Higher Education

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University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

The University of Arkansas- Fort Smith (UAFS) has never really fit the mold of a typical university — and they’ve never really wanted to. The school’s passion isn’t to replicate how higher education has always been done, but to redefine it for the good of their students, and it means all of them. From high school seniors to senior professionals, first-generation students to second-chance underdogs, UAFS’ goal has always been to provide each student with the most relevant education that honors their unique personal situation and life goals.

You experience the UAFS difference the moment you step onto campus. The size of the university, just over 6,000 students, fosters a sense of belonging that isn’t easily replicated at larger institutions. The faculty takes a personal interest in their student’s lives and their individual academic and career goals. This tight-knit community gives UAFS students the confidence to roam, explore, and achieve amazing things for themselves and their families.

UAFS is the most affordable four-year institution in the state of Arkansas and offers the same in-state tuition rates to residents of all bordering states. This affordability paired with more than 100 career-focused academic pathways, including certificates, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, makes UAFS an incomparable value.

At UAFS students aren’t just educated; they are empowered to live outstanding lives. Leadership opportunities abound in its 100+ student organizations, including Greek life, intramural sports, academic societies, and cultural groups. For those who want to live in the heart of campus life, UAFS offers two residence halls with a full-service dining hall along with an apartment complex for upperclassmen. And every UAFS student experiences the thrill of collegiate athletics when they cheer on their Lions and Lady Lions in NCAA Division II competitions.

Visit
uafs.edu to learn more.

Photo courtesy Rachel Rodemann Putman, Associate Director of Strategic Communications at University of Arkansas - Fort Smith. 
Students at the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education enjoy a back to school picnic on campus. Photo courtesy Arkansas Colleges of Health Education.
Students at the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education enjoy a back to school picnic on campus. Photo courtesy Arkansas Colleges of Health Education.

Arkansas Colleges of Health Education

Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE) is a private, not-for-profit institution located on 573 acres in Fort Smith.  ACHE’s first college, the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (ARCOM) graduated its inaugural class of 145 osteopathic medical students on May 15, 2021. 

ACHE opened its second building, a 66,000 square foot facility that is now the home to the School of Physical Therapy and the School of Occupational Therapy. ACHE School of Physical Therapy welcomed its first class in June 2021.  The ACHE School of Occupational Therapy welcomed its first class in January 2022. 

ACHE recently announced a $32.3 million gift to go toward the renovations of the ACHE Research Institute Health & Wellness Center, as well as a variety of health and wellness programs that will take place in the 317,000 square foot facility that was formerly the corporate headquarters of Beverly Enterprises and later, Golden Living.

ACHE is the first and only private institution in Arkansas that is dedicated solely to healthcare and wellness.

For more information about the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education visit 
www.acheedu.org.


Students at the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education enjoy a back to school picnic on campus. Photo courtesy Arkansas Colleges of Health Education. 

Arkansas Tech University - Ozark Campus

Arkansas Tech University – Ozark Campus (ATU-Ozark) is located just 40 miles from Fort Smith, in Ozark, Arkansas, just two miles south of Interstate 40 on State Highway 23. The school offers high quality technical education and training that prepares students for a rewarding career in their chosen fields.

Short program lengths, reasonable tuition rates, instruction that reflects industry standards, excellent job placement rates and supportive faculty and staff combine with the easily commutable distance to make it a great choice for students looking to improve their income potential without a four-year degree. All programs can be completed in two years or less.

ATU-Ozark offers Associate of Applied Science degrees and technical certificate programs that provide students with the knowledge and skills that result in well-paid, challenging careers.
Programs are offered in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Automation Technology, Automotive Service Technology, Banking Services, Business Technology, Business Technology-Human Resources option, Cardiac Sonography, Collision Repair, Cosmetic Science, Dispatcher Telecommunications, General Studies, Health Information Technology, Health Sciences, Human Services, Industrial Control Systems, Jail Standards, Law Enforcement, Logistics Management, Machine Operations, Medical Assisting, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Transcription, Occupational Therapy Assistant, and Office Support Specialist.

The school’s current student satisfaction rate is 82%, which compares favorably to the 2020 national average of 65%, according to a Ruffalo Noel Levitz (RNL) survey.
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