The University of Central Arkansas (UCA), located in Conway, Arkansas, is the fourth largest university in Arkansas, the third largest college system in Arkansas, and one of the larger universities in the United States. This state-run higher education institution has several distinctions and honors that make it stand out from the pack. For starters, the university runs a prestigious UCA Honors College which has received national recognition for its excellence. The Carnegie Foundation stated that the UCA Honors College was one of the most widely imitated programs in the country. The former U.S. Secretary of Education, Terrell Bell, described the Honors College as an Ivy League education at a bargain basement price. Small classes, high SAT and ACT scores, URGE and TAG grants for students, distinguished faculty, and amazing graduate school and medical school admission rates are also trademarks of UCA.
Rankings
In 2006, U.S. News & World Report ranked UCA 61st for academic excellence in the South. That was the first year UCA ranked and it was the only public university in Arkansas to be ranked in that category. In 2009, the U.S. News & World Report America’s Best Colleges ranked UCA 54th in Master’s Universities in the South. Finally, UCA ranked 23rd for the Top Public Schools in Master’s Universities in the South.
Degree Programs and Colleges
Beyond these honors, UCA is also highly respected for its programs in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Education. The university is home to four Residential Colleges and several other reputable colleges. Altogether UCA colleges offers over 80 undergraduate majors. UCA colleges include: the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, the College of Fine Arts and Communications, the College of Education, and the College of Business.
Athletics
Men’s athletic teams are known as the Bears and women’s are known as the Sugar Bears. The Bears and Sugar Bears play in the NCAA at the Division I level as a member of the Southland Conference, with 14 varsity sports involving more than 400 student athletes.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
UCA offers an array of resources to help students defray costs: loans, grants, scholarships and work-study opportunities. All financial aid applicants must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Library System
The Torreyson Library’s stated mission is to serve as the center for illectual life at the university, inviting all community members to take advantage of its resources. Its electronic database offers quick access to all library materials.
Student Housing
There are three residential clusters. Cluster One is made up of Hughes Hall, Arkansas Hall, Short/Denney Hall, State Hall and Farris Hall. Cluster Two is comprised of Bear Hall, New Hall, Baridon Hall, Western Heights Apartments, Stadium Park Apartments and Bear Village Apartments. Cluster Three is made up of Bernard Hall, Carmichael Hall, Conway Hall, Erbach Apartments, Oak Tree Apartments, Torreyson Apartments and Baldridge Family Housing Apartments.
General Information
|
Admission Office 201 Donaghey Avenue Bernard 101 Conway, AR 72035 (501) 450-3128 (800) 243-8245 Fax: (501) 450-5228 [email protected] Contact: Melissa Goff Director of Institutional Research & Admissions |
Main Address 201 Donaghey Avenue Conway, AR 72035 (501) 450-5000 www.uca.edu |
|
Size Total undergrads: 11,047 First-time degree-seeking freshmen: 2,111 Degree-seeking undergrads: 9,669 Graduate enrollment: 1,926 Setting |
Degrees offered: Associate Bachelor’s Master’s Doctoral |
Admissions Information
|
Application Fee College has an application fee: No |
Enrollment Rates Percent applicants admitted: 58% Percent of students who return for sophomore year: 72% |
College Majors
|
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, & Gender Studies African-American Studies B Arts, Visual & Performing Biological & Biomedical Sciences Business, Management, & Marketing Communications & Journalism Computer & Information Sciences Education English Language & Literature Family & Consumer Sciences Foreign Language & Literature Health Professions & Clinical Sciences History Mathematics Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies Natural Resources & Conservation Parks, Recreation & Fitness Philosophy & Religion Physical Sciences Psychology Public Administration & Services Social Sciences |
Degree levels for each major are designated by the following letters:
A = Associate degree B = Bachelor’s degree C = Certificate or diploma |
*We do not guarantee the accuracy of information on this page. All information is subject to change. You should confirm all information with a college admissions officer.