Figuring out how to pay for college is an issue that concerns many parents and college bound students. At UCA, we understand that the financial aid process can be intimidating, that's why we've taken the time to gather a brief description of all the financial possibilities you can explore while preparing for college. It's just another way the University of Central Arkansas is dedicated to helping you make your college experience a wise investment.
UCA Scholarships: UCA wants to see every student succeed. We have many wonderful scholarship and work study opportunities on our campus:
- Academic Scholarships- Academic scholarships are awarded to incoming freshman and transfer students through the UCA Financial Aid Office. Please visit our Academic Scholarship Page or call us at (501) 450-3140.
- Faculty Senate Scholarships- Faculty Senate scholarships are awarded directly by the Faculty Scholarship Committee. These scholarships are awarded for one calendar year to incoming freshmen. A 3.25 cumulative high school GPA is required in addition to an essay and two letters of recommendation. For more information, please contact faculty senate by emailing facultysenate@uca.edu.
- Honors College Scholarships- Honors Scholarships are awarded directly through the Honors College. For more information about the Honors College application and scholarship process, visit honors.uca.edu or call (501) 450-3198. You can also reach them by e-mail at honors@uca.edu.
- UCA Foundation Scholarships - For more information, visit www.uca.edu/go/foundationscholarships
- Performance Scholarships-
- Band, Choral, and Music Scholarships- Contact the Department of Music at (501) 450-5750 or visit http://uca.edu/music/scholarships for more information. You can also email music@uca.edu for more information.
- Art, Speech, Theatre, and Mass Communications Scholarships- Contact the College of Fine Arts and Communication at (501) 450-3293 for information about scholarships in art, theater, broadcasting, and journalism, or visit http://www.uca.edu/cfac/mct/theatre/Scholarships.htm for more information.
- Army ROTC- Full tuition, fees, books and monthly stipends each school year. Scholarships are based on academics and demonstrated leadership potential. Contact the Department of Military Science at (501) 450-3145. You can also email UCA ROTC Recruiting Officer for more information at ucarotc@uca.edu
- Department Work-Study Employment- Unlike the federal work-study program, departmental work-study jobs are awarded directly from many UCA departments on campus and are NOT need based. Students can apply for these positions by visiting any department of interest.
Federal Aid: All potential UCA students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible. There is a wide range of federal financial assistance available:
- Grants- Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG), National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART).
- Loans- Perkins Loans, Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP)
- Work-Study Employment- This program is need based, and eligibility must be assessed by completing the FAFSA process. Many departments on UCA's campus employ work-study students.
You can find out more information about all of these opportunities by visiting www.fafsa.ed.gov or calling our Financial Aid office at (501) 450-3140.
State Aid: There are many state financial aid grant and scholarship options available for Arkansas residents. For more information on the scholarship and grant programs listed below please visit www.adhe.edu.
- Academic Challenge Scholarship- Deadlines: June 1. To apply, visit http://www.adhe.edu/divisions/financialaid/Pages/fa_acs.aspx for more information.
- Arkansas Health Education Grant Program (ARHEG)- Provides financial assistance to students seeking professional training in chiropractic medicine, dentistry, optometry, ostheopathic medicine, podiatric medicine, and veterinary medicine to allow them to attend out-of-state institutions.
- Governor's Scholars Program- Deadline: February 1.
You can find out more information about all of these opportunities and apply for these programs by visiting www.adhe.edu and clicking on "Find Money for College" or by visiting http://www.adhe.edu/divisions/financialaid/Pages/fa_acs.aspx or by calling the Arkansas Department of Higher Education at (800) 54-STUDY or e-mail them at finaid@adhe.edu.
Local and Corporate Aid: Many civic organization and corporate sponsors offer a wide variety of scholarship opportunities. Make sure you explore local resources such as Kiwanis, Lions Club International, Rotary Clubs, and university alumni organizations, as well as a multitude of corporate sponsors. You can find a lot of helpful information concerning scholarships through their corporate web sites.