Overview
Enrollment
The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) is located in Conway, Arkansas, approximately 30 miles north of Little Rock. The institution, established in 1907 as Arkansas State Normal School, occupies a 356-acre campus characterized by Georgian-style architecture and a notable mix of historic and modern academic buildings. UCA operates as a public university with comprehensive academic offerings, maintaining selective admission standards and featuring strong programs in nursing, education, business, and performing arts. The campus includes multiple residential communities housing undergraduate students, while its athletic program competes at the NCAA Division I level in the ASUN Conference as the Bears.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
University of Central Arkansas is rated within the lower 37% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 4 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for University of Central Arkansas within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#842 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#319 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#6 in Best Colleges in Arkansas
#3 in Best Public Colleges in Arkansas
#14 in Best Value Colleges in Arkansas
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 940/1120 |
| ACT | 19/25 |
| GPA | 3.7 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $25 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Arkansas Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,230 |
| Other Fees | $2,978 |
| Room and Board | $8,662 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $5,447 |
| Total One Year Cost | $25,457 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,230 |
| Other Fees | $2,978 |
| Room and Board | $8,662 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $5,447 |
| Total One Year Cost | $32,597 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Humanities | 55% |
| Health Professions | 9% |
| Business | 8% |
| Education | 4% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 3% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering University of Central Arkansas are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=106704 IPEDS survey data for University of Central Arkansas.
Current students may use the University of Central Arkansas GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025