University of Central Arkansas
University of Central Arkansas is a public university in Conway, AR ranked #1011 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 7,762 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 89.5%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Accounting and Related Services.
Day to day, students benefit from a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, 73.3% first-year retention, and 589.5% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $16,511, about $487 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -44.5%, roughly 129.8 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $36,670. That's about $7,018 below national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
University of Central Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 89.5%, annual tuition of $10,523, average net price of $16,511, and a national rank of #1011 (Grade B), with a 589.5% six-year graduation rate, about 7,762 undergraduates, and median earnings of $36,670 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is University of Central Arkansas Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of Central Arkansas graduates 53.5% of students within six years and keeps 73.3% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of Central Arkansas's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $10,523 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,216 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $9,110 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $6,991 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $25,029 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 38.0% of University of Central Arkansas students receive Pell Grants — in line with the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $14,656 to $20,157 depending on family income. Use University of Central Arkansas's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $20,318/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $20,157/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $36,670
- 10-Year Median Earnings $36,670
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $13,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 62.3%
- Employment Rate 88.6%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of Central Arkansas graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of Central Arkansas vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of Central Arkansas's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of Central Arkansas's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While University of Central Arkansas graduates earn $36,670 median, the -44.5% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 480-590
- SAT Math 430-580
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 19-25
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 7,762
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 73.3%
- Graduation Rate 589.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 15:1
How to Get Into University of Central Arkansas
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of Central Arkansas requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 89.5%, University of Central Arkansas is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 89.5% acceptance rate, University of Central Arkansas is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 910 and 1170 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of Central Arkansas undergraduates. Psychology, General, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, and Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods draw the most students.
- Psychology, General 7.5%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 5.8%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 5.2%
- Biology, General 5.0%
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, 4.2%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 3.9%
See more majors
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Profe 3.7%
- Computer and Information Sciences, General 3.4%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $77,918
- 2. Accounting and Related Services $68,389
- 3. Management Information Systems and Services $66,120
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Business/Commerce, General $65,716
- 5. Finance and Financial Management Services $65,685
- 6. Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other $64,544
- 7. Computer and Information Sciences, General $60,015
- 8. Biology, General $59,571
- 9. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $59,511
- 10. Business Administration, Management and Operations $55,193
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $106,211
- 2. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree) $78,327
- 3. Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $75,132
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degree) $71,279
- 5. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degree) $68,346
- 6. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $65,149
- 7. Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree) $64,510
- 8. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $64,272
- 9. Library Science, Other (Master's Degree) $56,585
- 10. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $52,873
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $77,918—41% more than Business Administration, Management and Operations ($55,193). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $106,211 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of Central Arkansas. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 135 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 105 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 94 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 90 graduates)
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (Bachelor's Degree, 76 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (56 programs)â–¼
- Psychology, General
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Biology, General
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Business/Commerce, General
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Criminology
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Music
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Sociology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Special Education and Teaching
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Journalism
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Political Science and Government
- History
- Design and Applied Arts
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Communication and Media Studies
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Insurance
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- International/Global Studies
- Public Administration
- Physics
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Geography and Cartography
- Anthropology
- Philosophy
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Engineering Physics
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Nutrition Sciences
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Computer Engineering
Online Master's Degrees (21 programs)â–¼
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Accounting and Related Services
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Library Science, Other
- Music
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Biology, General
- Education, General
- Computer Science
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
- Mathematics
- Applied Mathematics
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- History
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Online Doctoral Degrees (3 programs)â–¼
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (6 programs)â–¼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Music
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (4 programs)â–¼
- Security Science and Technology
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Accounting and Related Services
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)â–¼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 7,762
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 37.7%
- Female Students 62.3%
- Caucasian 63.5%
- Asian 2.1%
- Hispanic 8.8%
- Black 16.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients 38.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of Central Arkansas's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of Central Arkansas's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Central Arkansas support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Central Arkansas, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Women make up 62.3% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Central Arkansas support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Central Arkansas, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of Central Arkansas serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1011 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $16,511 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $36,670 median earnings. The 53.5% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 73.3% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: University of Central Arkansas's Strengths
Ranked #1011 with a B grade, University of Central Arkansas prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like University of Central Arkansas excel at providing affordable education ($16,511 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: University of Central Arkansas's 73.3% retention and 53.5% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($36,670 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, University of Central Arkansas and $16,511 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 53.5% six-year graduation rate sits 9.0 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 73.3% first-year retention is 3.5 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -44.5% return on investment is 129.8 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $36,670 run about 16% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $16,511 is roughly $886 lower than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 15:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 73.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 88.6% employment rate within three years sits 20.4 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 38.0% trails the national share by 1.1 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Conway, AR, University of Central Arkansas operates as a public university and receives a B from EDsmart. It stands at #1011 among 6101 schools Grades by category break down as Completion B-, Support B-, Career Outcomes B-, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 73.3% of first-year students return, and roughly 53.5% finish within six years. The reported ROI is -44.5%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $16,511 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $25,029.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $8,518 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $13,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 38.0% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $36,670 at the median. This is roughly 16% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 88.6% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near -44.5%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
89.5% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of Central Arkansas admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is University of Central Arkansas's acceptance rate?
University of Central Arkansas's acceptance rate is 89.5%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does University of Central Arkansas cost?
At University of Central Arkansas, listed tuition and fees are $10,523 per year, and the average net price after aid is $16,511. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is University of Central Arkansas's ranking?
University of Central Arkansas ranks #1011 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is University of Central Arkansas's graduation rate?
At University of Central Arkansas, the six-year graduation rate is 589.5%, and first-year retention is 73.3%.
What are University of Central Arkansas's job outcomes?
Graduates of University of Central Arkansas report median earnings of $36,670 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is University of Central Arkansas's student population?
University of Central Arkansas enrolls about 7,762 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Conway, AR 72035-0001
- Website www.uca.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$63.4M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate24.9%