Eligibility
How do I apply?
No separate UCA application is required to apply for this program. Your application for admission, FAFSA, and completed Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship application must be on file for eligibility consideration.
When will I know if I’m eligible?
We will notify students of eligibility after all necessary documentation is received starting in spring 2024.
Are non-Arkansas students eligible?
Students from outside of Arkansas are not eligible at this time. However, students from contiguous states are eligible for automatic in-state tuition and students from non-neighboring states and other countries can receive in-state tuition if they reside in campus housing.
Do I have to be an incoming freshman?
Yes; the UCA Commitment is only available to incoming first-year students starting college for the fall 2024 term.
Can I start in the Spring?
Spring start students are not eligible for the UCA Commitment at this time.
Am I eligible if I take a gap year before starting college?
Yes; as long as you don’t enroll at another college or university after high school graduation, you would still be considered an incoming freshman for the next academic year.
Is your institution still test-optional?
Yes; students with at least a 3.0 cumulative high school GPA may be admitted without test scores. However, ACT, SAT, or Accuplacer scores are required for placement purposes.
Scholarships & Finances
I don’t qualify for this program; what do I qualify for?
UCA supports incoming students through a variety of scholarship opportunities including freshman academic scholarships and UCA Foundation scholarships. We encourage all students to explore opportunities available through state and private aid programs.
Will the housing portion of my academic scholarship be applied to my housing costs?
Yes; institutional academic scholarships that specify funds for housing will apply to room and board costs.
Why do we have to complete the FAFSA?
The FAFSA is required to determine eligibility through family income and to ensure eligible students are maximizing available aid opportunities.
Service
What are Service Requirements?
All UCA Commitment participants must complete a minimum of 10 service hours per semester, regardless of the amount of funds received. Additional service hours will be required for students who receive higher levels of funding; however, no student will be required to provide more than 40 service hours per semester.
What counts as service hours?
For the purposes of UCA Commitment, service hours may include:
- Time spent on direct service to the community through a nonprofit organization or government agency, such as serving a meal or participating in a clean-up
- Time spent individually or with a group organizing direct service opportunities for others, such as planning and implementing a donation drive or service day
- Time spent on indirect or research-based service, such as creating a deliverable for a nonprofit organization through a service-learning course
- Unpaid internships with nonprofit organizations or government agencies
- Any service (whether in-person or remote) to fulfill a community identified need on campus or in your local, state, regional, national, or international communities that can be verified by a partner organization in the community
- Volunteer training required by a nonprofit organization in order to serve
If I join an RSO, Greek organization, service-learning class, or a UCA Sponsored service organization, will these hours count toward UCA Commitment?
Existing service projects that meet the program criteria will count towards UCA Commitment students’ service hours. UCA Commitment will increase our impact in the community by deepening our engagement with local and state partners and expanding service opportunities for students.
Work-Study
How do I opt-in to the work option?
You’ll be notified of your eligibility for work-study and have the opportunity to opt-in. Students eligible for work study must opt-in to the work portion no later than July 15, 2024.
Will I get to choose my work placement?
Eligible participants who have opted-in to work-study will be placed in a specific workstation based on a variety of student and departmental needs and interests.
Can I have a job outside of campus while fulfilling my UCA commitment work requirements?
Yes; all students may hold off-campus jobs as their schedule permits.
Current Students
Are Current Students Eligible?
No; the UCA Commitment is a new program that will only go into effect for fall 2024 first-time freshmen and subsequent entering fall freshmen.
Will I continue to receive my aid and scholarships?
Yes; the UCA Commitment won’t negatively impact your current UCA funding.
Will I lose my work-study?
No; the UCA Commitment isn’t designed to overtake current work-study positions. We’ll continue to support all UCA students and their efforts to fund their education.
Will this reduce current students opportunities for service and volunteerism?
No; UCA is a vibrant community with many opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to get involved. We’re excited about expanding our impact by increasing our engagement with those local and state partners.