University of Central Arkansas Scholarships (2025–2026)

What This Page Covers:

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

If you’re comparing costs at UCA, this page translates the fine print into parent‑friendly steps: what it really costs, what aid is automatic, and where the lesser‑known money hides. Start with our Arkansas state aid guide for grants you shouldn’t leave on the table, then use this UCA guide from the CRP Scholarships Hub to stack school‑based awards the smart way.

💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Central Arkansas

Expense	In-State	Out-of-State
Tuition & Mandatory Fees (15 credits/term)	$11,000	$18,800
Housing (Tier-2 shared room)	$5,500	$5,500
Meal Plan (Total Access)	$4,400	$4,400
Books & Supplies	$1,200	$1,200
Total (before aid)	$22,100	$29,900

Average Net Price: $15,456 (2023–24 NCES data). This is what families actually paid on average after scholarships and grants — no loans included.

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 $22,000 vs. $10,000 in-state — a difference of roughly $12,000 per year if you qualify through ACM.

COA FAQs

Who sets these numbers?
The university’s financial aid office publishes cost of attendance annually, based on 15 credits per term and average housing/meal costs.

Will my student’s costs be different?
Yes. Housing tier, meal plan choice, books, and travel vary by student. These figures are estimates for planning.

Are out-of-state waivers automatic?
No. Unlike some neighboring universities, UCA does not offer an automatic metro-rate or reciprocity waiver. Out-of-state students must rely on scholarships or grants to lower costs.

✅ 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, in some cases, require a separate application for the most competitive levels.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Achievement Scholarship	$6,500/yr ($5,000 tuition + $1,500 housing)	4.0 GPA (no separate service requirement)	No	Yes — GPA renewal required	Students with perfect GPAs; test scores optional under test-optional policy
University Scholarship	$4,500/yr ($3,500 tuition + $1,000 housing)	3.75 GPA	No	Yes	Solid students with GPAs between 3.75–3.9*
Future Leaders Scholarship	$1,500/yr ($1,000 tuition + $500 housing)	3.5 GPA	No	Yes	Students with good grades (~3.5–3.7 GPAs*) who may not reach higher tiers

*Eligibility ranges marked with an asterisk are estimates based on prior award patterns and published student profiles. Actual thresholds can shift year to year.

Automatic Merit FAQs

Do I need to submit test scores?
No. UCA is test-optional, though high scores can help with the most competitive scholarships.

Are deadlines important?
Yes. Distinguished and Achievement scholarships require application/admission by January 27. University and Future Leaders are considered through May 5.

Can I stack these with other aid?
Yes. Most automatic scholarships can be combined with federal/state grants, but cannot exceed total cost of attendance.

Does UCA superscore ACT or SAT?
No. UCA uses the highest composite score from a single test date. They do not create a new “superscore” across multiple attempts.

🏆 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?
Distinguished Scholarship (Competitive Track)	$8,500/yr ($6,500 tuition + $2,000 housing)	3.75 GPA, strong leadership/service record, test 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

*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.

💎 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.

Scholarship / Program	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Army ROTC Scholarships	Up to full tuition + book allowance + monthly stipend	Students contracted with UCA Army ROTC	Yes — via ROTC board application	Yes — must meet GPA, fitness, and service requirements	Cadets who commit to military service and maintain required standards
Departmental & Donor Scholarships	$500–$2,500/yr (typical range by college)	Declared majors in business, education, arts, sciences, and other departments	Yes — through UCA Scholarship Portal or department nomination	Varies by award	Students with strong GPA and involvement in their major’s department
Study Abroad Micro-Grants	$500–$1,500 toward program costs	UCA undergrads accepted to faculty-led or exchange programs abroad	Yes — through the UCA Study Abroad Office	No — one-time	Students with financial need who apply on time for overseas study
First-Generation Support Programs	$500–$1,000 stipend or fee support	First-gen students participating in UCA’s support initiatives	Yes — program application required	Varies	First-gen students engaged with mentoring and academic success programs
Bear Marching Band & Music Performance Scholarships	~$500–$2,000/yr depending on audition and ensemble needs	Open to music majors and non-majors who audition and participate in ensembles	Yes — audition required	Yes — must maintain participation and GPA	Strong players in winds, brass, percussion, or guard who commit to rehearsals and performances
APSEC — Assistance Program for Students with Exceptional Circumstances	Up to $6,000 lifetime (need-based)	Students with exceptional financial need after other aid is exhausted; FAFSA required	Yes — APSEC application	Yes — until lifetime cap reached	Students with urgent financial gaps threatening their enrollment
Student Emergency Fund (DASH@DOS)	Up to ~$1,000 one-time	Any UCA student experiencing a financial emergency	Yes — online application	No	Students facing sudden expenses like medical bills or housing crises
School of Nursing Foundation Scholarships	$500–$2,000/yr typical	Nursing majors; criteria vary by donor	Yes — UCA Foundation portal	Varies	Upper-division Nursing majors with solid GPA; some funds prioritize first-gen or financial need
Journalism & Debate/Forensics Scholarships	$500–$2,000/yr	Students active in campus media or Forensics team	Yes — program application/audition	May be — based on continued participation	Communications-oriented students with strong media, debate, or speech backgrounds
College of Business — Insurance & Risk Management Donor Scholarships	$1,000–$10,000/yr depending on fund	Business majors, especially Insurance & Risk Management; GPA ~2.75+	Yes — College/Foundation applications	Varies — usually one-year	Business students engaged in IRM coursework and activities with solid grades
Foundation Identity-Focused Awards	$500–$1,500/yr typical	Criteria vary: first-gen, African-American, American Indian, or by county/major	Yes — UCA Foundation portal	Varies	Students who clearly meet donor criteria and apply on time

Hidden Gems FAQs

Are these awards automatic?
No — each requires a separate application through ROTC, the scholarship portal, or a departmental office.

Can these stack with merit aid?
Yes. Most departmental and ROTC awards stack with automatic scholarships, though totals cannot exceed the cost of attendance.

When should my student apply?
Deadlines vary. Departmental and donor scholarships usually open in spring. ROTC scholarships follow national board timelines. Study abroad and emergency funds have earlier seasonal or rolling deadlines.

Who benefits most from hidden gems?
Students in specialized majors, first-generation students, those seeking leadership roles, musicians, and anyone pursuing study abroad, ROTC, or departmental involvement.

⭐ 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).

🎖️ Honors College

The Schedler Honors College is one of UCA’s crown jewels, known across Arkansas for offering motivated students a more personalized, rigorous experience. Admission is highly selective, and students gain access to small seminars, faculty mentorship, and unique funding opportunities.

What a Typical UCA Honors Student Looks Like:
3.7+ GPA* in challenging high school courses, strong writing ability, leadership or service involvement, and curiosity that shows in essays and interviews.
*Estimate based on past cohorts; UCA does not publish exact GPA/test cutoffs.

Perks of the Schedler Honors College:

Priority course registration and advising
Private room upgrade in residence halls
Dedicated Honors seminars and community
Faculty mentorship and funded research opportunities
Special study abroad and service-learning options

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Schedler Honors College Stipend	$2,000/yr + private room upgrade	Incoming freshmen admitted to Schedler Honors (80 students selected annually)	Yes — application due Jan 27	Yes — maintain GPA & active Honors standing	High achievers with strong essays, leadership, and service backgrounds
University Scholars Program Stipend	$1,000/yr + private room upgrade	Incoming freshmen admitted to University Scholars (40 students selected annually)	Yes — application due Jan 27	Yes — maintain GPA & program participation	Motivated students with strong academics and potential who show promise in interviews

Honors FAQs

Is admission automatic?
No. Students must apply separately after their UCA admission. Invitations are based on GPA, essays, and interviews.

Does Honors add time to a degree?
No. Honors coursework replaces electives and complements major requirements, so graduation stays on track.

Are there extra scholarships?
Yes. Honors students receive stipends and private room upgrades that reduce out-of-pocket housing costs.

What’s the deadline?
January 27 is the priority deadline for both Schedler Honors and University Scholars applications.

📎 Official Links

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.

✅ Last updated: September 1, 2025