U.S. News and World Report has named Arkansas Tech University the No. 1 regional public university in Arkansas for the 2025-26 academic year.
It is the fifth consecutive year that U.S. News and World Report has recognized ATU as the top regional public university in Arkansas.
“You can see a marked increase in enthusiasm at Arkansas Tech this year,” said Dr. Russell Jones, ATU president. “I think the students are more engaged, and of course if they are more engaged they’re better retained and more likely to graduate. We’re here first and foremost for academics, and we seek to ensure access to our degree programs by emphasizing affordability and return on investment. I’m excited to have more than 9,000 students on our campuses this year. It’s a great time to be at Arkansas Tech.”
U.S. News evaluated more than 1,700 U.S. four-year, bachelor’s degree-granting institutions on as many as 17 measures for its 41st rankings edition. Graduation rates, first-year retention rates, first-generation graduation rates, student debt rates and student-to-faculty ratio are among the factors included in the methodology.
“For over four decades, Best Colleges has served as a trusted and data-backed resource for students and families navigating the complex college search process,” said Dr. LaMont Jones, managing editor for education at U.S. News. “Over the years, Best Colleges has evolved into a comprehensive tool that reflects the changing landscape of higher education, providing prospective students with a crucial starting point to identify schools that align with their academic and personal goals.”
Founded in 1909, Arkansas Tech serves more than 9,000 students through campuses in Russellville and Ozark. ATU conferred 5,299 degrees and credentials during the 2024-25 academic year, the most in a single year in ATU history.
Visit www.atu.edu to learn more about Arkansas Tech University.
