University of Central Arkansas Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~90%
- Middle 50% ACT: 20–26
- Middle 50% SAT: 1020–1220
- Average GPA (HS): ~3.6 (weighted)
Source: UCA Undergraduate Admissions profile & state/federal reporting (latest available). Middle 50% = the range where half of enrolling students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
University of Central Arkansas at a Glance
Scholarships & Admissions FAQ
Is UCA test-optional and do you superscore?
Yes. ACT/SAT are optional for admission, and UCA superscores ACT and SAT for admissions and scholarship consideration.
How are automatic scholarships awarded?
Most freshman academic awards are based on GPA and test scores (if submitted) according to UCA’s published scholarship chart. Higher GPAs/test scores generally unlock larger awards, up to tuition coverage in top tiers.
What’s the scholarship priority date?
For 2025–26, apply by January 23 to be considered for top automatic tiers; file the FAFSA by February 1 for priority aid review.
Does UCA participate in tuition reciprocity?
UCA participates in the Academic Common Market (ACM) via SREB. If your home state doesn’t offer your intended major and it’s ACM-approved, you may pay in-state tuition at UCA after state certification.
https://uca.edu/admissions/freshman/
https://uca.edu/admissions/apply/
https://uca.edu/scholarships/files/2024/06/Scholarship-Policy-Chart-2025-2026.pdf
https://uca.edu/honors/
https://adhe.edu/institutions/academic-common-market
https://acmi.sreb.org/acm/s/participating-institutions-search-pub
https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/dfr/2024/ReportHTML.aspx?unitId=106704
https://uca.edu/financialaid/college-costs/
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Central Arkansas (2025–2026)
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $11,000 | $18,800 |
| Housing & Meals (on-campus average) | $9,900 | $9,900 |
| Estimated Total (Direct Costs) | $20,900 | $28,700 |
Note: These totals include only direct costs billed by the university (tuition, fees, housing, and meals). Other estimated expenses such as books & supplies ($1,200), transportation ($2,000), and personal costs ($1,500) are not listed in the table because they vary by student and are paid to outside vendors.
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.
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.
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.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distinguished Scholarship (Competitive) |
$8,500/yr ($6,500 tuition + $2,000 housing) |
3.75 GPA (6th/7th sem transcript), strong leadership/service, ACT/SAT score required | Yes — separate application with resume, test scores, essays | Yes — maintain 3.25 GPA, 30 credit hours/year | A small group with 3.9+ GPA*, robust involvement, and strong essays/test | Jan 27 |
| Achievement Scholarship | $6,500/yr ($5,000 tuition + $1,500 housing) |
4.0 GPA | No | Yes — 3.25 GPA, 30 credits/yr | Students with perfect GPA, high achievement, early application | Jan 27 |
| University Scholarship | $4,500/yr ($3,500 tuition + $1,000 housing) |
3.75 GPA | No | Yes — 3.00 GPA, 30 credits/yr | Solid academic students, typically 3.75–3.89 GPAs* | May 5 |
| Future Leaders Scholarship | $1,500/yr ($1,000 tuition + $500 housing) |
3.5 GPA | No | Yes — 2.75 GPA, 30 credits/yr | Good students who meet minimum academic standards | May 5 |
*Eligibility estimates are based on campus reporting and public award patterns for 2025–2026. 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.
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.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.
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/
🎖️ 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.
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.
- 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
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schedler Honors College Stipend | $2,000/yr + private room upgrade | First-time freshmen admitted to Schedler Honors (min 3.5 HS GPA; 80 students selected yearly) | Yes — separate Honors application | Yes — maintain Honors standing and academic progress | Top students with standout essays, leadership, and interview performance | Jan 27 |
| University Scholars Program Stipend | $1,000/yr + private room upgrade | First-time freshmen admitted to University Scholars (min 3.5 HS GPA; 40 students selected yearly) | Yes — separate Scholars application | Yes — maintain GPA & Scholars participation | Strong scholars—often from leadership and service backgrounds—earning high marks in review and interview | Jan 27 |
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.
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.
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).