About University of Central Arkansas
The University of Central Arkansas has built a reputation around two main strengths: developing future teachers and fielding competitive football teams. This public university in Conway enrolls 7,426 students in a small city setting about 30 miles from Little Rock. The school has produced notable graduates including NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen and American Idol winner Kris Allen. With a 91% acceptance rate, UCA welcomes most applicants who meet basic requirements.
Students pay an average net price of $16,775 after financial aid, making it relatively affordable for a four-year degree. Graduates earn a median salary of $45,938 ten years after graduation, while typical student loan debt sits at $20,346. The monthly loan payment of $216 represents a manageable burden given the earning potential. About 37% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many first-generation and lower-income families.
UCA's student body is predominantly female at 62% and heavily Arkansas-based with 89% in-state enrollment. The Bears compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 15 varsity sports and over 500 student-athletes. However, the 53% six-year graduation rate suggests students should come prepared to stay focused on their academic goals.
Students pay an average net price of $16,775 after financial aid, making it relatively affordable for a four-year degree. Graduates earn a median salary of $45,938 ten years after graduation, while typical student loan debt sits at $20,346. The monthly loan payment of $216 represents a manageable burden given the earning potential. About 37% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many first-generation and lower-income families.
UCA's student body is predominantly female at 62% and heavily Arkansas-based with 89% in-state enrollment. The Bears compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 15 varsity sports and over 500 student-athletes. However, the 53% six-year graduation rate suggests students should come prepared to stay focused on their academic goals.
Academics & Faculty
University of Central Arkansas built its academic reputation on teacher education, graduating educators who staff schools across the state. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors, though the 53% six-year graduation rate suggests students need to stay focused to finish. UCA operates as a full public university with strong programs in business, nursing, and health sciences alongside its education roots. The school has expanded into areas like physical therapy and occupational therapy, attracting students who want professional training without the intensity of a major research university. Most students stay in-state after graduation, with 89% of the student body coming from Arkansas originally.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 76.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 51.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 53.3%
- Retention Rate
- 73.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,938
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $92,358 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $70,736 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $67,548 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $63,005 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,842 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $57,318 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $52,107 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $48,432 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $48,432 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $47,729 |
Campus Life
Conway sits 30 miles northwest of Little Rock, giving students access to Arkansas's capital while maintaining a college town feel. The university houses 3,435 students in on-campus dorms, accommodating roughly half the student body. With 89.45% of students coming from Arkansas, weekends often see hometown visits, though many stick around for Bears football games that draw passionate crowds.
The campus buzzes with activity from UCA's 15 NCAA Division I sports teams, especially during football season when the Bears compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Students need both winter coats for January lows in the 30s and plenty of sunscreen for Arkansas summers that regularly hit 90 degrees. The 61.72% female student body creates a social atmosphere, with Greek life and campus organizations filling weekend calendars. Conway's small-city setting means most entertainment centers around campus events and outdoor activities along the Arkansas River. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio keeps classes intimate enough for professors to know students by name, fostering the close-knit community feel that defines the UCA experience.
The campus buzzes with activity from UCA's 15 NCAA Division I sports teams, especially during football season when the Bears compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Students need both winter coats for January lows in the 30s and plenty of sunscreen for Arkansas summers that regularly hit 90 degrees. The 61.72% female student body creates a social atmosphere, with Greek life and campus organizations filling weekend calendars. Conway's small-city setting means most entertainment centers around campus events and outdoor activities along the Arkansas River. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio keeps classes intimate enough for professors to know students by name, fostering the close-knit community feel that defines the UCA experience.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 3,435 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1907
Campus Safety (2023)
52 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 10 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Rape | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 27°–49°F
- July Avg
- 69°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 51.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 2.3"
Student Demographics
The University of Central Arkansas draws heavily from Arkansas, with nine out of ten students coming from in-state. This reflects the school's role as an accessible option for Arkansas families seeking quality education close to home. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, which aligns with UCA's reputation for strong teacher education programs that historically attract more female students. The student body includes a notable population of first-generation college students, supported by the university's commitment to affordability and student success in a welcoming small-city environment.
- Men
- 38.3%
- Women
- 61.7%
- White
- 64.8%
- Black
- 16.7%
- Hispanic
- 7.7%
- Asian
- 2.2%
- In-State Students
- 89.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 37.3%
Location
Conway, Arkansas sits 30 miles northwest of Little Rock, positioning students within reach of the state capital's internships and entertainment. The city of 65,000 residents creates a classic college town atmosphere where University of Central Arkansas students make up over 10% of the local population. Conway earned the nickname "City of Colleges" because it hosts three higher education institutions. The surrounding region features rolling hills and lakes typical of central Arkansas, with outdoor recreation opportunities at nearby Caddo River and Lake Conway. The Bears compete in NCAA Division I athletics, adding energy to this mid-sized community. Students considering colleges in Arkansas may also compare University of Central Arkansas with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Conway, Arkansas 72035-0001
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,938
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $51,207
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $32,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 62.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $216/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,346
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Central Arkansas?
University of Central Arkansas accepts 91.21% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1035. This open-access approach reflects the university's commitment to providing educational opportunities to a broad range of Arkansas students.
How much does University of Central Arkansas cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $16,775 annually, with 37.34% receiving some form of financial aid. In-state students benefit from relatively affordable tuition at $10,118, while the typical graduate leaves with $20,346 in debt.
What is University of Central Arkansas known for academically?
The university maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio and is particularly recognized for its teacher education programs. With a 73.43% retention rate, students generally find the academic environment supportive for their educational goals.
What are the job prospects after graduating from University of Central Arkansas?
Graduates achieve a 95.7% employment rate with median earnings of $45,938 ten years after graduation. The university's strong regional reputation in Arkansas helps students find opportunities in education, business, and other fields.
Where is University of Central Arkansas located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Conway, Arkansas, a small city setting that houses 3,435 students in on-campus facilities. With 61.72% women and 89.45% in-state students, the community has a close-knit feel typical of regional universities.
Does University of Central Arkansas have a strong athletics program?
The Bears compete in NCAA Division I as part of the Atlantic Sun Conference with 15 varsity sports and 503 total athletes. The football program has gained particular recognition, and the university awards $4,988,852 in athletic scholarships annually.
