University of Central Arkansas Scholarships (2026–2027)
← Back to college scholarships hub • See Arkansas aid & Grants
Last Updated on June 21, 2026
What This Page Covers:- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~90%
- Middle 50% ACT: 22
- Middle 50% SAT: 1040
- Average GPA: 3.6
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Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 University of Central Arkansas at a Glance
🏆 Full Tuition Opportunity Available
Average Net Price
$15,456/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
$2,000–$6,500/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
14 opportunities
3 automatic · 9 hidden gem · 2 honors
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3.5+; ACT TBD+ / SAT TBD+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Jan 23 • FAFSA: Feb 1
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Available for top qualifiers
Honors College
Honors Program Available
UCA is one of those schools that does a really good job of being predictable—which is exactly what most families need. If your student has solid grades and decent test scores, you can usually map out what the scholarship will look like ahead of time. That’s a big deal. There are real automatic tiers here, and at the top end, you can get close to (or even reach) full tuition without jumping through a bunch of extra hoops.
The students who do best here are the ones who treat this like a value play, not a prestige chase. UCA rewards consistency—good GPA, solid scores, and applying on time. If your student fits that profile, this is the kind of school where you lock in the automatic money first, then see if you can stack anything extra on top. It’s straightforward, and that’s what makes it work.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — University of Central Arkansas is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 22; SAT: 1040.
Average net price? About $15,456/year after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes — participates in ACM.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Central Arkansas 2026-2027
📅 2027–2028 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2026–2027). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2027–2028 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$11,000 |
$18,800 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$9,900 |
$9,900 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$20,900 |
$28,700 |
Average Federal Net Price: $15,456 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Regional Reciprocity & Tuition Programs:
The University of Central Arkansas participates in the
Academic Common Market (ACM), a program run by the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB).
This allows eligible students from participating states to pay the
in-state rate at UCA when pursuing specific undergraduate or graduate majors
not offered at a public university in their home state.
- Program-Specific: ACM is not a blanket waiver; it applies only to approved majors listed in the ACM inventory.
- Eligibility: Students must be certified by their home state’s ACM coordinator and unconditionally admitted to the approved program at UCA.
- Other Aid: Students not in ACM pay standard nonresident tuition, but may still qualify for UCA merit scholarships or grants.
Savings Example: Out-of-state tuition & fees are about $18,800 vs. $11,000 in-state —
a difference of roughly $7,800 per year if you qualify through ACM.
COA FAQs
How accurate are these costs?
Pretty close for a first-year student living on campus. Tuition and housing rates are set each July, and the totals above reflect a standard double room and full meal plan. Commuters or students in newer residence halls will see different totals.
Does UCA really cost less than other universities?
Yes — even before scholarships, UCA’s in-state tuition is among the lowest in the region. Out-of-state students can still get close to in-state prices through academic scholarships or the Academic Common Market (ACM).
How much can the Academic Common Market actually save?
The ACM can cut your bill by about $7,000–$8,000 per year if your student’s major is eligible. It’s not automatic—you’ll need certification from your home state’s higher ed office before classes start.
Are textbooks and personal expenses included?
Not in the table. UCA estimates another $1,200–$1,500 for books and supplies, plus transportation and personal spending. These vary by student and aren’t billed directly by the university.
Can out-of-state students combine ACM with scholarships?
Sometimes. UCA reviews each award individually, but ACM students often keep their merit scholarships. The combination can bring costs close to what Arkansas residents pay.
Sources:
University of Central Arkansas Financial Aid — College Costs (uca.edu/financialaid/college-costs/)
NCES College Navigator — University of Central Arkansas (nces.ed.gov)
UCA Common Data Set 2024–25 (uca.edu/institutionaleffectiveness/common-data-set/)
Southern Regional Education Board — Academic Common Market (sreb.org)
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
UCA offers several admission-based scholarships that are automatically awarded to qualified students who apply by the posted deadlines. These awards are tiered by GPA and, for the top competitive level, a separate application with ACT/SAT and resume is required.
Automatic
Achievement Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 26
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 4.0+ GPAOpen to first-time entering UCA freshmen who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. GPA is read from the 6th/7th semester transcript.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Combines with federal, state, and other UCA institutional aid up to your cost of attendance. The housing dollars only pay out if your student actually lives in UCA housing — commuters lose that portion.
💡
Strategic Detail
This is UCA's top automatic tier and it lands on a perfect 4.0 GPA — no essay, no interview, no separate app. The $6,500 breaks down as $5,000 toward tuition and fees plus $1,500 toward housing (your student has to actually live in UCA housing to receive the housing piece). GPA is calculated from the 6th/7th semester transcript, so junior year matters most for locking this in. To keep it every year, your student needs to enroll in 15 UCA credit hours per term and earn at least 27 hours their first year, 30 hours per year after that.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: First-time freshmen who post a perfect 4.0 through the 6th/7th semester and get admission and documents in by the January 26 deadline — no test scores or essays required, but the GPA has to be truly unweighted-clean.
Automatic
University Scholarship
📅 Deadline: May 4
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.8+ GPAOpen to first-time entering UCA freshmen who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. GPA is read from the 6th/7th semester transcript.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Combines with federal, state, and other UCA institutional aid up to your cost of attendance. The housing dollars only pay out if your student actually lives in UCA housing — commuters lose that portion.
💡
Strategic Detail
The $4,500 award splits as $3,500 toward tuition and fees plus $1,000 toward housing (the housing piece requires living on campus). GPA comes from the 6th/7th semester transcript. Renewal is one of the friendliest at UCA — a 3.0 annual GPA with 15 enrolled hours per term and 27 earned hours in year one, 30 per year afterward.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
First-time freshmen sitting comfortably in the 3.75+ range who meet the May 4 admission and document deadline — the bar is real, but this is the sweet-spot award for strong-but-not-perfect students.
Automatic
Future Leaders Scholarship
📅 Deadline: May 4
✓ Renews (2.75 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.5+ GPAOpen to first-time entering UCA freshmen who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. GPA is read from the 6th/7th semester transcript.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Combines with federal, state, and other UCA institutional aid up to your cost of attendance. The housing dollars only pay out if your student actually lives in UCA housing — commuters lose that portion.
💡
Strategic Detail
A meaningful floor for solid B+ students — $1,000 toward tuition and fees plus $1,000 toward housing (housing piece contingent on living in UCA housing). GPA is read off the 6th/7th semester transcript. The renewal bar sits at 2.75 annual GPA with 15 enrolled hours per term and 27 earned in year one, 30 per year after — very achievable if your student stays engaged.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
First-time freshmen with a 3.50–3.74 GPA who submit admission and documents by the May 4 deadline — a supportive floor for students building momentum rather than topping the class.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
*Eligibility estimates are based on campus reporting and public award patterns. Renewal requirements: minimum credit hours and GPA each year; see UCA’s academic scholarship policy for updates on each scholarship.
Automatic Merit FAQs
Do I need to submit test scores?
No for most awards. ACT/SAT are only required for the Distinguished Scholarship. Otherwise, UCA is test-optional.
Are deadlines important?
Yes. Distinguished and Achievement: January 27. University and Future Leaders: May 5.
Does UCA superscore ACT or SAT?
UCA considers your highest composite score from one sitting—they do not create a new superscore from multiple attempts.
Can I stack these with other aid?
Yes, up to cost of attendance. Awards can combine with state and federal need-based grants.
Sources:
https://uca.edu/scholarships/freshmen/
https://uca.edu/scholarships/files/2024/09/2025-2026-freshman-academic-scholarships.pdf
https://collegereadyparent.org/articles/university-of-central-arkansas-scholarships/
https://uca.edu/financialaid/parent-resources/
https://uca.edu/scholarships/faqs/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Most UCA scholarships are automatic, but a select few awards require extra steps and are limited in number. These competitive programs look beyond GPA to leadership, service, and potential, and they often carry higher dollar amounts or prestige perks.
This institution does not offer designated Competitive scholarships at this time.
Distinguished Scholarship (Competitive Track)
$8,500/yr
($6,500 tuition + $2,000 housing)
3.75 GPA, strong leadership/service record, ACT/SAT scores considered*
Yes — separate application due Jan 27
Yes — maintain GPA & full-time status
A small group of high achievers with ~3.9+ GPAs* and sustained leadership/service; requires essays and review
Jan 27
*Eligibility ranges and profiles marked with an asterisk are based on prior award cycles and published student data. Exact cutoffs and criteria can change depending on the year’s applicant pool and available funding.
Competitive Scholarship FAQs
Why are these considered competitive?
They require separate applications, essays, or interviews and are limited to a small pool of winners.
What’s the key deadline?
January 27 is the priority date for Distinguished applications. Late submissions are not considered.
How selective is this award?
The Distinguished Scholarship is offered only to a small number of top applicants each year.
Can it combine with other aid?
Yes — students can hold both an automatic merit award and a Distinguished Scholarship, but stacking may be capped by total cost of attendance.
Sources:
https://uca.edu/scholarships/freshmen/
https://uca.edu/scholarships/files/2024/09/2025-2026-freshman-academic-scholarships.pdf
https://collegereadyparent.org/articles/university-of-central-arkansas-scholarships/
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
Beyond the big merit awards, UCA has smaller, targeted opportunities that can make a real difference. These include identity-based programs, ROTC pathways, and departmental scholarships that don’t always get advertised widely.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Departmental & Donor Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Spring (Jan–March main cycle)
✓ Renews
$500–$2,500/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Renewal and eligibility vary by award/fund.
📄
How to Apply
Apply via UCA Scholarship Portal or department; nomination may be required.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Amounts and requirements differ widely. Open to new and returning students.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Engaged majors with good GPA and involvement in the department.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
First-Generation Support Programs
📅 Deadline: Spring (program intake)
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Awarded one-time for participants; reapplication possible in some programs.
📄
How to Apply
Apply during intake to UCA first-gen support programs; provide documentation if requested.
💡
Strategic Detail
Often for new and returning students; amounts and programs vary.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
First-gen students engaged in academic/mentoring support programs
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Privately Funded & UCA Foundation Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Spring (Jan–March)
✓ Renews
$500–$2,500/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Renewal and criteria dictated by donor/foundation.
📄
How to Apply
Apply via UCA AcademicWorks/portal; select scholarships by major, identity, county, or special criteria.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Many awards targeted at specific groups and needs. Early application advised.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students matching donor intent (first-gen, single parent, non-traditional, location/identity/major criteria).
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Journalism & Debate/Forensics Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Early spring (per team/program)
✓ Renews
$500–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Renewal based on ongoing involvement/performance.
📄
How to Apply
Application and/or audition; active campus media or Forensics team involvement.
💡
Strategic Detail
Open to all undergraduate students; involvement required.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with strong backgrounds in media, debate, or speech; campus involvement prioritized.
App Required⚠ Junior Only
School of Nursing Foundation Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Spring (Jan–March)
✓ Renews
$500–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 Junior
✚
Stacking & Combining
Criteria and renewal differ by donor/fund.
📄
How to Apply
Apply via UCA Foundation portal; awards open to upper-division Nursing majors with eligible GPA and references.
💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Varies by donor, major, and need levels.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Upper-division Nursing majors, often first-gen or need-priority
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Bear Marching Band & Music Performance Scholarships
📅 Deadline: May (audition in early spring)
✓ Renews
$500–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Renewal depends on performance and participation.
📄
How to Apply
Audition required; must participate in ensemble/band and maintain academic eligibility.
💡
Strategic Detail
Award varies by ensemble, participation, and skill.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Strong players and ensemble participants; open to majors and non-majors.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Army ROTC Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Fall national ROTC deadlines; rolling for some campus-based awards
✓ Renews
Full Tuition
full tuition, book allowance, monthly stipend
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Can stack with institutional and state aid up to cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Apply via Army ROTC board; contract and meet fitness, GPA, and service requirements.
💡
Strategic Detail
Stipend and awards vary by year and service track.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Contracted ROTC cadets who meet military service standards.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Study Abroad Micro-Grants
📅 Deadline: Feb–March (spring/fall deadlines)
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Micro-grants can stack with merit/need-based aid for study costs.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for study abroad with UCA faculty-led or exchange program; grants awarded to eligible undergraduates.
💡
Strategic Detail
Amounts and deadlines vary by term/program.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Undergraduates accepted for international programs with financial need
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Student Emergency Fund (DASH@DOS)
📅 Deadline: Year-round (rolling)
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
One-time; additional emergencies may qualify case-by-case.
📄
How to Apply
Online application for students facing an urgent financial crisis (medical, housing, etc.).
💡
Strategic Detail
Short-term relief support for sudden expenses.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Any UCA student with urgent financial need.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
APSEC — Assistance Program for Students with Exceptional Circumstances
📅 Deadline: Year-round (until funds run out)
✓ Renews
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Total award capped at $6,000/max per student.
📄
How to Apply
Apply with APSEC application/FAFSA; students with urgent need after exhausting other aid.
💡
Strategic Detail
Emergency need documented via process.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with acute financial need after other aid
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Hidden Gems FAQs
Are scholarships for new and returning students?
Yes—most departmental and Foundation scholarships are open both to incoming freshmen and continuing/upperclassmen (“rising juniors, seniors, non-trad” see UCA AcademicWorks).[web:248]
What makes a strong application for hidden gem or donor awards?
Answer each prompt in detail, include a faculty or staff reference if possible, and update your resume or activities section on the AcademicWorks portal. Many donor and departmental funds are looking for academic engagement, campus involvement, or connection to a particular history (e.g., major, first-gen, leadership, Boys and Girls Club).[web:246][web:248]
What are the timelines?
Departmental/FY scholarships: January–March
ROTC: National board deadlines, but “campus-based” ROTC scholarships can be earned by showing leadership, fitness, and GPA as an enrolled cadet.
Study Abroad: Applications open mid-fall for spring exchange (due Oct 1); mid-late spring for fall exchange (due March/April). Faculty-led deadlines often align with the sponsoring department term.
Can “need-based” funds help with emergencies or big gaps in aid?
Yes. UCA maintains an Assistance Program for Students with Exceptional Circumstances (APSEC) and an emergency (DASH@DOS) fund for sudden expenses or urgent need after all other aid is exhausted. Apply directly to these funds with documentation.
Tips from current students:
– Apply to lots of UCA Foundation/department awards every year—“almost everyone is eligible for something.”
– For band/music/forensics, go to info sessions and email directors early: “The earlier you connect, the better your odds.”
– Don’t forget about funds for non-traditional, single parent, underrepresented, or commuter students—look for identity, location, and major in the portal filters.
Sources:
https://uca.edu/scholarships/
https://uca.academicworks.com/
https://uca.edu/music/scholarships/
https://uca.edu/education/scholarships/
https://uca.edu/business/scholarships/
https://uca.edu/uca-foundation/
https://uca.edu/nursing/scholarships/
🎖️ Honors College
The Schedler Honors College is one of UCA’s most selective and high-profile academic programs, offering a transformative experience built on curiosity, service, and faculty mentorship. Students join a close community, access generous stipends, and have distinctive academic and residential perks—making UCA’s Honors a statewide leader for talented Arkansans.
What a Typical UCA Honors Student Looks Like:
Minimum 3.50 GPA to apply, but those admitted usually present a 3.7+ GPA with strong AP/IB/dual courses, outstanding essays, leadership, and demonstrated drive for service and creativity. Test scores are optional—not required for admission or scholarships.
Honors College Perks:
- Priority course registration and personalized advising
- Private room upgrade in Honors housing (over $2,000 annual value) for all Schedler/University Scholars
- Dedicated Honors seminars and a multidisciplinary curriculum
- Funded research, travel, and mentored creative project opportunities
- Exclusive study abroad programs and service-learning tracks
App Required
Schedler Honors College Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 26 · 📢 Results: Early April
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.8+ GPA👥 ~80 winners/yrOpen to first-time entering UCA freshmen who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. GPA is read from the 6th/7th semester transcript. Requires admission to the Schedler Honors College and living in Honors housing to receive the private room upgrade.
✚
Stacking & Combining
This is an upgrade on top of your student's freshman academic tier — total funding lands at the dollar amounts shown rather than pure addition. It combines with federal, state, and outside aid up to cost of attendance. The private room upgrade only applies if your student lives in Honors housing.
📄
How to Apply
Separate Schedler Honors College application opens September 1 — two references and two essays required, plus an interview if selected as a finalist. Everything, including admission to UCA, is due by the January 26 deadline.
Selection criteria: Committee review weighs academic record (GPA, coursework rigor), leadership and service, essay quality, references, and interview performance.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
This is the flagship honors package at UCA and roughly 80 students get it each year. The $10,500 stacks as $5,000 tuition and fees + $1,500 housing + about $2,000 in private room upgrade (equal to the Tier 1 vs Tier 3 housing price difference — fully covered even if UCA's estimate shifts) + a $2,000 annual stipend the honors student can use flexibly. Important nuance: this award supplements the freshman academic tier your student already earned — the total funding lands at these dollar amounts, so think of it as an upgrade rather than a pure add-on. To renew, plan on 15 enrolled UCA hours per term, at least 11 earned per semester, 27 earned in year one and 30 per year after, plus the Honors College's own GPA and coursework expectations.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
About 80 students each year — typically 3.75+ GPA with standout essays, two strong references, and a memorable interview. These are the applicants whose materials show intellectual curiosity beyond the transcript.
App Required
Schedler Honors Program Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 26 · 📢 Results: Early April
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.8+ GPA👥 ~40 winners/yrOpen to first-time entering UCA freshmen who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. GPA is read from the 6th/7th semester transcript. Requires admission to the Schedler Honors Program and living in Honors housing to receive the private room upgrade.
✚
Stacking & Combining
This is an upgrade on top of your student's freshman academic tier — total funding lands at the dollar amounts shown rather than pure addition. It combines with federal, state, and outside aid up to cost of attendance. The private room upgrade only applies if your student lives in Honors housing.
📄
How to Apply
Separate Schedler Honors Program application opens September 1 — two references and two essays required, plus an interview for finalists. Admission to UCA and all materials due by the January 26 deadline.
Selection criteria: Committee review weighs academic record (GPA, coursework rigor), leadership and service, essay quality, references, and interview performance.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
The Honors Program is the second tier at Schedler and takes about 40 students per year — same competitive review process, slightly smaller stipend. The $9,500 stacks as $5,000 tuition and fees + $1,500 housing + roughly $2,000 in private room upgrade (equal to the Tier 1 vs Tier 3 housing price difference — fully covered even if UCA's estimate shifts) + a $1,000 annual stipend. Same rule as the College tier: this supplements the freshman academic award your student already earned. Renewal is 15 enrolled hours per term, 11 earned per semester, 27 earned in year one and 30 per year after, plus Honors Program expectations.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Roughly 40 students each year — 3.75+ GPA with compelling essays, engaged references, and a strong interview showing. Same review process as the College tier, just fewer stipend seats at this level.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
UCA Honors FAQs
How do you get in?
Admission is competitive: minimum 3.5 GPA, application, essays, recommendation letter(s), and—if selected—an on-campus interview. Sixty to eighty students join Honors each year with another forty in University Scholars.
Applicants designated as alternates may receive an offer if space opens.
What does “private room upgrade” mean?
Honors students get a single room at no extra cost in the designated residence halls, subject to space availability—a unique UCA benefit worth ~$2,000 each year.
If I’m not selected, can I reapply?
Transfer, current UCA, and “Honors-to-Honors” students can apply with a 3.25–3.5+ college GPA through special spring/fall cycles.[web:278][web:289]
Are there other scholarships or stipends for Honors?
Yes—beyond entry stipends, continuing students can compete for travel, research, and creative project funds (many $500–$2,000/year) through the Schedler Honors Foundation and UCA AcademicWorks.
What’s the main deadline?
All materials are due by January 27. Acceptance offers go out by early April.
Sources:
https://uca.edu/honors/apply
https://uca.edu/honors/scholarships/
https://uca.edu/honors/programs/
https://uca.edu/honors/files/2024/09/2025-2026-honors-scholarship-policy.pdf
https://uca.academicworks.com/
⭐ College Specialty
UCA’s strength shows up where Arkansas families need it most: career‑ready health programs and practical business/tech pathways. Think small‑college feel with programs that punch above their weight in statewide and national rankings.
Spotlight Program: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
UCA’s DPT is ranked #58 nationally by U.S. News & World Report (2024), placing it in the top 25% of programs in the country — a standout option close to home for Arkansas students interested in allied health.
- Occupational Therapy (OTD) — Ranked #92 nationally by U.S. News & World Report (2024), indicating strong outcomes and reputation among peer programs.
- Speech‑Language Pathology (MS) — Ranked #136 nationally by U.S. News & World Report (2024); solid clinical training pipeline for school and healthcare settings.
- Business Analytics (Online BBA, CIS – Business Analysis) — Ranked #11 in the nation by AnalyticsDegrees.org (2023), highlighting practical data/analytics skills aligned to employer demand.
- Top Public (Regional Universities – South) — UCA ranks among the South’s top public regional universities in U.S. News & World Report, the highest among Arkansas regional public universities (recent cycles).
Final Thoughts
The University of Central Arkansas balances affordability with strong academic opportunities. Between automatic merit scholarships, the competitive Distinguished award, and support through the Schedler Honors College, families can find multiple ways to make UCA more affordable. Add in hidden gems like departmental scholarships, ROTC, and study abroad funding, and students can craft a financial plan that fits both their goals and their budget.
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