MONTICELLO, Ark. — The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) has been recognized in the top three higher education institutions in the category of “Best Small Public College in Arkansas” in the 2026 Niche.com Best Colleges rankings. This distinction highlights the university’s continued institutional progress and strong performance across key academic and student life indicators.
Niche bases its rankings on a comprehensive analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Education, along with reviews from students and alumni. Evaluation criteria include academic quality, affordability, campus experience, faculty resources and student outcomes. UAM’s performance across these metrics places it among the top institutions of its size and type in Arkansas.
In addition to its overall ranking, UAM received A or B grades in several categories that reflect the university’s core strengths, including academics, value, diversity, athletics, professors, dorms and campus food. UAM received its highest mark in the category of professors, earning an A-, which is based on faculty accomplishments, student-to-faculty ratio, student reviews and related factors.
Student feedback also reflected positively on the quality of instruction, with 89% of students reporting that professors are passionate about the subjects they teach. Additionally, 83% of students reported that professors are engaging and easy to understand and care about their students’ success.
“These rankings are a testament to the exceptional dedication of UAM’s faculty and staff in fostering not only high academic standards but also a deeply supportive educational environment. Our smaller class sizes allow for personalized attention and meaningful interactions, ensuring that every student receives the care and support they need to succeed. Faculty members are truly invested in their students’ success, often following their careers long after graduation and cultivating lifelong connections,” said Dr. Peggy Doss, chancellor of UAM. “Niche’s recognition reflects the immense value of our personnel and programs and the individualized experiences we provide throughout our students’ academic journeys. We remain committed to continuous growth and offering quality educational opportunities for our region and the entire state of Arkansas.”
