Student Satisfaction Survey
2026 Survey Available February 1 - March 1
The 2026 Student Satisfaction Survey will soon open to current UAFS students. It's one of the main ways students can share what their experience at UAFS has been like. Students will receive a personalized survey link in their UAFS email. They can also use this survey link and log in using their UAFS credentials.
As a thank-you for taking the survey, students who complete it will be entered into prize drawings. Prizes include parking passes for the 2026–27 academic year, Owala water bottles, UAFS crewneck sweatshirts, and Lions Cash awards ranging from $100 to $250. The sooner you take the survey, the more chances you’ll have to win. Email lionsconnectFREEuafs if you have trouble accessing the survey.
The University of Arkansas–Fort Smith regularly invites students to share feedback about their experience, including academics, advising, campus life, and support services. The Student Satisfaction Survey provides an evidence-based view of how students experience UAFS and how those experiences compare to colleges and universities nationwide.
This page highlights key findings from the 2020 and 2023 surveys, explains how to interpret the results, and describes how student feedback helps inform improvement across the university.
Student Satisfaction Results
Results show that UAFS students report satisfaction above national benchmarks across key measures, including overall satisfaction, campus safety, and likelihood to enroll again.
Overall satisfaction
In 2023, 68% of UAFS students reported being satisfied or very satisfied with their
experience, compared to 57% nationally.
Would enroll again
74% of UAFS students reported they would probably or definitely choose UAFS again,
compared to 65% nationally.
Campus safety and security
Students rated campus safety and security at UAFS above the national average.
First-choice institution
In both 2020 and 2023, approximately two-thirds of surveyed students reported that
UAFS was their first-choice institution.
Top factors influencing enrollment
Students most often cited cost, financial aid, academic reputation, geographic setting,
and personalized attention prior to enrollment as important factors in their decision
to attend UAFS.
Results Over Time
Comparing results across survey cycles helps illustrate trends in student satisfaction and confidence. In this survey, "first-choice institution" refers to the percentage of students who reported UAFS was their preferred college or university at the time they enrolled.
| Measure | 2020 UAFS | 2023 UAFS | National (2023) |
| Satisfied or very satisfied | 65% | 68% | 57% |
| Would enroll again | 70% | 74% | 65% |
| First-choice institution | 65.4% | 65.7% | Not available |
What Students Report
Student responses also provide insight into specific areas of strength and areas where continued attention is important.
Areas of strength
Across survey years, students consistently identified strengths related to academic
quality, support, and campus environment, including:
- Campus safety and security
- Faculty knowledge and accessibility
- Academic growth and commitment to excellence
- Tutoring, advising, and registration support
- Feeling welcome and respected on campus
Areas of continued focus
Students also identified areas where continued attention is important, including:
- Instructional consistency across courses
- Course availability and scheduling
- Perceived value of tuition
- Financial aid timing and advising
- Campus infrastructure and housing
View Survey Reports
Survey reports and supporting materials are available for those who want to explore
the data in greater detail.
About the Survey
UAFS administers the Ruffalo Noel Levitz (RNL) Student Satisfaction Survey, a nationally recognized assessment used by more than 3,000 colleges and universities.
Using a common, external survey instrument allows UAFS to compare student responses to national benchmarks and track results consistently over time. This approach supports transparency, reliability, and meaningful comparison across institutions.
Why Student Satisfaction Matters
Student satisfaction data provides insight into how students experience the university beyond outcomes and rankings. It reflects day-to-day interactions with instruction, support services, campus environment, and institutional culture.
For prospective students and families
Satisfaction results help prospective students and families understand what current
students experience in practice. National benchmarks provide additional context for
comparing UAFS to colleges and universities across the country.
For current students
Survey feedback helps identify strengths, highlight areas for improvement, and inform
priorities across academic and student support areas. Student feedback plays an important
role in shaping the campus experience over time.
A First-Choice Institution
Student responses consistently show that UAFS is a first-choice institution for many students. In both 2020 and 2023, approximately two-thirds of surveyed students reported that UAFS was their first-choice university.
Research indicates that students who attend their first-choice institution are more likely to report higher satisfaction. This context helps explain overall satisfaction results and provides important perspective when reviewing the data.
How to Interpret Results
Survey items ask students to rate their satisfaction using a standardized response scale. Reported results reflect the percentage of students selecting the highest satisfaction responses.
Using national benchmarks
National comparisons help clarify how UAFS results compare to those reported by students
at institutions using the same survey instrument.
Comparing results over time
Results from 2020 and 2023 are best understood as trends. Changes indicate areas of
progress, stability, or continued focus rather than single-year outcomes.
What the survey reflects
The survey captures student perceptions at the time of response. While individual
experiences vary, results provide a reliable, large-scale view of student satisfaction.
Methodology Review
The Ruffalo Noel Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory was administered at UAFS February 1 through March 1, 2023. The prior administration occurred during February and March 2020.
How student satisfaction is measured
RNL defines student satisfaction as when expectations are met or exceeded by the student’s
perception of the campus reality. Survey responses are based on 98 questions using
a seven-point scale.
Who responded
In 2023, 1,135 UAFS students participated, representing a 31% response rate, which
exceeds the reported national average response rate of 20%.
How comparisons are made
National benchmarks reflect results reported by institutions using the same survey
instrument, allowing for consistent comparison across campuses and survey cycles.
Using Student Feedback
Survey results are reviewed across academic and administrative areas to identify priorities, guide planning, and inform improvement efforts. Reviewing trends over time helps the university focus resources where students indicate the greatest need.
This process supports transparency and accountability while keeping student experience central to institutional decision-making.
Reports and Resources
- View the 2023 Student Satisfaction Inventory Overview Report
Includes detailed results, national benchmarking, and trend summaries - View the 2020 Student Satisfaction Inventory Infographic
One-page visual summary of key findings
Questions? Contact Us.
Blake A. Johnson, Ph.D.
Assistant Provost for Student Success & Retention
Business & Industrial Institute, Room 103B
Blake.JohnsonFREEuafs
479-788-7801