U

University of Central Arkansas

PublicCity: Small

About University of Central Arkansas

Overview, location, and what makes it stand out

The University of Central Arkansas is a public university in Conway, Arkansas. It offers programs in education, health sciences, business, and the sciences and is the state's first public institution of higher education.

Founded

1907

Location

Conway, Arkansas

Students

9,606

Institution

Public

Known For

First Public in AREducationHealth SciencesBusiness

Key Stats

A quick snapshot of what matters most

Acceptance Rate

89.5%

Open admission

Graduation Rate

53.5%

Below national average

In-State Tuition

$10,523

Out-of-state: $18,023

Avg Net Price

$16,511

After financial aid

SAT Average

1118

Out of 1600

Median Earnings

$45,938

10 years after enrollment

Admissions

How competitive is getting in?

Selectivity

Highly CompetitiveOpen Admission
89.5%

Moderate

Most students who apply are accepted

How to Apply

Test Policy

Test Optional

Application Fee

$25

Early

N/A

Deadline

Rolling

University of Central Arkansas accepts the majority of applicants at 89.5%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.

SAT Scores

1118/ 1600

850750650550450350
430
Math: 430
480
R&W: 480
25th
580
Math: 580
590
R&W: 590
75th
Math
Reading & Writing

ACT Scores

23/ 36

393429241914
19
25th: 19
25th
23
Avg: 23
Avg
25
75th: 25
75th
25th Percentile
Average
75th Percentile

Academics

How strong is the academic experience?

Student Success

Low GraduationHigh Graduation
53.5%

Average

53.5% complete their degree within six years

Retention

73.3%

4-Year Grad

34%

6-Year Grad

49%

Teaching Quality

14:1

Student-Faculty Ratio

Full-Time

75.8%

$/Student

$9.8K

Class Size

Medium

The 34% graduation rate is below average, but 73.3% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.

Tuition & Costs

What will you actually pay?

Tuition & Fees

$10,523

In-State

/

$18,023

Out-of-State

Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals

Room & Board

$9,110

Books & Supplies

$1,216

Total Cost of Attendance

$25,029

After Financial Aid

$16,511

Average Net Price

Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships

Net Price (family income <$30K)

$14,656

Receive Grants

38%

Take Loans

39.9%

The full cost of attendance is about $25,029/yr for in-state students, including $9,110 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $16,511. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $18,023.

Financial Aid

Who gets aid and what happens after

Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at University of Central Arkansas fund their education.

While in School

38%

Get Grants

Free money

39.9%

Take Loans

Must repay

$37,082

Median Family Income

After Graduation

$20,346

Median Debt at Graduation

Total federal loan balance when students graduate

$216/mo

Monthly Payment

0%

Low

Default Rate

Only 39.9% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $20,346. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.

Student Body

Diversity, gender, and enrollment

From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends University of Central Arkansas.

Gender

62.3%

Female

/

38%

Male

Female to Male Ratio

Race & Ethnicity

63.5%
16.7%
8.8%
5.2%
3.1%
2.1%
White
Black
Hispanic
Multiracial
International
Asian

Enrollment

7,762

Undergraduate Students

Student Profile

1,844

Graduates

34.6%

First-Gen

21 yrs

Avg Age

8.1%

Age 25+

Women make up the majority at 62% of the student body. 34.6% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.

Campus Life

What it's like to be a student here

Campus Setting

RuralCity
City: Small

City: Small

Campus Quick Facts

7,762

Students

public

Institution

Medium

Campus Size

Doctoral

Classification

What This College Offers

Semester calendar

Study Abroad

Yes

AP Credit

Yes

Teacher Cert

Yes

ROTC

Yes

Evening College

No

Online Programs

Yes

Job Placement

Yes

Career Counseling

Yes

Sports & Athletics

How seriously this college takes sport

University of Central Arkansas fields 11 varsity teams with 678 student athletes, about 9% of the student body.

Division

NCAA

Division I-FCS

Conference

Atlantic Sun

The league its teams compete in

Varsity Sports

11

Biggest: Track & Cross Country

Student Athletes

678

9% of the student body

Athletes by Gender

60% / 40%

409

Men

/

269

Women

6

Men's Teams

9

Women's Teams

Biggest Teams

MenWomen
225
Track & XC
165
Football
82
Soccer
44
Baseball
37
Other

Every Varsity Team

Track & Cross Country225Football165Soccer82Baseball44Other Sports37Basketball30Softball28Golf22Volleyball21Beach Volleyball16Tennis8

After Graduation

What can you earn with this degree?

How much do graduates of University of Central Arkansasearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.

Earnings Trajectory

$45,938

Median Earnings · 10 Years After

$37K
6yr
$38K
8yr
$46K
10yr

Popular Programs

Top 6

Psychology, General

$29K

150 grads

1yr Earnings

Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness

$32K

111 grads

1yr Earnings

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

$71K

106 grads

1yr Earnings

Business/Commerce, General

$43K

90 grads

1yr Earnings

Biology, General

$32K

80 grads

1yr Earnings

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods

$40K

77 grads

1yr Earnings

Graduates earn about $37K six years out, growing to $46K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about University of Central Arkansas

What is the acceptance rate at University of Central Arkansas?
University of Central Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 89.5%. University of Central Arkansas accepts the majority of applicants at 89.5%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
How much does University of Central Arkansas cost?
Tuition at University of Central Arkansas is $10,523 for in-state students and $18,023 for out-of-state students. The full cost of attendance is about $25,029/yr for in-state students, including $9,110 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $16,511. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $18,023.
What is the graduation rate at University of Central Arkansas?
University of Central Arkansas has a graduation rate of 53.5%. The 34% graduation rate is below average, but 73.3% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
How much do University of Central Arkansas graduates earn?
The median earnings for University of Central Arkansas graduates is $45,938 ten years after enrollment. Graduates earn about $37K six years out, growing to $46K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.

Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.