Rankings & accreditation
Rankings and accreditation — reading the numbers correctly
We list rankings and accreditations with source and year, without "number one" slogans. For families applying from outside the US, program accreditation (AACSB, ABET, ACEN) usually matters more than an overall rank — it is what employers and licensing boards look at.
US News & World Report 2026
The 2026 "Best Colleges" edition, published September 2025. Ranks within National Universities (about 440 doctorate-granting institutions).
#352
National Universities
#191
Top Public Schools
#135
Online Bachelor’s Programs
#184
Online Master’s in Education
Rank #352 among National Universities places A-State in the second half of the list of doctorate-granting US universities. That is typical for a regional public university with a broad-access mission (high acceptance, low tuition) — not a selective institution. The #191 Top Public Schools rank reflects its position among public universities.
What matters more to parents: US News weights reputation, graduation rates and financial resources heavily and does not measure individual programs. A student studying Accounting at an AACSB school or Mechanical Engineering in an ABET program receives the same professional recognition regardless of the overall rank.
Source: US News — Arkansas State University · Updated 08/2026
Carnegie R2 — high research activity
In February 2025 the Carnegie Classification reaffirmed A-State as R2 ("Research 2: High Research Spending and Doctorate Production"). The 2025 criteria require research expenditure above $5 million per year and at least 20 research doctorates awarded; A-State reported R&D expenditure above $10 million in fiscal year 2024.
A-State is one of three institutions in Arkansas with an R1/R2 research classification. For undergraduates this means labs, research projects and paid research-assistant roles from year two or three, especially in science, engineering and agriculture (the Arkansas Biosciences Institute is on campus).
Source: Carnegie Classification — Arkansas State University · A-State News — R2 reaffirmed (Feb 2025) · Updated 08/2026
Accreditation — institutional and program-level
| Accreditor | Scope | Since / valid |
|---|---|---|
| Higher Learning Commission (HLC) | Whole institution — regional accreditation recognised by the US Department of Education | Continuously since 1928 |
| AACSB International | College of Business — undergraduate and MBA | Undergraduate 1979 · MBA 1985 |
| ABET | Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering | Current |
| ACEN | Nursing programs | Current |
| CAEP | Teacher-preparation programs | Current |
| CEA | English Learning Academy (ELA) | Through December 2027 |
Dates are taken from A-State’s Accreditation page and each accreditor’s directory; other programs carry their own specialised accreditation (see college pages).
Source: A-State — Accreditation · AACSB accredited schools · ABET accredited programs · Updated 08/2026
Verifiable outcomes
Nursing — 100% NCLEX
A-State nursing graduates achieved a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN licensing exam for July 2023–June 2024 (Arkansas State Board of Nursing data).
Veterinary Medicine — first class Aug 2026
The College of Veterinary Medicine opened on 11 August 2026 with 122 inaugural students from 35 states in a $33.2 million building. International eligibility is not yet fully published.
Record enrolment
Fall 2025 recorded 17,926 students — the highest in the university’s history, with 1,200+ international students from 70+ countries.
Source: A-State College of Nursing & Health Professions · A-State College of Veterinary Medicine · Updated 08/2026
Frequently asked questions
Is rank #352 "low"?
Among roughly 4,000 US higher-education institutions, being in the National Universities group already places A-State among ~440 doctorate-granting universities. The rank reflects a broad-access, low-tuition public model. Compare by major and program accreditation rather than the headline number alone.
How important is AACSB for a business degree?
AACSB is the most demanding business accreditation; only about 6% of business schools worldwide hold it. Many multinational employers and top MBA programs prefer AACSB graduates. A-State has held it at undergraduate level since 1979 and for the MBA since 1985.
Do international engineering students need ABET?
Yes, if you want to sit the Professional Engineer (PE) exam in the US or be recognised under the Washington Accord in many countries. A-State holds ABET for Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering; confirm the separate accreditation status of Computer Science before applying.
What do the online rankings mean for someone outside the US?
Online Bachelor’s #135 and Online M.Ed #184 (US News 2026) show A-State Online is a serious option for working professionals abroad who want a US degree without relocating. Note that online programs do not qualify for an F-1 visa.
Are there other rankings worth trusting?
The Carnegie Classification (R2) is the most respected research classification in the US. Outcome data such as NCLEX pass rates or program accreditation results usually reflect real quality better than commercial league tables.
Need to compare A-State with other universities?
Our admissions team helps you compare by major, accreditation, total cost and OPT prospects — not just rank.