Arkansas State University

“Public R2 research university and flagship of the Arkansas State University System in Jonesboro.”

Arkansas State University (A-State) is a public research university located in Jonesboro, a friendly college town of roughly 80,000 in the agricultural Arkansas Delta, about an hour's drive from Memphis, Tennessee. Founded in 1909 as an agricultural training school, A-State has grown into the second-largest university in Arkansas and the flagship of the Arkansas State University System, with Carnegie R2 'high research activity' classification, more than 150 undergraduate programs across colleges ranging from Agriculture and Nursing to Engineering and Media & Communication, and a 1,376-acre residential campus anchored by the iconic First National Bank Arena and a new $52-million Neil Griffin College of Business building. The university's mascot — the Red Wolf, chosen to honor the region's native predator — is visible everywhere from athletic regalia to student traditions. Academically, A-State is known for affordability combined with hands-on research: the Arkansas Biosciences Institute funds undergraduate research in agricultural genomics and human disease; the nationally recognized College of Nursing and Health Professions graduates hundreds of RNs, physical therapists, and radiologic technologists each year; and the Neil Griffin College of Business has held AACSB accreditation since 1997. Engineering and the STEM-designated computer science, cybersecurity, and mathematics programs make A-State a practical choice for international students who plan to pursue 24-month STEM OPT extensions after graduation. Small class sizes (roughly 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio), moderate selectivity (~70% acceptance rate), and in-state-rate international tuition through specific scholarships have made A-State one of the more accessible U.S. public research options for students from India, China, Nepal, Nigeria, and Saudi Arabia. Student life at A-State is defined by its large residential campus, NCAA Division I athletics in the Sun Belt Conference (football, basketball, and the nationally competitive Scarlet Regiment marching band), and Red Wolf traditions like the 'Howl' cheer and Homecoming week. More than 200 student organizations, 18 fraternities and sororities, and the Cooper Alumni Plaza fountain — a favorite student gathering spot — anchor campus life. For international students, A-State's Office of International Programs hosts 1,200+ students from more than 70 countries, maintains the English Learning Academy for conditional admits, and coordinates dedicated intl orientation, airport pickup, and cultural programming throughout the year. Jonesboro itself offers a low cost of living, an international student-friendly downtown, and easy access to the music and food of Memphis for weekend trips.