University of Central Arkansas
The Vibe Check
UCA offers a tight-knit community feel within a bustling college town, blending Southern hospitality with the energy of a D1 athletics program. It feels like a place where you can know your professors by name while still having plenty of school spirit on game days.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
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⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
UCA is particularly strong in Health Professions and Business, offering robust programs that feed directly into local healthcare systems. While research opportunities exist, the academic focus is heavily geared toward practical, career-oriented learning with accessible faculty.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Conway
Conway is a quintessential college town with a lively historic downtown featuring local coffee shops, breweries, and live music venues. Students often enjoy outdoor activities at Lake Conway or attending UCA Bears games, which are the social centerpiece of the weekends.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($45,938):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
UCA maintains a dedicated campus police force, though like many urban-adjacent campuses, students should remain aware of their surroundings. The surrounding Conway area is generally considered safe and family-friendly.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ High acceptance rate makes it an accessible safety school
- ✓ Strong programs in Health Professions and Business with local job ties
- ✓ Affordable in-state tuition and solid financial aid availability
- ✓ Vibrant D1 athletics and school spirit
Cons
- ✗ Graduation rate is below the national average at 51.7%
- ✗ Out-of-state tuition is significantly higher than in-state
- ✗ Retention rate suggests some students struggle to persist
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
UCA is well-known for its strong programs in Health Professions (particularly Nursing), Business, and Education. It also has a reputation as a hub for the arts in the region and boasts a competitive NCAA Division I athletics program.
No, UCA has a high acceptance rate of 90.47%, making it an accessible option for most applicants. The middle 50% SAT range is roughly 1030-1190, and students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher are typically strong candidates.
Campus life is active and social, driven by Greek life, intramural sports, and D1 athletics. Being in Conway, students have access to a growing downtown scene while maintaining a traditional campus community feel.
For in-state students, UCA is a financially sound choice with a low net price and decent ROI, particularly in high-demand fields like nursing and business. Out-of-state students should weigh the higher tuition against potential scholarship opportunities.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Public
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 8,886
- In-State Tuition $10,118
- Out-of-State $17,258
- Zip Code 72035
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With an average net price of $16,775 and affordable in-state tuition, UCA offers significant value for Arkansas residents. The 10-year median earnings of $45,938 provide a solid return on investment, especially for those who leverage the strong Health and Business programs.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.