University of Central Arkansas
UCA: Excel. Engage. Achieve. Your Future, Centralized.
📍 Conway, United States 🇺🇸
🏆 #215 in United States
Quick Facts about University of Central Arkansas
- Founded: 1907
- Type: Public
- Students: 9,962
- International: 5%
- Campus: Suburban
- Tuition: $16,620 – $19,300/year
- Language: English
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
- Intakes: January, June, August
About University of Central Arkansas
Academics
UCA offers nearly 150 undergraduate and graduate programs across six colleges: Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Behavioral Sciences; Science and Engineering; and the Graduate School. The university is particularly known for strong programs in Health Sciences, including Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech-Language Pathology, as well as Education and Business. UCA emphasizes experiential learning, research opportunities, and internships, fostering an innovative and collaborative educational environment.
International Students
UCA is home to a growing international student population, with approximately 408 international students making up about 3.9% of the student body. The Center for Global Learning and Engagement (CGLE) provides comprehensive support services, including assistance with admissions, orientation, scholarships, and employment matters like CPT and OPT. International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) offers further aid with immigration regulations, housing, and social programming. UCA also offers an Intensive English Program (IEP) for students who need to improve their English language skills before beginning academic studies.
Campus & Location
The University of Central Arkansas is situated in Conway, Arkansas, one of the state's fastest-growing cities, located between the Ozark Foothills and the capital city of Little Rock. UCA's campus spans over 356 acres and is recognized for its beauty, featuring Gregorian architecture and scenic fountains. The campus offers a vibrant student life with nearly 200 recognized student organizations, providing diverse opportunities for engagement and personal growth.
Career Outcomes
UCA's Career Services center is dedicated to preparing students for life after graduation by connecting them with employers and providing job preparation assistance. The university maintains strong industry connections, particularly through its College of Business, which has an active internship program and sees its graduates recruited by major companies such as Acxiom, Dillard's, and Wal-Mart. UCA is also developing an Innovation Campus to strengthen workforce readiness, expand applied research, and create direct pathways for internships and job placement with regional businesses.
Information for International Students at University of Central Arkansas
University of Central Arkansas in Conway, United States welcomes international students, with 5% of the student body coming from abroad.
- 5% of students are international
- Visa support available
- On-campus work allowed
- Student housing available (~$911/month)
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: English
Admissions Requirements for University of Central Arkansas
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to University of Central Arkansas:
- IELTS minimum: 6
- TOEFL minimum: 61
- GPA minimum: 2.5
- Application fee: $50
- Selectivity: Open (60%+)
- Application deadline: July 1 (Fall), November 1 (Spring), April 15 (Summer)
Programs at University of Central Arkansas (2 programs)
University of Central Arkansas offers 2 programs across Bachelor levels.
Bachelor Programs (2)
- Art (BFA) — 48 months · English
The Bachelor of Fine Arts program provides intensive studio experience and critical studies in various artistic disciplines. Students develop their creative expression and technical skills in areas like painting, sculpture, and graphic design.
Field: Arts
Career outcomes: Artist, Graphic Designer, Art Educator, Illustrator, Gallery Assistant - Elementary Education (BSE) — 48 months · English
This program prepares future educators to teach children in elementary school settings. It covers child development, curriculum design, teaching methodologies, and classroom management.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: Elementary School Teacher
Scholarships & Tuition at University of Central Arkansas
Annual tuition for international students: $16,620 – $19,300/year
✅ University of Central Arkansas offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of University of Central Arkansas
- National Ranking: #215 in United States
- Ranking tier: Research University
- Research output: Low
Campus & Facilities at University of Central Arkansas
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Suburban
- Housing cost: ~$911/month
Key Highlights
- Strong health sciences programs
- Diverse academic offerings
- Growing international student community
- Supportive global learning center
- Beautiful campus in Conway, Arkansas
Accreditation
- Higher Learning Commission
Notable Alumni
- Scottie Pippen
- Kris Allen
- Jeff Hartwig
- Clint Ritchie
- Sheffield Nelson
Frequently Asked Questions about University of Central Arkansas
What is University of Central Arkansas?
University of Central Arkansas is a public university located in Conway, United States, founded in 1907. It has approximately 9,962 students, with 5% being international students.
How much does it cost to study at University of Central Arkansas?
Tuition fees at University of Central Arkansas for international students range from $16,620 – $19,300/year. Student housing costs approximately $911/month. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for University of Central Arkansas?
IELTS minimum: 6. TOEFL minimum: 61. GPA minimum: 2.5. Application fee: $50. Selectivity: Open (60%+). Application deadline: July 1 (Fall), November 1 (Spring), April 15 (Summer).
What language are courses taught in at University of Central Arkansas?
Courses at University of Central Arkansas are taught in English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.
How many programs does University of Central Arkansas offer?
University of Central Arkansas offers 2 programs: 2 Bachelor's, 0 Master's, and 0 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is University of Central Arkansas ranked?
#215 in United States.
Does University of Central Arkansas offer scholarships?
Yes, University of Central Arkansas offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does University of Central Arkansas provide visa support?
Yes, University of Central Arkansas provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available. On-campus work opportunities are available.
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