Academic Scholarships

2012-2013 Entering Freshmen

Freshmen students who are fully admitted to UCA by February 1, 2012 will be considered for the academic scholarships. There is NO separate scholarship application. The LAST test score we will accept for scholarship eligibility is the DECEMBER 2011 ACT.

UCA Distinguished Scholarship

  • $4,250 per semester or $8,500 per year
  • Awarded for eight (8) consecutive semesters, not to include summer semesters.
  • Eligibility Requirements Include: National Merit/Achievement Finalist or Semifinalist and 3.25 cumulative high school GPA OR a 31-36 ACT/1360-1600 recentered SAT score AND 3.25 cumulative GPA.
  • Students are encouraged to apply to the Honors College where they may compete for additional scholarships.

UCA Excellence Scholarship

  • $3,250 per semester or $6,500 per year
  • Awarded for eight (8) consecutive semesters, not to include summer semesters.
  • Eligibility Requirements : 29-30 ACT/1290-1350 recentered SAT and 3.25 cumulative high school GPA.

UCA Achievement Scholarship

  • $2,500 per semester or $5,000 per year
  • Awarded eight (8) consecutive semesters, not to include summer semesters.
  • Eligibility Requirements: 27-28 ACT/1210-1280 recentered SAT and a 3.25 cumulative high school GPA.

UCA University Scholarship

  • $1,250 per semester or $2,500 per year
  • Awarded for eight (8) consecutive semesters, not to include summer semesters.
  • Eligibility Requirements: 24-26 ACT/1090-1200 recentered SAT and a 3.25 cumulative high school GPA.

UCA Leadership Scholarship

  • $750 per semester or $1,500 for the student's freshmen year
  • Awarded for two (2) consecutive semesters, not to include summer semesters. This scholarship is only available for the student's freshmen year at UCA.
  • Eligibility Requirements: 23 ACT/1050-1080 recentered SAT and a 3.25 cumulative high school GPA OR top 10% of high school graduating

The University of Central Arkansas awards academic scholarships to entering freshmen based on high school GPA and ACT/SAT scores.

  • Recipients are responsible for making on-campus housing arrangements through UCA's Housing Office.
  • Recipients may require NO remediation in any subject area.  All remediation must be completed before entrance to UCA in the Fall 2011 semester.
  • To receive the full benefit of this scholarship, students must reside in university housing.
  • Early application for admission is recommended in order to be considered for the academic scholarships.
  • Scholarships will be awarded as funds are available. Scholarships are LIMITED and COMPETITIVE.

Students must remain enrolled on a full-time basis and complete 30 hours each academic year (fall and spring) with a 3.25 GPA. Your fall semester GPA must be 2.5 or higher on at least 12 hours for continuation to the spring semester.

Transfer Students

Due to budgetary constraints the UCA Admissions office will be unable to award transfers scholarships for the Spring 2012 semester. We encourage you to visit with our Financial Aid office to discuss available options.

Assistance Program For Students With Exceptional Circumstances ("APSEC")

The APSEC program is a scholarship program that supports students who exhibit exceptional financial need and/or extraordinary academic excellence and do not qualify for, or receive, other institutional scholarships or financial aid sufficient to attend the university or continue their education.  The application deadline is July 15th for the fall semester and December 1st for the spring semester.

Please click here to view a copy of Board Policy 524

Please click here to apply.

Privately Funded Scholarships

Each year through endowed funds, the Foundation provides thousands of dollars in scholarships to UCA students. Scholarships and awards are made possible by private gifts and vary considerably in dollar value and criteria, reflecting the donors' gifts and interests.

Please click here for more information.