University of Central Arkansas Scholarships (2026–2027)
← Back to college scholarships hub • See Arkansas aid & Grants
Last Updated on May 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
Comparing multiple schools?
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
$1,500–$6,500/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
15 opportunities
3 automatic · 1 competitive · 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/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes — participates in ACM.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Central Arkansas 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 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 27
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 4.0+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
May combine with other need-based aid up to cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
GPA based on 6th/7th semester transcript.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
First-year students with perfect 4.0 GPA, early application.
Automatic
University Scholarship
📅 Deadline: May 5
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.8+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Combines with state/federal aid up to COA.
💡
Strategic Detail
GPA based on 6th/7th semester transcript.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: First-year applicants, 3.75–3.89 GPA, timely and complete application.
Automatic
Future Leaders Scholarship
📅 Deadline: May 5
✓ Renews (2.75 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.5+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Award may combine with need-based grants up to cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
GPA based on 6th/7th semester transcript.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
First-years at minimum standard, good students with 3.5+ GPA.
* 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.
App Required
Distinguished Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 27
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.8+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
May combine with state/federal need-based grants up to cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Submit separate Distinguished application, resume, ACT/SAT by stated deadline; competitive committee selection.
Selection criteria: Committee evaluation based on holistic achievement, service, leadership, test score.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Separate app required; ACT/SAT needed. GPA from 6th/7th semester transcript.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Small group of high GPA, strong leadership/service, robust essays/test score.
* 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.
| 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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
* 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 Stipend
📅 Deadline: Jan 27 · 📢 Results: Early April
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 3.5+ GPA👥 ~80 winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
May combine with other institutional awards up to cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Complete Schedler Honors College application with essays and recommendation letter(s); interview if selected as finalist.
Selection criteria: Reviewed based on academic record, leadership, service, essays, recommendation(s), and interview.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Includes private room upgrade (~$2,000/year value); typically 80 awards/year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top applicants with 3.7+ GPA, honors coursework, outstanding essays and interviews
App Required
University Scholars Program Stipend
📅 Deadline: Jan 27 · 📢 Results: Early April
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 3.5+ GPA👥 ~40 winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
May stack with institutional scholarships up to cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Complete University Scholars application with essays and recommendation(s); interview if selected as finalist.
Selection criteria: Review based on GPA, leadership, service, essays, reference, and interview performance.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Includes private room upgrade (~$2,000/year value); 40 awards/year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Strong applicants with leadership and service, earn high marks in review and interview
* 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.
Was this helpful? Share it with another parent who’s comparing college costs!
Back to top ↑
