Arkansas State University

location_on Arkansas, United States school Public University

trophy #1500 World Rank

public Verified Listing

About Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University is a public research university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Located in Jonesboro, it provides a supportive and innovative learning environment to foster student success.

10k+ Students

18:1 Student-Faculty Ratio

Yes STEM Available

Mixed Classification

location_city City, State & Campus Insights

Explore life, weather, culture, transit, and demographics around Arkansas State University

groups 1. City Size & State Population

City Name

Jonesboro

City Area Size

210.0 sq km / 81.1 sq mi

City Population

82,411

State Population

3.0 Million

Density: 392.4 people per sq km / 1,016.2 people per sq mi

thermostat 2. Monthly Climate (Jan – Dec)

Jan

8°C

-2°C

46°F

Feb

11°C

0°C

52°F

Mar

16°C

4°C

61°F

Apr

22°C

9°C

72°F

May

27°C

14°C

81°F

Jun

31°C

19°C

88°F

Jul

33°C

21°C

91°F

Aug

32°C

20°C

90°F

Sep

28°C

16°C

82°F

Oct

22°C

9°C

72°F

Nov

15°C

4°C

59°F

Dec

9°C

-1°C

48°F

attractions 3. Top Places to Visit Nearby

Forrest L Wood Crowley's Ridge Nature Center

Nature Center

A state-of-the-art nature center offering exhibits, trails, and educational programs about the unique ecology of Crowley's Ridge.

Craighead Forest Park

Park

A large municipal park featuring a lake for fishing and boating, disc golf, walking trails, and playgrounds.

Arkansas State University Museum

Museum

Located on the A-State campus, this museum showcases natural history, cultural heritage, and regional artifacts.

Mardi Gras Parades (Downtown Jonesboro)

Annual Event

Jonesboro hosts vibrant Mardi Gras celebrations with parades, live music, and family-friendly activities.

restaurant 4. Top Local Foods & Cuisines

local_dining

Southern Fried Catfish

A staple in Arkansas, often served with hushpuppies, coleslaw, and tartar sauce.

local_dining

BBQ Ribs

Arkansas is part of the Southern BBQ belt, and slow-smoked ribs with tangy sauce are a local favorite.

local_dining

Chocolate Gravy and Biscuits

A unique Southern breakfast item, featuring warm, rich chocolate gravy poured over fluffy biscuits.

diversity_3 5. Racial & Demographic Composition

Jonesboro, AR, is a diverse city with a significant white and African American population, reflecting the broader demographics of the region.

Caucasian / White 69.1%

African American / Black 20.1%

Hispanic / Latino 6.1%

Asian American 1.7%

Multiracial & Other 3.0%

workspace_premium 6. Notable University Alumni & Figures

person

John Grisham

Novelist

Acclaimed author of legal thrillers, attended Arkansas State University.

person

Earl Bell

Olympic Pole Vaulter

Three-time Olympian and bronze medalist, former Arkansas State University athlete.

person

Mike Beebe

Former Governor of Arkansas

Served as the 45th Governor of Arkansas and is an alumnus of Arkansas State University.

directions_bus 7. Transportation & Getting Around

Jonesboro's transportation primarily relies on personal vehicles, though there are limited public transit options and a regional airport. The city is developing its pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.

Public Transit (Buses & Metro)

Jonesboro does not have an extensive public transit system. The JATRAN (Jonesboro Area Transit) provides limited bus routes within the city, primarily serving specific areas and operating on fixed schedules. Fares are affordable, but coverage is not comprehensive.

Walking & Cycling

Jonesboro is gradually improving its infrastructure for walkers and cyclists. There are some dedicated bike lanes and multi-use trails, particularly around parks and the university campus. The city's walk score is generally low, making a car often necessary for daily errands.

Regional Rail & Airport

The nearest major airport is Memphis International Airport (MEM), approximately an hour's drive away. Jonesboro has a regional airport (Jonesboro Municipal Airport - JBR) that offers general aviation services but no commercial passenger flights. There is no passenger rail service directly to Jonesboro.

school 8. Education & Literacy Level

Literacy Rate

98.5%

Bachelor's Degree+

26.5%

Jonesboro has a strong focus on education, driven by Arkansas State University. The city's literacy rate is high, and educational attainment is above the state average, though slightly below the national average for bachelor's degrees or higher. Arkansas State University is a key academic and research hub for the region.

trending_up 9. Main Source of Economy & Industries

The economy of Jonesboro is diverse, with strong sectors in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and agriculture, serving as a regional hub for Northeast Arkansas.