The University of Central Arkansas provides reliable access to higher education at manageable costs, particularly serving first-generation and Pell-eligible students who need affordable pathways to college degrees.
While earnings outcomes are modest, the combination of reasonable net prices and zero loan defaults creates a sustainable financial foundation for Arkansas families.
The University of Central Arkansas ranks in the middle tier of public four-year institutions nationwide, offering solid access and affordability while delivering more modest earnings outcomes. What distinguishes UCA is its commitment to serving a diverse student body—37% receive Pell Grants and 35% are first-generation college students—at net prices that remain manageable for most Arkansas families. The university provides a traditional college experience in Conway with reasonable costs, though graduates typically earn less than peers at higher-performing public institutions.
UCA's strength lies in specific programs rather than across-the-board excellence. Nursing stands out as the institution's flagship program, combining strong enrollment with solid earnings outcomes, while fields like psychology and biology show more modest financial returns. The university maintains a 53% six-year graduation rate, which reflects both the challenges of serving a high-need student population and opportunities for improvement in student support systems.
For Arkansas families seeking an accessible public university option with predictable costs, UCA offers a straightforward path to a college degree. While long-term earnings lag behind state and national averages, the combination of broad access, reasonable affordability, and program-specific strengths makes it a viable choice for students who understand the importance of major selection in determining post-graduation outcomes.
The University of Central Arkansas shows clear program-level variation in outcomes, with health sciences leading the way in both enrollment and earnings potential. Nursing stands out as the institution's flagship program, graduating 105 students annually who earn a competitive $58,842 ten years after graduation—demonstrating that UCA can deliver strong returns in fields with clear career pathways and regional demand.
Technology programs also show promise, with the Artificial Intelligence program producing 61 graduates who earn around $52,107, suggesting that UCA's investments in emerging fields are beginning to pay dividends. However, the university's most popular programs tell a different story. Psychology, which graduates 135 students annually, leads to median earnings of just $27,222, while Biology graduates 90 students who earn $22,329—both figures that fall well below what students might achieve in these fields at higher-performing institutions.
This pattern underscores the critical importance of major selection at UCA. Students interested in health sciences, nursing, or technology fields can expect solid financial returns that justify their investment. However, those drawn to liberal arts, basic sciences, or social sciences should carefully consider whether UCA provides the resources, connections, and outcomes they need to achieve their career goals, or whether they might be better served by alternative pathways or institutions with stronger track records in these areas.
Graduates of the University of Central Arkansas see modest long-term financial outcomes compared with peers at other public institutions. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $45,938, which places the university in the lower portion of public universities nationally. The earnings picture varies dramatically by field of study, with some programs delivering strong returns while others lag significantly behind national averages.
Nursing represents UCA's strongest economic engine, graduating 105 students annually who earn around $58,842 ten years out—well above the institutional median and competitive with nursing programs nationwide. The university's Artificial Intelligence program, though smaller with 61 graduates, also shows promise with median earnings of $52,107. However, popular majors like Psychology (135 graduates) and Biology (90 graduates) produce more modest outcomes, with Psychology graduates earning just $27,222 and Biology graduates earning $22,329 ten years after graduation.
This wide variation in outcomes underscores the critical importance of major choice at UCA. Students in health sciences and technology fields can expect solid financial returns, while those in liberal arts and basic sciences may find their earnings potential more limited. The university's overall performance suggests that while a UCA degree provides value, students should carefully align their academic choices with their long-term financial goals to maximize their return on investment.
The University of Central Arkansas maintains strong affordability across income levels, making it accessible to Arkansas families from diverse economic backgrounds. Low-income students pay about $14,387 annually after aid, while middle-income families see costs around $17,233 per year—both figures that compare favorably with many public universities. Even high-income families face reasonable net prices of approximately $20,028, creating predictable planning opportunities for college financing.
Debt levels at UCA remain manageable for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $20,346 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $13,135. These amounts, while not insignificant, align with what many families can reasonably handle given the university's accessible pricing structure. The institution reports a 0% federal loan default rate, suggesting that most borrowers successfully manage their repayment obligations despite the more modest earnings outcomes typical of UCA graduates.
What makes UCA particularly sustainable from a financial perspective is the combination of reasonable upfront costs and predictable debt loads. While graduates may not achieve the highest earnings in the state, the manageable debt burden means that most can handle standard repayment terms without significant financial strain. This balance between cost and outcomes makes UCA a practical choice for families seeking college access without taking on excessive financial risk.
University Of Central Arkansas Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
