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 Rate
89%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
25
SAT Range
870-1060
ACT Range
20-27
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 Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at University of Central Arkansas.
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.
University of Central Arkansas REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of University of Central Arkansas?
72 Students rated University of Central Arkansas
Andrea - 06/08/2024
Overall I love it. I can’t wait to attend. Everything is close enough to walk to. I have toured the rooms and they are a perfect size. I observed security on campus which makes me feel safe. I like how there are buttons around campus that lets the security know where I am at if I am ever in trouble.
Torrance - 05/11/2024
I think that this university is a perfect school. You have your freedom but you are also able to be working and disciplining yourself to get what is needed done. They are very much a people school and will do whatever is needed to make sure that the students feel prepared and comfortable.
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.
dalton - 03/09/2020
It was a great place to visit i went there for Dixie band camp and it was fun
Starr - 11/19/2019
I think it is a very good place for intellectual conversation, but also really good for social events as well. I think UCA has really found a good balance in the party scene and the classroom scene. Student life is good too. The residence halls are very well taken care of, cleaned regularly, and receive regular maintenance visits. The cafeteria food is diverse, with plenty of vegan options too!
Jose - 11/14/2019
Overall, the University of Central Arkansas is
Angela - 10/25/2019
I grew up never really knowing where I wanted to go to college. After extensive research of UCA, I am beyond happy with the choice I made coming here. I've never felt so welcomed and so loved by faculty. I've been surrounded by a very nurturing staff and I love going here.
Jakyla - 10/11/2019
When i went on a campus trip i loved how nice and welcoming everybody were and the food options were good, they took the people were interested in sports and other sports related to there gym/workout area i got to see the housing areas for the people who were interested in the nursing field so i thought that was cool over all i enjoyed the trip and cant wait to go there next year.
Lauren - 07/23/2019
I absolutely love the university of central Arkansas and I’m so greatful to be a bear. the university is such a welcoming community of students and teachers. It’s full of different ways to get involved and being on campus is so exciting. The students and teacher are the best and so easy to get along with
Juliet - 07/13/2019
I learned about of the University of Central Arkansas through an admissions counselor who came to my high school. The admissions counselor told us of the many different clubs, majors, and types of people who would be at the university. It seemed like a great place to go to school.
Son - 06/12/2019
UCA is great university that blends top of the line education with great fun-filled activities to keep you educated and full of enjoyment while you are attending this wonderful university. From the HPER center to the Torreyson Library, there always something on campus to fulfill any need you may have.
Lelia - 06/12/2019
It is a good school with a lot of good people. Like most schools, there are things it could do better but I have really enjoyed it. There is always someone to talk to and conversations to be had. And you can learn just about anything. The classes are fun and I get a lot out of them. The campus and school is what you make it. So if you work hard and meet people then you will find people to connect with.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for University of Central Arkansas is 89%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.57%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.
