About University of Central Arkansas

Founded in 1907, University of Central Arkansas. is a Public college. Located in Arkansas, which is a city setting in Arkansas, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 9,616 full time undergraduate students, and 1,871 full time graduate students.

The University of Central Arkansas Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 17:1. There are 545 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at University of Central Arkansas include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate89%
Application Deadline
Application Fee25
SAT Range870-1060
ACT Range20-27

Admissions at UCA are considered Less Selective, with ,65% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 38 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

76% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 43% were in the top quarter, and 18% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at University of Central Arkansas.

University of Central Arkansas REVIEWS

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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    158 Students rated on-campus housing 3.6 stars. 21 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    104 Students rated off-campus housing 3.8 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    164 Students rated campus food 3.6 stars. 26 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    169 Students rated campus facilities 4.2 stars. 42 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    168 Students rated class size 4.2 stars. 39 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    169 Students rated school activities 4 stars. 38 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    169 Students rated local services 4.3 stars. 54 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    169 Students rated academics 4.2 stars. 44 % gave the school a 5.0.

What's your overall opinion of University of Central Arkansas?

77 Students rated University of Central Arkansas

Christian - 04/17/2023

The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) is a public university located in Conway, Arkansas, and is known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus community. One of UCA's strengths is its dedication to providing students with a well-rounded education. The university offers a wide variety of majors, ranging from traditional disciplines like business, education, and nursing, to more unique programs like digital filmmaking and game and interactive design. Additionally, UCA emphasizes the importance of experiential learning, with opportunities for internships, research, and study abroad programs available to all students. Another notable aspect of UCA is its campus culture. The university boasts a tight-knit community, with a diverse student body and numerous student-led organizations and events. The campus is also home to several state-of-the-art facilities, including a new health and wellness center, an indoor athletic complex, and a performing arts center. UCA is also committed to making higher education accessible and affordable. The university offers a variety of scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options to help students finance their education. Additionally, UCA's tuition rates are lower than many other universities in the region, making it an excellent value for students seeking a high-quality education. Overall, the University of Central Arkansas is an excellent choice for students seeking a well-rounded education in a supportive and engaging community. With its diverse academic offerings, strong campus culture, and commitment to accessibility and affordability, UCA is a top choice for students in Arkansas and beyond.

Ainsley - 12/17/2022

I am not quite a student yet, however, I have toured three times. I have sat in on classes and I have attended bear facts day recently. I love the campus. I have family who also go to UCA and they also love it. There is not much to complain about other than than the fact that its a huge campus and hard to find things sometimes. I was on crutches at Bear Facts day and I was accomadated very well. I had a golf cart where ever I needed to go. Thank you for all the wonderful staff I have met so far!

jade - 10/14/2021

I have loved every second of campus life and being in a sorority has really made it even easier than expected. My sisters are wonderful! I don’t like online classes. They are much harder than in person. Also the cost is a bit much but it is worth it!

Brett - 08/21/2020

I feel that UCA provides a very good environment for college students. I feel that it is a great school, no matter what degree you are pursuing. UCA gives everyone the opportunity to be involved, or not be involved, if you so choose. I am so glad I choose UCA to obtain my degree.

University of Central Arkansas FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at University of Central Arkansas?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for University of Central Arkansas is 89%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    You should be absolutely sure that you what to declare a major in your first semester. Get involved with Chi Alpha. Pray and fast about college. Make schedules and keep them. Show love to your friends and brother. Don't let your mother do everything for you. Learn to cook better. Learn to communicate, better. Write down your prayers, feelings and dreams.

    Read all  144 answers
  3. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    The worst thing about the University of Central Arkansas is the availability of parking. There is always some type of construction going on that takes away another parking lot. There is a very limited amount of parking spots and sometimes it is hard to find one.

    Read all  32 answers
  4. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    My school has a huge sense of campus pride and strong sense of community and support throughout the faculty/staff and student populations.

    Read all  29 answers
  5. Describe the students at your school.

    UCA students are creative and genuinely compassionate, with a drive and focus rarely seen in people our age.

    Read all  27 answers
  6. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    I brag about the research that I do and student ministry group that I am in. This University allows undergrads to do serious scientific research and Chi Alpha is the thrid largest of its kind in the nation.

    Read all  27 answers
  7. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    Those not ready for college.

    Read all  27 answers
  8. What's unique about your campus?

    The class sizes, the availability of professors and the undergraduate research.

    Read all  26 answers
  9. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish I had known that I could clep out of more classes. Also, I wanted to take several courses that I was interested in but not serious about, but I cannot take those courses without all kinds of prerequisites.

    Read all  25 answers
  10. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    It's one of only two schools in the state that offers the programs I'm interested in - Kinesiology. It's a quickly growing school that is starting to get recognition nationwide for it's academics.

    Read all  22 answers
  11. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    Physical Theraphy graduate program

    Read all  20 answers
  12. What kind of person should attend this school?

    Our school is very diverse. So I am not sure what type of person would attend this school.

    Read all  15 answers
  13. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    The feeling that there is too much to be dont beofre the end of the semester--a (good) paper per semester is one thing. Five per semester is completely different, especially when nearly each is completed with a different page requirement between 4 and 25 pages.

    Read all  15 answers
  14. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    UCA is a big campus and was made for people to commute on foot, meaning the parking lots are on the edges of campus. It has a great community feel but if you want convenience you won't find it in our parking lots. It has become very apparent to me that finding a parking spot is a big part of my day.This is a great college town so i love to get out and explore but coming back and having to search multiple parking lots just so you can go to your room can be exhausting. If you wanna come here get used to walking, but in my opinion it is worth it! The perks of UCA is that it is on the outskirts of Conway, Walmart is nearby, there are many places to eat on campus, and everyone here shows their bear pride, DO IT LIKE A BIG BEAR: GRRRRR

    Read all  4 answers
  15. What are the academics like at your school?

    UCA is pretty challenging and a little overwhelming at first, but there are many people here to help. Every Professor I've had has been more than happy to help me understand their subject. There are also many opportunities for study sessions, and tutoring (which you have already paid for with tuition). A few of my classes have over 100 students but it seems like the professors remember you anyways, it's hard to learn everyone's name so i don't blame them, but they always try! If you plan to take Psychology I would recommend Dr. Brinegar. She has an interesting teaching method, that never bores me! There is a lot of competition here mainly because of the prestigious programs offered at this University, for instance my current department is Occupational Therapy, meaning you need good grades to get into the masters program. I like that this school gives you space to make errors but encourages your best outcomes.

    Read all  4 answers
  16. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    I mean, there are parties and I've seen them advertised, but UCA isn't really a party school. Most of the kids in Conway go to Hendrix to party not UCA. And in my opinion a party school is only a party school if you make it that way.

    Read all  4 answers
  17. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    Getting into an RSO to learn about leadership and giving back to the community. There are a lot and if you can't find one, just ask anyone who works at the Student Center. They will direct you in the right place.

    Read all  3 answers
  18. Describe the dorms.

    Living on campus is a great experience because of the social atmosphere, but the facilities are not five star. I live in Carmichael, an all girls dorm, so there is a lot of drama. But the worst part is the community bathrooms, some girls are really gross and keep the bathrooms disgustingly dirty, the maid that cleans it everyday is off on the weekends so the bathroom becomes a pig sty! Last year a girl in this building had a miscarriage and left it in the toilet and on the bathroom floor for someone else to find. The rooms are pretty small but you have the option to bunk beds giving you much more room. When choosing an apartment know that off campus apartments can sometimes be cheaper than "on campus" apartments and be the same distance from the main campus, the main difference is UCA's ownership of the apartments and the transportation to main campus is through shuttle for apartments such as Bear Village.

    Read all  2 answers
  19. What are your classes like?

    Most of my classes have over 70 students, coming from a high school with 52 in our graduating class this was definitely a change. I'm taking General Education classes right now so i expect for my classes to decrease in size by junior year. My biology class has over 150 in a large lecture hall. With a class of that size it can be hard to concentrate so try to get a seat in the first three rows, because after that you lose focus and it's hard to hear most professors. Also there is a no attendance policy in most Gen Ed courses, but try to attend as many lectures as possible it will help your grade tremendously!

    Read all  2 answers
  20. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    I think the biggest stereotype of students at my school is that we are party a lot.

    Read all  2 answers
  21. Describe a day on campus you'll never forget.

    So far the day on campus that I will never forget is my first Bid Night for Panhellenic Sororities here on campus. When I got my bid, it was pretty awesome, but the real unforgettable things was how loud that night was! You could hear screaming from basically every part of campus I am sure. People were screaming, running, crying, it was just an amazing emotional experience. I am so glad I got to go through that. It was the day (or night) on campus that I'll never forget!

    Read all  2 answers

Student Body

Students

59%

female

41%

male

9,616

Total Undergrad Enrollment

1,871

Total Grad Students

9%

Out-Of-State

86%

In-State

5%

International

Organizations

167

Student Organizations

11

Fraternities

8

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

35%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
1%
% Asian/Pacific Islander
2%
% Black or African-American
17%
% Hispanic/Latino
5%
% White or Caucasian
66%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

100% of students attending University of Central Arkansas receive some sort of financial aid. 48% were awarded federal grants. While 57% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$14,447

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,200

Books and Supplies

$6,248

Room and Board

21,895

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$11,226
$30 - $48K
$11,555
$48 - $75K
$13,879
$75 - $110K
$15,850
$110K & UP
$16,554

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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