Officials did not know what caused Friday's fire at the three-story Johnson Hall, and were investigating Saturday, said Cpl. Herman Carter of the UAPB Police Department.
Carter said police believe the fire started in a room on the second floor but do not know how.
The dorm serves male students. Its residents were reassigned to other university housing, university spokeswoman Eva McGee said.
McGee identified the injured as Terrance Sain, of Wynne, who suffered a broken nose; Joseph Moore, of St. Louis, who was treated for smoke inhalation, and Mark Spencer, who was treated for minor scratches.
Lt. Shauwn Howell, a spokesman for the Pine Bluff Fire Department, said firefighters saw heavy smoke and flames coming from the second floor of the dormitory when they arrived at 3:33 a.m. Four fire companies and 14 firefighters battled the blaze, which was extinguished by about 8 a.m.
Initial reports indicated 50 dorm rooms were damaged. No damage estimate was available. The three students were taken to Jefferson Regional Medical Center for treatment of their injuries.
"UAPB will exhaust all avenues in an attempt to reimburse students for losses," university Chancellor L.A. Davis said.
Counseling services also were available for students through the campus counseling center, he said.
