The University of Central Arkansas ranks 17th out of 69 public universities in the category of “Best Master’s Level Universities in the South”, according to the U.S. News & World Report’s annual rankings of universities and colleges. UCA ranks 45th out of 117 total institutions in the South, both public and private, representing an increase in ranking from 54th in the previous year’s list. UCA is the highest ranked Arkansas public university in the report. Rankings are based on several assessments, such as peer assessment, retention and graduation rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources and alumni giving rates.
UCA President Allen Meadors stated that “We are pleased that UCA is recognized by its peers as a quality University. We certainly appreciate being ranked in around the top third of all Universities in the South in our category but we believe we are number one! Our faculty and staff strive to make every student a success. Insuring our students get the best college educational experience possible will always be our number one goal.”