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Admission to the University

[1] Introduction

The Office of Admissions and Enrollment Services at the University of Central Arkansas serves as the contact for all new domestic undergraduate students to the university. Domestic students are defined as US citizens, permanent residents, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, and undocumented individuals. Interested students are introduced to the university through various campus preview days, college planning programs, high school visits, and campus tours.

Inquiries regarding undergraduate admission for domestic students should be addressed to the Office of Admissions and Enrollment Services.

The Center for Global Learning and Engagement is responsible for overseeing all international student admission. This office reviews all international applications and supporting documentation and is responsible for notifying applicants of their admission status. Inquiries about undergraduate admission for international students should be addressed to the Center for Global Learning and Engagement.

All materials submitted for admission become the property of the university.

Falsification of any record, including the Application for Admission, is cause for immediate dismissal.

[2] First-Time Undergraduate Admission

The University of Central Arkansas welcomes all applications for admission. The number of first-time undergraduates may be limited by the resources available to the university to provide quality academic programs according to standards established by the Board of Trustees.

A first-time undergraduate is defined as any student who has not previously enrolled in a college or university since graduating from high school or obtaining a GED. Concurrent enrollment coursework is not considered previous enrollment. The following criteria are established for both traditional and non-traditional first-time undergraduates. Traditional undergraduate students are defined as those who are under 25 years of age and are a US citizen or resident alien; non-traditional students are defined as individuals over 25 years of age.

[2.1] Criteria for Freshman Admission to the University

Per a decision made by the UCA Board of Trustees, traditional first-time freshmen may be admitted under standard admission criteria or under test optional admission criteria. The test optional criteria are approved on a temporary basis for students applying to UCA through the 2026-2027 academic year.

A traditional first-time freshman may be admitted to UCA if the following criteria are met:

  • Minimum cumulative high school grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 or above on a 4.0 grading scale for all secondary school or home school program coursework.
  • Minimum 17 ACT composite or 930 SAT.
  • Minimum 15 ACT or SAT  22 Writing/Language, 22 Reading, and 400 Math.
  • Completion of high school graduation or GED requirements.

OR

Test optional Admission Requirements:

  • Minimum 3.0 cumulative high school grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 grading scale.

Students on track to graduate high school early may submit a four (4) or five (5) semester high school transcript for admission evaluation.

Please note, students admitted without test sores must submit either ACT/SAT scores or Accuplacer test scores for placement purposes prior to registration.

A non-traditional first-time undergraduate may be admitted to UCA if the applicant meets all criteria indicated for traditional students. However, ACCUPLACER Next-Generation scores may be used in lieu of ACT or SAT scores. Minimum exam scores include the following:

ACCUPLACER Next-Generation

  • Writing: 251
  • Reading: 251
  • Quantitative Reasoning, Analysis, & Statistics (QAS): 249

ACT or SAT test scores submitted for admission consideration may not be older than five years. ACCUPLACER Next-Generation scores submitted for non-traditional student admission may not be older than two years.

Students who plan to attend the University of Central Arkansas as first-time freshmen must also submit to the Office of Admissions prior to registration proof of two MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) shots or proper exemptions from the Arkansas Department of Health. Students born before January 1, 1957, are exempt from this requirement.

[2.2] Criteria for Conditional-Prep Status Admission to the University

A first-time undergraduate who does not qualify for admission may be admitted under extenuating circumstances with Conditional-Prep Status if the applicant has graduated from high school, or successfully completed GED requirements, and meets the following criteria:

  1. Student requests review of his/her application by submitting a formal appeal form and all required supplemental documentation.
  2. The University Admissions Committee grants Conditional-Prep Status admission upon review of the application.

Students who plan to attend the University of Central Arkansas as first-time freshmen must also submit proof of two MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) shots or proper exemptions from the Arkansas Department of Health to the Office of Admissions prior to registration. Students born before January 1, 1957, are exempt from this requirement.

[2.3] Conditions for Continuing Enrollment

Conditional-Prep Status students must enroll in ACAD 1300 during their first semester at the university. All first-time students must complete at least 12 credit hours, earn a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA, and complete any necessary developmental courses within the first 30 credit hours attempted as a degree-seeking student at the university, excluding developmental course hours. Concurrent or transfer credit hours do not count towards the first 30 credit hours attempted.

First-time freshmen who do not attain at least 12 credit hours and a 2.0 cumulative GPA within the first 30 credit hours attempted will be placed on academic probation as defined by the Undergraduate Bulletin in Academic Records, § 7.3 Academic Probation.

Any student who fails to complete any developmental requirement within the first 30 credit hours attempted will be placed on transitional suspension from the University until such time as the courses are completed at another accredited institution, as defined by the Undergraduate Bulletin in Admission to the University, § 7 Transfer of Credit, and a transcript provided to the Office of the Registrar.

[3] Readmission for Former UCA Students Not Currently Enrolled

Readmission for former UCA students who have not been in attendance for one or more semesters is required. Students may reapply for admission through the Office of Admissions and Enrollment Services at uca.edu/admissions/apply.  An official transcript from all colleges and/or universities attended since the last enrollment at UCA must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions and Enrollment Services by the appropriate institutional official (e.g., registrar). If it has been longer than five years since the student previously applied to UCA, applicants may be required  to resubmit transcripts from previously attended colleges or universities.

Readmission to Central Arkansas is contingent upon student status and progress toward completion of all transitional coursework.

Students who plan to attend the University of Central Arkansas must also submit proof of two MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) shots or proper exemptions from the Arkansas Department of Health prior to registration. Students born before January 1, 1957, are exempt from this requirement.

[4] Service Members Activated or Deployed During an Academic Term

[4.1] Benefit to Student Service Members

UCA recognizes that students serving in the military often have unique challenges with unexpected orders to active duty or training that may conflict with classes. Often these conflicts are resolved through proper coordination with professors. In some instances this cannot be achieved and the student is not able to meet course standards.

If the circumstance require a student to stop attending classes during the semester due to military service, the student must present a copy of their orders to active duty causing the absence to the Director of the Veterans Resource Center. Once the student provides notice of the military obligation and orders that prevent attendance, the student will be allowed one of the following options, as per Arkansas Code Ann. § 6-61-112:

  1. Receive a full refund of tuition and fees for the interrupted semester,
  2. Receive at least a one year extension after deactivation to complete the required course work, or
  3. Free tuition for one semester upon return if they have not already received a refund, unless federal aid is made available to compensate the student for the resulting monetary loss related to the student’s activation or deployment.

[4.2] Benefit to Student Spouses of Service Members

The benefit authorized in Arkansas Code Ann. § 6-61-112 above also applies to the student spouse of service members that are not students but are deployed or activated if the military member or student spouse has dependent children residing in the household (as reflected in Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System).

[4.3] Readmission of Student Service Members or Student Spouses of Service Members

At such time as the service member’s duty is complete and the student wishes to return to school, the University will readmit the student with the same academic status held when last attending school. Readmittance will be done in accordance with Chapter 3 of Volume 2 of the Federal Student Aid Handbook. The student may:

  1. Return to the same program they were previously in if they so choose,
  2. Return to the same enrollment status, such as under the same bulletin year they were previously under, unless the student prefers a different status,
  3. Return with the same credit hours previously completed, unless the student is readmitted to a different program to which the hours are not transferable,
  4. Return with the same academic standing as previously held.

If the circumstances require a student to dis-enroll after completion of a full semester, due to military duty beyond their control, and upon completion of that duty the student chooses to return to school, the student will be readmitted as per the paragraph above. If the student does not have military or veterans benefits to cover the cost of current tuition and fees, UCA will assess only the tuition and fees the student would have been assessed for the academic year during which the student was absent, for the first year the student returns, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Volume 2 of the Federal Student Aid Handbook. This special assessment will be offered for up to five years.

[5.] Early Admission

[5.1] Full-Time

Students who desire to accelerate a formal education may apply for admission to the university at the end of the junior year in high school. In addition to regular admission criteria, a student seeking early admission will have completed a minimum of six semesters of secondary school work, earned a B average or better, have an ACT composite score of at least 25, or equivalent scores on the SAT or ASSET exams, and be recommended by the high school principal.

[5.2] Part-Time, Concurrent with High School Enrollment

High school students enrolled in UCA concurrent credit courses are admitted to the university as part-time pre-baccalaureate students. Students wishing to attend UCA must go through the regular admissions process to be admitted to the university as first-time freshmen.

Applicants interested in taking concurrent coursework may be eligible if they meet the following criteria:

  1. A student must be of junior or senior standing and have earned a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher. In special cases, a sophomore may be permitted to enroll at UCA’s discretion upon the recommendation of and justification by an appropriate high school representative, typically the principal or counselor.
  2. To enroll in any UCA Core course, the student must (a) have scored 19 or higher on the ACT Reading sub-test or (b) have earned a score on the Aspire or PSAT assessments that are projected to produce a 19 or higher on the ACT Reading sub-test or (c) have earned an equivalent score on the SAT, ASSET, or ACCUPLACER exam.
  3. To enroll in courses in English or mathematics, a student must (a) have scored 19 or higher on the respective ACT sub-test or (b) have earned a score on the Aspire or PSAT assessments that are projected to produce a 19 or higher on the respective ACT sub-tests or (c) have earned an equivalent score on the SAT, ASSET, or ACCUPLACER exam.

[5.3] Summer Study for High School Students

A student between the junior and senior year in high school is eligible to apply to attend summer school at the University of Central Arkansas. This special program provides an opportunity for the capable student to find rewarding learning experiences and benefit from an early start in the college career. Once admitted, such a student attends regular college courses and earns college credit applicable to a degree.

Upon the successful completion of the special summer program, the student may elect to return to high school for the senior year, or apply for the early admission plan that substitutes the freshman year in college for the fourth year in secondary school. All of the requirements of the early admission program need to be satisfied before the student is admitted early.

In addition to regular admission criteria, admission to the summer program is predicated upon the following special requirements: completion of six semesters of secondary school work; a grade average of B; and recommendation of the high school principal or counselor.

[6] Non-Degree Seeking Admission

Students who are interested in taking coursework solely for the purpose of professional development, self-fulfillment, or other special interest may be admitted as non-degree seeking students. Students are eligible for admission under this designation by submitting an official high school transcript showing proof of graduation or a GED. Applicants who were previously denied admission to UCA within the last year are not eligible to apply as an undergraduate non-degree seeking student.

Non-degree seeking students are eligible to enroll in courses for which they have met the prerequisites, and may elect to earn credit or seek enrollment to audit a course. These students are not eligible for financial aid and pay full registration fees.

Earned hours as a non-degree seeking student may count toward degree requirements if a student applies to be a degree-seeking student at a future date. To earn a degree from UCA, a student must be admitted as a degree-seeking student.

[7] Admission as a Transfer Student

A student who has attended another college or university after graduating from high school or completing a GED and has never attended UCA must apply for admission as a transfer student. Such students will not be considered first-time freshmen, even if no credits were earned at the previous institution(s). Falsification of any record, including the Application for Admission, is cause for immediate dismissal.

Students may be considered for transfer admission if they meet the following criteria:

      • Minimum cumulative 2.0 grade point average (GPA) on all coursework from all previously attended colleges/universities
      • Students with fewer than 24 earned credit hours must meet minimum freshman admission requirements, including
          • Minimum cumulative high school grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 or above on a 4.0 grading scale for all secondary school or home school program coursework.
          • Completion of high school graduation or GED requirements.
          • Minimum 17 ACT composite or 930 SAT.
          • Minimum 15 ACT or SAT equivalent in all individual subject sub-scores

        OR

      • Minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 grading scale with completion of high school graduation requirements.

Transfer students must complete all developmental requirements prior to admission or within the first 30 credit hours attempted at the university, including developmental course hours. Any student who fails to complete any developmental requirement within the first 30 credit hours attempted will be placed on transitional suspension from the University until such time as the courses are completed at another accredited institution, as defined by the Undergraduate Bulletin in Admission to the University, § 7 Transfer of Credit, and a transcript provided to the Office of the Registrar.

After enrollment at UCA, the GPA accumulated in residence at the university shall be the cumulative grade point average.

[8] Transfer of Credit

Students entering the university who have attended a college or university accredited by an institutional accreditor (or, as determined by the University Registrar, other appropriate accrediting agency) recognized by the US Department of Education will receive credit on an evaluation of a transcript of their records submitted. Transfer credit is designated by the level on which it is earned. Transfer credit is awarded for courses in which an A, B, or C grade is earned. The grade earned for a transfer course does not transfer, only the credit hour value of the transfer course. The University will, however, accept for transfer a maximum of six hours of credit with D grades, subject to the following conditions:

  1. The transfer of credits with D grades is available only to first-time entering transfer students at the time of admission to the University within the first semester of enrollment.
  2. The student must petition to receive credit for six (6) hours of D grades of the student’s choosing.
  3. The student will select the appropriate six (6) hours of D grades to transfer in to the University after consultation with his/her appointed academic advisor.
  4. Prerequisite rules shall apply to transfer of credits with D grades the same as they do to UCA credits.

Anyone transferring to the university will be required to earn at least fifteen hours credit in the major and nine hours credit in the minor in residence prior to graduation. This regulation is binding even though the student has sufficient hours of credit otherwise to meet requirements of the major and minor. All standards with respect to transfer credit are binding and are not, therefore, subject to appeal.

There is no limit on the number of credit hours that may be transferred to the university.

Acceptance of credits and subsequent establishment of standing are provisional until completion of one semester of satisfactory work in residence at UCA.

The Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) contains information about the transferability of courses among Arkansas public colleges and universities. Students are guaranteed the transfer of applicable credits and equitable treatment in the application of credits for the admissions and degree requirements. Course transferability is not guaranteed for courses listed in ACTS as “No Comparable Course.” Additionally, courses with a “D” frequently do not transfer, and institutional policies may vary (see UCA’s policy above). ACTS may be accessed on the ADHE website.

[9] Admission of International Students

All inquiries regarding undergraduate international admission should be addressed to and are processed by the Center for Global Learning and Engagement. Undergraduate international readmission applications are processed by the Center for Global Learning and Engagement and forwarded to the Registrar for readmission consideration.

International applicants to UCA whose first language is not English must demonstrate a satisfactory level of English proficiency. Students need a strong command of the English language to succeed academically.

[9.1] Undergraduate Admission Requirements

To apply for admission as an undergraduate, international applicants must submit the following:

  1. Application for Undergraduate Admission.
  2. Non-refundable application fee of US $50.00 drawn from a US bank, or an international money order.
  3. Original or certified copies of all secondary school, college, and university transcripts, with a certified English translation of each.

    Freshman Applicants: Applicants who have completed secondary school and are applying for freshman (first-year) admission must meet one of the following criteria:

    1. Secondary school cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or above on a 4.0 scale; or
    2. Rank in upper 40% of secondary school graduating class; or
    3. Composite ACT score of 19 or above or equivalent score on the SAT; or
    4. Five passes with credit on GCSE (O-Level) results.
    Transfer Applicants: Applicants who have previously attended a college and/or university and are applying for admission as transfer students must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above. For evaluation of university transfer credit, foreign transcripts must be accompanied by a UCA-recognized third-party credential evaluation. The Center for Global Learning and Engagement maintains a list of UCA-recognized third-party credential evaluators. Transfer applicants should also submit copies of their current I-20, passport, and I-94 card.
  4. Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency before beginning undergraduate academic courses at the university. This includes immigrants, permanent residents, citizens, refugees, and international students.

    An applicant who is a citizen of a country found on the Exempt Country List, as maintained by the Center for Global Learning and Engagement, and whose first language is English will not be required to submit proof of English Language Proficiency. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency by submitting one (1) of the following:

    1. TOEFL PBT score [Note 1] of 500 or higher (UCA’s ETS code is 6012); or
    2. TOEFL iBT score [Note 1] of 61 or higher (UCA’s ETS code is 6012); or
    3. IELTS score [Note 1] of 6 or higher; or
    4. Cambridge English: B2 First score of 162 or higher; or
    5. Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) score of 50 or higher; or
    6. ACT score [Note 2] of 19 or above on the English and Reading portion of the exam (UCA’s ACT code is 0118); or
    7. SAT score [Note 2] (pre-March 2016 version) of 470 or above on the Writing and Critical Reading portions; SAT score (3-1-2016 or after version) of 26 on the Writing/Language and Reading portions (UCA’s SAT code is 6016); or
    8. A score of 5, 6, or 7 on the Language A (English): Literature or Language A (English): Language and Literature exam administered by an International Baccalaureate school; or
    9. Grade of “C” or above in English Composition I or II from an accredited U.S. university or college; or
    10. Completion of UCA’s Intensive English Program.

    Scores from other comparable English Proficiency assessments can be considered by the Center for Global Learning and Engagement in consultation with the Intensive English Program.

    Note 1

    TOEFL and IELTS scores must be no more than two years old.

    Note 2

    ACT and SAT scores must be no more than five years old.
  5. Applicants must submit documentation of financial support, accompanied by a Confirmation of Financial Resources Form. Students must demonstrate the financial capacity as required by immigration regulations and by any Exchange Agreement or other agreements which may exist and apply to the student’s situation. Such applicants must submit a copy of the biographical page of their passport. Upon acceptance to the university, students will receive a letter of admission to UCA and a form I-20, as well as pre-arrival and orientation information.

[9.2] Academic Placement Exams for International Students

International applicants are not required to submit exams such as ACT or SAT for admission into the university. However, prior to registration in courses, an academic placement exam such as ACT, SAT, or Accuplacer is required for all international students admitted as first-time undergraduates. For minimum placement exam scores, see § 2.1 in “Admission to the University” (above).

International first-time undergraduates may submit ACT or SAT scores prior to arrival on campus. These scores will be reviewed to determine if the student is eligible for registration in college writing and mathematics courses. If it is determined, based on these scores, that the student is not eligible for registration in college writing and mathematics courses, the student may undergo an academic placement exam upon arrival to the university. Decisions on course registration will be based on the most recent academic placement exam.

International first-time undergraduates who do not submit ACT or SAT prior to arrival on campus will be required to undergo an academic placement exam upon arrival to the university. Decisions on course registration will be based on the most recent academic placement exam.

International transfer students may need an academic placement exam upon further review of their course work completed at previous institutions.

ACT or SAT test scores submitted for placement decisions may not be older than five years.

[9.3] Admission of Students Who Do Not Fulfill English Proficiency Requirement

An applicant who has submitted the documentation and met the criteria as defined in § 8.1 above, but cannot demonstrate adequate English language proficiency as defined in § 8.1 (4), may be admitted to UCA’s Intensive English Program (IEP). An applicant who does not submit any English language proficiency documentation can also be admitted to UCA’s Intensive English Program (IEP).

UCA IEP English as a Second Language Program (Levels 0-5)

The IEP program is designed for all applicants to UCA whose first language is not English. This includes immigrants, permanent residents, citizens, refugees, and international students who have basic to limited English proficiency and want to improve their English skills.

The program provides training to

  1. International undergraduate students applying for admission to a U.S. college or university who must first improve their language skills.
  2. International undergraduate students who have been admitted to UCA but require or desire further language preparation.
  3. International students and community residents who wish to improve their language skills for personal or professional purposes.
  4. International groups that require specialized language and cultural courses and activities.

Students in IEP will study English speaking, listening, grammar, reading, writing, and vocabulary. The program includes six Levels (Basic, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) and students are assigned to a specific level based on test scores or placement by IEP faculty. Courses are offered in the Fall, Spring, and Summer. In the Fall and Spring terms, two 8-week courses are offered per academic semester.

[10] Admission of Other Students Whose First Language Is Not English

See § 8.1 (4).