a vital regional industry, with aquaculture valued at $167 million in Arkansas and $1.2 billion in the Mississippi Delta.
✦Part of the esteemed University of Arkansas System since 1972, providing a robust university experience.
✦A public institution with a student body of 2,670, fostering a close-knit and supportive academic environment.

Timeline

1873

Authorized by the Reconstruction-era legislature as Branch Normal College.

1875

Opened with Joseph Carter Corbin as principal.

1890

Designated as a land-grant college under the Morrill Land-Grant Acts.

1927

Severed ties with the University of Arkansas and became Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical & Normal College (Arkansas AM&N).

1929

Moved to its current campus location.

1972

Re-joined the University of Arkansas System, gaining university status and its current name.

1988

Gained recognition as a leading research institution in aquaculture studies.

2012

The Aquaculture/Fisheries program was enhanced by the addition of a PhD program.

🏛️

153 Years

of Excellence

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