The University of Central Arkansas again welcomes the second-largest incoming freshman class in the state for the sixth time in seven years.
According to preliminary data, first-time, full-time undergraduate enrollment at UCA for fall 2023 is 1,737 students, making it the second-largest incoming freshman class among all four-year institutions in the state. UCA’s overall enrollment is 9,790, which is 1.2% less than last year.
“Our incoming freshman enrollment has been solid and steady for several years now. We are excited and proud of this continuing trend of being a university of choice for so many academically strong students,” said UCA President Houston Davis. “Like our previous cohorts, this incoming class is academically poised for success with an average GPA of 3.63, which ties last year’s class as the second highest in university history.”
Among UCA’s five undergraduate colleges, the College of Business saw the largest increase in enrollment with 3.3% for undergraduate and 4.4% for graduate students. The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics saw an increase of 1.8% and 2.2% for undergraduates and graduates, respectively.
UCA’s first-time graduate student enrollment also increased by nearly 7% from 491 last year to 524 students this year, which continues historically high levels of graduate enrollment in UCA’s Graduate School.
“Our professors are dedicated to the classroom experiences of students, as well as their experiential learning through research opportunities, service-learning and internships. This commitment to academic excellence and a full, rich student experience are some of the driving forces behind these sustained enrollment figures,” said Davis.
The enrollment and successful completion of degrees remain the focus with this incoming class as well as with future students. Earlier this month, UCA introduced a new financial assistance program called UCA Commitment that provides a debt-free pathway for tuition and fees for incoming students in fall 2024 whose family income is $100,000 or less.
“It is safe to say that UCA Commitment is a game changer for educational access and removal of debt barriers. UCA recognizes the vital role that education plays in shaping the future of our state and society,” Davis said. “The UCA Commitment is another investment in our students and in the state of Arkansas.”
