University of Central Arkansas
University of Central Arkansas — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Central Arkansas at a Glance
The University of Central Arkansas is a public university in Conway, Arkansas, United States. Founded in 1907, the university is one of the oldest in the state. As the state's only normal school at the time, UCA has historically been the primary source of teachers in Arkansas. It was one of about 180 "normal schools" founded by state governments to train teachers for the rapidly growing public common schools.
1907
119 years old
$69M
$68.6 million (2025)
9,962
8,238 undergrad · 1,724 grad
356 acres
Identity
Is University of Central Arkansas Worth It?
At a value score of 37/100, University of Central Arkansas is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $45,938 — 15% below average — while paying $16,511/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 53% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at University of Central Arkansas has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of Central Arkansas compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in AR
Ranked #109 of 183 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Foothill College | 100 | $7,653 | $57,072 |
| #2 | Skyline College | 100 | $1,738 | $55,702 |
| #3 | Indian River State College | 100 | $3,815 | $38,315 |
| #4 | Henry Ford College | 100 | $660 | $34,795 |
| #5 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #6 | Taft College | 96 | $2,823 | $38,861 |
| #109 | University of Central Arkansas | 37 | $16,511 | $45,938 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of Central Arkansas's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in AR.
Best Programs at University of Central Arkansas
The highest-earning program at University of Central Arkansas is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $56,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Film/Video and Photographic Arts at $12,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from University of Central Arkansas earns $56,300, while a Film/Video and Photographic Arts graduate earns $12,900. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $18,800 in median debt vs. $22,500 for Film/Video and Photographic Arts.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $16,511/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $56,300 | $56,300 | $18,800 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $51,700 | $51,700 | $19,750 |
| Management Information Systems and Services | $46,200 | $46,200 | $21,475 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $43,700 | $43,700 | $15,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $42,700 | $42,700 | $20,808 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $38,200 | $38,200 | $19,025 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $38,100 | $38,100 | $18,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $35,800 | $35,800 | $23,500 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $35,400 | $35,400 | $26,700 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $35,100 | $35,100 | $23,939 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $34,600 | $34,600 | $25,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $33,700 | $33,700 | $25,000 |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other | $30,000 | $30,000 | $21,896 |
| Marketing | $30,000 | $30,000 | $22,400 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $27,900 | $27,900 | $23,810 |
| Sociology | $27,400 | $27,400 | $23,359 |
| Psychology, General | $26,700 | $26,700 | $21,069 |
| History | $25,300 | $25,300 | $22,182 |
| Biology, General | $24,300 | $24,300 | $24,200 |
| Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General | $23,300 | $23,300 | $26,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $23,300 | $23,300 | $22,177 |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services | $22,600 | $22,600 | $21,405 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $19,300 | $19,300 | $22,417 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $12,900 | $12,900 | $22,500 |
Similar Colleges in AR
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Conway, AR
- Student Body
- 7,762 students
- Admission Rate
- 89%
- Graduation Rate
- 53%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $16,511
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $45,938
- Median Student Debt
- $20,346