The University of Central Arkansas is a public regional research university located in Conway, Arkansas. Founded in 1907, this campus enrolls over 9,900 students and ranks #363 in the 2026 US News National Universities list.
The University of Central Arkansas offers over 150 undergraduate, graduate and professional programmes across five academic colleges. All degrees are taught in English, and Fall plus Spring intakes both open to Indian applicants. International students form 3% of the 9,962-strong 2025 student body at the University of Central Arkansas.
- US News National Universities 2026: ranked #363 (tied with Missouri State University)
- Acceptance rate: 90% (estimated)
- Intakes for Indian applicants: Fall (August) and Spring (January)
- Indicative graduate tuition before waiver: $17,580 per year (₹16.82 lakh)
- Institution-reported starting salary: $98,000 (₹93.79 lakh)
- International student share: 3% of the 9,962 enrolled in 2025
- Campus and location: 356-acre campus in Conway, 45 kilometres north of Little Rock
Also Check: MS Universities in USA for Indian Students
Every fully admitted international student living in University of Central Arkansas housing gets an automatic out-of-state tuition waiver. This cuts annual graduate fees to $8,000 (₹7.66 lakh) and undergraduate fees to $11,400 (₹10.91 lakh) before other aid. Indian applicants must clear the F-1 visa interview after the I-20 form arrives, budgeting eight to ten weeks.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = ₹95.7 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Open (Spring 2027 intake). The Spring 2027 application deadline is November 1, 2026. Fall 2027 applications close July 1, 2027 on a fixed international deadline. The University of Central Arkansas does not follow rolling admissions for international students.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and UCA Fees at University of Central Arkansas 2027
- University of Central Arkansas Admission 2027
- University of Central Arkansas Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- University of Central Arkansas Acceptance Rate 2027
- University of Central Arkansas UCA Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- University of Central Arkansas Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- University of Central Arkansas Scholarships 2027
- University of Central Arkansas Rankings 2027
- University of Central Arkansas Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- University of Central Arkansas vs Peer Universities
- University of Central Arkansas FAQs
Popular Courses and UCA Fees at University of Central Arkansas 2027
The University of Central Arkansas charges international students a flat non-resident rate across most master’s programmes. Graduate fees are $17,580 per year (₹16.82 lakh). General undergraduate fees are $14,280 per year (₹13.67 lakh) before any waiver.
Standard master’s programmes run two years and undergraduate degrees run four years. Total programme costs equal the annual figure multiplied by that duration.
Top 10 Postgraduate Programmes at University of Central Arkansas for Indian Students
| Programme | Duration | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR) | Entry Requirement (Indian scale) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | 2 years | $35,160 | 33.65 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Computer Science | 2 years | $35,160 | 33.65 lakh | Bachelor’s in CS/IT with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Computer Science, Applied Computing | 2 years | $35,160 | 33.65 lakh | Bachelor’s in CS/IT with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Biology | 2 years | $35,160 | 33.65 lakh | Bachelor’s in life sciences with 60% (recommended) |
| MA History | 2 years | $35,160 | 33.65 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Applied Mathematics | 2 years | $35,160 | 33.65 lakh | Bachelor’s in Maths or Statistics with 60% (recommended) |
| MS Mental Health Counseling | 3 years | $52,740 | 50.47 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% (recommended); interview required |
| MA English, Language Arts | 2 years | $35,160 | 33.65 lakh | Bachelor’s in English with 55% (recommended) |
| MA Spanish | 2 years | $35,160 | 33.65 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended); Spanish proficiency |
| MEd School Counseling | 2 years | $35,160 | 33.65 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
Undergraduate fees stay uniform across most bachelor’s tracks. Computer Engineering costs more due to laboratory and engineering surcharges.
Top 5 Undergraduate Programmes at University of Central Arkansas for Indian Students
| Programme | Duration | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR) | Entry Requirement (Indian scale) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BS Computer Engineering | 4 years | $86,280 | 82.57 lakh | Class 12 with 75% to 85% (recommended); PCM background |
| BBA Management Information Systems | 4 years | $57,120 | 54.66 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 80% (recommended) |
| BS Computer Science | 4 years | $57,120 | 54.66 lakh | Class 12 with 75% (recommended); PCM background |
| BS Nursing | 4 years | $57,120 | 54.66 lakh | Class 12 with 70% (recommended); TOEFL iBT 83 required |
| BS Biology | 4 years | $57,120 | 54.66 lakh | Class 12 with 65% (recommended); PCB background |
Insider note: Indian students at the University of Central Arkansas cluster in three graduate programmes. These are MS Computer Science, MBA and MS Mental Health Counseling. All three carry strong assistantship pools.
Read More: University of Central Arkansas Fees and Programmes Guide
University of Central Arkansas Admission 2027
The University of Central Arkansas runs two full-degree international intakes each year. These are Fall in August and Spring in January. Indian applicants must submit all materials by the international deadlines below.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 application deadline (UG and PG) | November 1, 2026 | Primary next intake open to Indian applicants |
| Fall 2027 application deadline (UG and PG) | July 1, 2027 | Larger cohort; more scholarships allocated |
| Summer 2027 (Intensive English Programme only) | April 15, 2027 | Not a degree intake; use for English proficiency |
| Credential verification (WES or ECE) | Start 8 to 10 weeks before deadline | Required for Indian degree GPA conversion |
| Spring 2027 programme start | January 2027 | Clear I-20 form and visa interview by December 2026 |
Planning note: Individual University of Central Arkansas departments may accept late applications. The international office still needs your file two weeks before session start to issue the I-20.
Read More: University of Central Arkansas Admissions Guide for Indian Students
University of Central Arkansas Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
The University of Central Arkansas sets country-agnostic minimum thresholds for Indian applicants at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Postgraduate Requirements at University of Central Arkansas for Indian Applicants
- Academic: Bachelor’s degree with minimum GPA 2.70/4.0. This maps to 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 on the Indian scale (recommended)
- English: TOEFL iBT 4.5 (new 1-6 scale) or 79 (legacy 0-120 scale). Also accepted: IELTS Academic 6.5, or PTE 50
- Documents: Two to three recommendation letters, statement of intent, CV, WES-verified transcripts, and Confirmation of Financial Resources
- Programme-specific: GRE for select MS tracks; interview for Mental Health Counseling
Undergraduate Requirements at University of Central Arkansas for Indian Applicants
- Academic: Class 12 completion with 70% or above from a recognised Indian board (recommended)
- English: TOEFL iBT 4.0 (new scale) or 61 (legacy), IELTS 6.0, or PTE 50. Nursing School requires TOEFL iBT 83
- Documents: Official secondary transcripts, financial proof, and passport copy
Key insight: The University of Central Arkansas accepts the new TOEFL iBT 1-6 band scale introduced in January 2026. Indian students holding a legacy score can submit either format.
University of Central Arkansas Acceptance Rate 2027
The University of Central Arkansas acceptance rate sits at 90% (estimated). This places it firmly in the accessible-admissions bracket of US public regional universities. UCA does not publish an official international-only acceptance rate. As per third-party enrolment data, the 90% figure covers the domestic pool.
Reality check: A 90% acceptance rate means the primary risk for Indian applicants is not selectivity. The real hurdles are documentation, financial proof and English proficiency thresholds.
Read More: University of Central Arkansas Acceptance Rate Analysis
University of Central Arkansas UCA Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
As per the UCA 2026-27 Cost of Attendance, total on-campus grad cost sits between $19,400 and $25,400. In INR, that spans ₹18.56 lakh to ₹24.31 lakh. The range covers tuition, fees, insurance, housing, meals and books.
University of Central Arkansas Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2026-27
| Fee Component | Annual (USD) | Annual (INR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition and fees, non-resident (before waiver) | $19,500 | 18.66 lakh | 30 credit hours per year |
| Undergraduate tuition and fees (after auto out-of-state waiver) | $11,400 | 10.91 lakh | Applies to on-campus residents |
| Graduate tuition and fees, non-resident (before waiver) | $14,000 | 13.40 lakh | 18 credit hours per year |
| Graduate tuition and fees (after auto out-of-state waiver) | $8,000 | 7.66 lakh | Applies to on-campus residents |
| International administrative fee | $500 | ₹47,850 | Charged once each academic year |
| Mandatory international health insurance | $1,600 | 1.53 lakh | Required for F-1 visa holders |
[Source: University of Central Arkansas official Cost of Attendance 2026-27]
Monthly Cost of Living in Conway at University of Central Arkansas
| Item | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (on-campus TIER-2, shared room) | $483 | ₹46,240 |
| Meal plan (apartment plan) | $192 | ₹18,370 |
| Books and supplies | $100 | ₹9,570 |
| Transportation (estimated) | $100 | ₹9,570 |
| Personal expenses (estimated) | $150 | ₹14,360 |
| Total monthly | $1,025 | ₹98,110 |
| Annual (12 months) | $12,300 | 11.77 lakh |
[Source: University of Central Arkansas official Cost of Attendance 2026-27 for accommodation, meals and books; UKCISA-style guidance for transport and personal expenses]
Insider note: Off-campus shared apartments in Conway typically cost $350 to $500 per person per month. Living off campus forfeits the automatic out-of-state tuition waiver.
Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students
University of Central Arkansas Campus, Facilities and Student Life
The University of Central Arkansas has a 356-acre campus in Conway. It is a walkable purple-and-grey academic quad. Conway itself hosts three colleges, giving international students a wider peer network.
- Location and transport: Conway sits 45 kilometres north of Little Rock. Clinton National Airport is a 45-minute drive with direct flights to Dallas, Chicago and Atlanta
- Housing: Campus housing is guaranteed for admitted international students who apply on time. TIER-2 shared rooms cost $5,800 per year (₹5.55 lakh)
- Facilities: Torreyson Library, HPER Center gym with pool, Baum Gallery of Fine Art and the student union anchor daily life
- Indian community: Small but active South Asian Student Association hosts Diwali and Holi events and airport pickup for freshers
- Work rules: F-1 holders can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during term. Part-time jobs exist in libraries and dining
What Indian students say: Conway feels safer and cheaper than most US college towns. Weekend social life is limited compared to Little Rock or Dallas. Many students use car-share for grocery and mall trips.
University of Central Arkansas Scholarships 2027
The University of Central Arkansas publishes two automatic scholarships plus three named awards. None target Indian nationals specifically. Every admitted international student qualifies for the Out-of-State Tuition Scholarship if they choose campus housing.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State Tuition Scholarship | Automatic waiver | Over $7,500 per year for UG (₹7.18 lakh); $6,000 per year for PG (₹5.74 lakh) | All fully admitted international students living in campus housing | Automatic on admission |
| International Student Merit Scholarship | Merit | Up to $32,000 over four years (₹30.62 lakh) or $4,000 per semester (₹3.83 lakh) | First-time degree-seeking international undergraduates | Apply with admission file |
| Graduate Assistantship | Merit and service | Up to $11,700 stipend over nine months (₹11.20 lakh), plus full tuition scholarship | Admitted graduate students, department-nominated | Varies by department; verify at official page |
| Global Citizen Scholarship | Merit | Not published | Current UCA international students in good standing | Verify at official scholarships page |
| UCA Foundation and Alumni Scholarships | Named and endowed | Varies | Current UCA students; some open to internationals | Verify at official scholarships page |
[Source: University of Central Arkansas International Admissions Scholarships page]
Insider note: The automatic out-of-state waiver plus a graduate assistantship can drop the effective annual UCA tuition to zero. This combination only works if the department funds you.
Read More: University of Central Arkansas Scholarships Guide
University of Central Arkansas Rankings 2027
The University of Central Arkansas is unranked in the global QS and THE tables. It ranks strongly in the US News Best Colleges national list and the Collegedunia Study Abroad table.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | 2027: Not ranked | 2026: Not ranked | 2025: Not ranked |
| Times Higher Education World | 2026: Not ranked | 2025: Not ranked | 2024: Not ranked |
| US News Best Global Universities | 2024: #395 of 435 | Not verified for later editions | NA |
| Collegedunia Study Abroad | #298 National Universities (USA) | NA | NA |
[Source: QS, Times Higher Education, US News, Collegedunia Study Abroad]
As per US News Best Colleges 2026, the University of Central Arkansas ranks #363 in National Universities. That is up from #377 in 2025. UCA also holds #196 in Top Public Schools. Psychology at UCA is placed at #18 in the USA in the 2024 US News subject list.
Key insight: A lack of QS or THE world rank does not affect Indian F-1 visa eligibility. Indian employers may recognise UCA less than QS-ranked flagships. This matters for return-to-India career plans.
University of Central Arkansas Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
As per UCA Career Services, the University of Central Arkansas reports strong post-graduation outcomes. Placement rates sit at 92% and starting salaries above regional averages.
- Placement rate (institution-reported): 92% within six months of graduation
- Average starting salary (institution-reported): $98,000 (₹93.79 lakh), driven by MBA and MS Computer Science cohorts
- Representative recruiters: Cox Communications, Springfield Missouri Police Department, plus regional employers in banking, healthcare and education
- Career support: STEM career fairs, internship coordinators, and structured recruitment events
- Post-study work for Indians: 12-month OPT after graduation and additional 24-month STEM OPT extension for eligible MS graduates
Insider note: Indian MS Computer Science graduates report shorter job-search timelines when using the STEM OPT window. They typically move into Dallas or Houston tech roles.
University of Central Arkansas vs Peer Universities
Peers below are Arkansas and Missouri regional publics that Indian MS applicants typically shortlist alongside the University of Central Arkansas. The comparison uses US News national rank and annual graduate tuition.
| University | US News National 2026 | Avg Annual PG Tuition (USD) | Avg Annual PG Tuition (INR) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Central Arkansas | #363 | $17,580 | 16.82 lakh | Automatic out-of-state waiver drops effective PG tuition to $8,000 |
| University of Arkansas, Fayetteville | #183 | Higher | NA | Arkansas flagship, R1 research classification, stronger QS visibility |
| Arkansas State University, Jonesboro | #352 | NA | NA | Larger South Asian community and dedicated international office |
| Missouri State University, Springfield | #358 | NA | NA | Broader STEM catalogue and Springfield job market |
Reality check: Rank alone does not decide value at this tier of US publics. The automatic waiver plus assistantship access matters more than a ten-place rank gap.
The University of Central Arkansas stands out for the automatic out-of-state waiver plus assistantships. Together these yield low effective PG costs among universities in USA at this ranking tier.
The University of Central Arkansas suits Indian applicants targeting a low-total-investment MS or MBA in the USA. Assistantship pathways can hold total investment near $40,000 (₹38.28 lakh), below reported starting salaries. Programme design fits students who accept a small-city living pace.
The University of Central Arkansas is not the right pick for Indian applicants needing a QS top-200 brand. Employer recognition in India often follows QS names. Those students should consider University of Arkansas, Fayetteville for R1 research with stronger brand equity.
University of Central Arkansas FAQs
Ques. What English test waivers does the University of Central Arkansas accept?
Ans. The University of Central Arkansas waives its English requirement if the Indian applicant holds a bachelor’s or higher from a US university, or has passed English Composition at a US institution with grade C or higher. Indian medium-of-instruction letters alone are not accepted. The UCA Intensive English Programme in Conway also serves as a pathway; grade B or higher there satisfies the requirement for degree admission.
Ques. Is GRE mandatory for Indian MS applicants at UCA?
Ans. GRE is not universally required across all UCA master’s programmes. The MS Computer Science, MS Applied Mathematics and MBA programmes may request GRE or GMAT scores from Indian applicants, especially when the undergraduate GPA falls below CGPA 6.5/10. Check the department’s admission page for the specific programme before applying, since departments update requirements each cycle.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at the University of Central Arkansas?
Ans. Yes, F-1 international students at UCA can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during Fall and Spring terms, and 40 hours per week during summer and winter breaks. Off-campus work needs USCIS authorization through CPT or OPT. Graduate assistantships count as on-campus work and typically pay $11,700 (₹11.20 lakh) for nine months plus a tuition scholarship.
Ques. How much is the UCA application fee for Indian applicants?
Ans. UCA charges international undergraduate and graduate applicants a $60 application fee (₹5,740), payable online with a credit card or bank draft. The fee is non-refundable and must be paid before UCA reviews the file. Fee waivers are rare for international applicants, so Indian students should budget this alongside document courier costs of $50 (₹4,780) for WES or ECE dispatch.
Ques. Which banks provide education loans for University of Central Arkansas admits?
Ans. Major Indian public and private banks recognise the University of Central Arkansas for education loans, including SBI, HDFC Credila, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank and Punjab National Bank. Non-collateral loans up to ₹40 lakh are available from HDFC Credila and Avanse for STEM programmes. Collateral-backed loans up to ₹1.5 crore fund the full four-year UG or two-year PG cost. Bring an unconditional I-20 to speed sanction.
Ques. Does UCA offer conditional admission for Indian applicants short on English scores?
Ans. Yes, UCA offers a conditional admission pathway through its Intensive English Programme in Conway. Indian applicants who meet academic requirements but fall short on TOEFL, IELTS or PTE receive conditional admission plus an I-20 for the IEP. On finishing IEP with grade B or higher, students transition directly into the degree programme without re-applying or paying a second admission fee.
Ques. How much financial proof must Indian applicants show for the University of Central Arkansas?
Ans. The University of Central Arkansas requires Indian applicants to submit a Confirmation of Financial Resources Form plus original bank statements covering the full first-year cost of attendance. For graduate students living on campus, this is $25,400 (₹24.31 lakh) before scholarships, and $19,400 (₹18.56 lakh) after the automatic out-of-state waiver. Undergraduate applicants must show $33,100 (₹31.68 lakh) before scholarship or $25,000 (₹23.93 lakh) after.
Ques. Are dependents allowed on F-2 visa for UCA graduate students from India?
Ans. Yes, spouses and children under 21 of UCA F-1 visa holders can accompany them on the F-2 visa. Additional financial proof of $6,000 (₹5.74 lakh) for a spouse and $4,000 (₹3.83 lakh) per child per year is required for the I-20. F-2 dependents cannot work in the USA. Children can attend K-12 US public schools free of tuition on the F-2 visa.
University of Central Arkansas Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
B.S Computer Engineering 4 years | Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake (1st Nov 2026) | USD 21,570 /Yr | 50 | IELTS -6.0, TOEFL -61 |
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Overview
It was fairly close to home. I have family members that are alumni, and I knew the campus well & knew they had good bachelor programs. Also, the tuition was affordable, compared to other colleges in the state.
Fees
There is a huge list of fees, starting with tuition & housing at the top. We get charged for things that we might not even use, like printing, the gym, or journalism fees. These fees are mandatory & you cannot opt out.
University of Central Arkansas Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEC Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based |
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University of Central Arkansas Admissions
Application Portal: https://uca.edu/admissions/apply
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
University of Central Arkansas Exam Scores
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
University of Central Arkansas Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10993 | 8030 | 2963 | 248 |
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The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) offers graduate assistantships for both their Master of Arts (M.A.) in Mathematics Education and Master of Science (M.S.) in Applied Mathematics programs. These assistantships include a full-tuition scholarship and a stipend of up to $11,700 for nine months. Your 15 years of teaching experience is a strong asset for your application. For more information regarding assistantships, you can check here.