Navigating Scholarships at the University of Central Arkansas: A Comprehensive Guide

Securing funding for higher education is a crucial step for many students. The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) offers a variety of scholarships to help students finance their education. This article provides a detailed overview of the scholarship opportunities available at UCA, along with their requirements and application processes.

Freshman Academic Scholarships and Honors Programs

UCA provides several avenues for incoming freshmen to earn scholarships based on their academic achievements.

Schedler Honors College and Honors Program

Students interested in a more challenging academic environment should consider applying to the Schedler Honors College or the Schedler Honors Program. To be considered, students must be admitted to UCA, submit all required documentation to the Office of Admissions and Enrollment Services, and complete the application to the Schedler Honors College and/or Schedler Honors Program at uca.edu/honors by the specified deadline. Eighty students are selected for the Schedler Honors College, and an additional forty are chosen for the Schedler Honors Program.

Acceptance into either program comes with benefits, including a private room upgrade each semester the student resides in Honors housing. *The dollar amount for the Honors Private Room Upgrade is determined by the difference between Tier 1 and Tier 3 housing each year. It's important to note that the renewal requirements for a Freshman Academic Scholarship may differ from the requirements to renew the Honors portion of the total award for students accepted into an Honors Program.

Achievement, University, and Future Leaders Scholarships

To be considered for Achievement, University, and Future Leaders scholarships, students must submit an admission application and required documentation to Admissions by January 26, 2026 (Achievement) or May 4, 2026 (University & Future Leaders).

General Scholarship Information

UCA encourages all students, except those graduating and not returning for the next academic year, to apply for UCA Foundation scholarships. To apply for scholarships requiring an application, students must first sign in with the same username and password used to access the campus login portal. After signing in, students can complete a general application and apply for specific scholarships.

FAFSA Requirement

All U.S. citizens or permanent residents applying for scholarships must have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file in the UCA Financial Aid Office.

Scholarship Application

To apply to scholarships which require an application, you must first sign in with the same user name and password you use to access the campus login portal. You will then have the opportunity to complete a general application and, if applicable, apply for specific scholarships. All students are encouraged to apply for UCA Foundation scholarships, UNLESS you are graduating and not returning for next academic year.

Merit Scholarship

The Merit Scholarship may be awarded for up to 8 consecutive semesters or through completion of a bachelor’s degree whichever happens first. Only Fall and Spring semesters are covered by the scholarship.

Housing Award

Students must live in University housing to receive the housing award and, therefore, the annual total award. Academic scholarships will only apply to charges for in-state tuition, room/board, and mandatory fees directly assessed by the University.

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International Student Merit Scholarship

The Center for Global Learning & Engagement (CGLE) offers the International Student Merit Scholarship to outstanding international students. This scholarship is awarded for up to 8 consecutive semesters or until completion of a bachelor’s degree, whichever comes first, to eligible first-time degree-seeking international students beginning an undergraduate program of study at UCA.

Requirements for International Students

Applicants must have taken the ACT/SAT within the last five (5) years. They must also submit an essay (250 words maximum) written in English describing their career goals as a result of studying at the University of Central Arkansas. A letter of recommendation from a teacher who knows the applicant well and can speak to their academic performance is also required.

Recipients may receive an award not to exceed $4,000 for the fall semester. If renewal requirements are met, the scholarship will be awarded for up to 8 consecutive semesters or until completion of a bachelor’s degree, whichever happens first. Awards will be applied to the recipients’ university account each semester after verification of enrollment is completed.

Specific Scholarship Listings and Requirements

Below is a listing of scholarships available to students with brief information about the scholarship qualifications.

General Criteria

Many scholarships share common criteria, such as requiring full-time enrollment and a minimum GPA. Several scholarships also consider financial need. It's crucial to carefully review the specific requirements for each scholarship to determine eligibility.

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Scholarships by College/Department

UCA offers scholarships through its various colleges and departments. These scholarships often have specific major requirements.

College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences

Norbert O. Schedler Scholarship: For full-time students from underrepresented populations majoring in Political Science or Business with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above.
Harold L. Meyers Scholarship: For full time juniors or seniors majoring in English and are in the Teacher Education program.

College of Business

Norbert O. Schedler Scholarship: For full-time students from underrepresented populations majoring in Political Science or Business with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above.
Adam L. Glasgow Scholarship: For full-time students majoring in geography or business who are U. S. citizens and demonstrate financial need. Selection based on ACT of 24 or above and GPA of 2.75 or above.

College of Education

Harold L. Meyers Scholarship: For full time juniors or seniors majoring in English and are in the Teacher Education program.
Carroll D. Rakestraw Scholarship: For full-time students who plan to major in education and teach.
Dr. Martha Haile Scholarship: For full-time undergraduate students who are pursuing a degree in special education or early childhood education, have completed 60 or more hours, and have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above.

College of Health & Behavioral Sciences

Dr. Scholarship: For female Arkansas residents who are full-time undergraduate students attending the University of Central Arkansas who are enrolled in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education. Applicants must have a minimun 2.75 GPA.

College of Science & Engineering

B. A. Gregory Engineering Scholarship: For full time undergraduate students who have completed at least 60 hours with a minimum GPA of 2.0, majoring in Engineering, Environmental Science, or Accounting. First preference to students who graduated from a high school in one of the following counties in Arkansas: Conway, Faulkner, Lonoke, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Van Buren or Yell.
Dorothy M. Longing Scholarship: For full-time undergraduate students who are majoring in mathematics or within the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics who have completed 60 or more hours with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.

Department of Music

All music department scholarships require an audition to be eligible.

Dr. David T. Baker Scholarship: For full-time students majoring in Music or Education with a minimum GPA of 2.5 for undergraduate students or 3.0 for graduate students.
Homer A. Ledbetter Band Scholarship: For full-time entering freshmen enrolled in the UCA band. Selection based on instrumental performance audition, leadership skills, ACT score, high school GPA, financial need, and recommendation from the student’s high school band director.
James R. Fielder Instrumental Music Scholarship: For a full-time outstanding instrumental performance music major.
Clitus E. Marvin, Jr. Low Brass Scholarship: For a junior student enrolled full-time in an undergraduate music program at UCA with emphasis in low brass (i.e., trombone, euphonium or tuba). Preference given to students whose major instrument is the trombone or euphonium and to students with financial need. Requires a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above and a major GPA of 3.25 or above.

Scholarships with Specific Criteria

Kenneth W. Abrams/Paul W. Harpole Scholarship: For full-time entering freshmen, transfer, or non-traditional students who demonstrate financial need. Entering freshmen criteria: GPA of 2.75 or above and ACT score of 21-23 (24 or above if not receiving a UCA academic scholarship). Transfer student criteria: satisfactory completion of 30 hours or more from another institution and GPA of 3.0 or above.
Herby Branscum, Jr. Scholarship: For full-time students who are, or have been, active participants in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas program and who are in good academic standing.
Twila M. Deshazo Scholarship: For full-time entering freshmen with leadership skills and a high school GPA of 2.75 or above.
Conway Corporation/D.F. Sanson Scholarship: For full-time students who graduated from a high school in the city of Conway (Arkansas) or, if home schooled, resided in the service area of Conway Corporation at the time of graduation and have an ACT of 21 or above and high school GPA of 2.75 or above. Consideration may be given to financial need.
Melissa A. Stone Scholarship: For students who are single parents with a GPA of 2.5 or above. If no such eligible student is found, then this scholarship may be awarded to a non-traditional student.
James R. Gwatney Scholarship: For students attending UCA.
H. M. Bishop Scholarship: For students from Faulkner County (Arkansas).
John M. Green Scholarship: For full-time students with preference given to Wynne High School, Cross County High School or a high school in one of these Arkansas counties: Cross, Greene, Poinsett, St. Francis, or Woodruff.
Robert W. Wiley Public Safety Scholarship: For full-time students currently employed within the University of Central Arkansas Public Safety and/or working as an Emergency Medical Technician in Faulkner County (Arkansas). Must be in good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above.
W. C. Tyree Scholarship: For students from Yell County (Arkansas). First preference given to music majors.
Judge W. M. Watkins Scholarship: For full-time students with a high school or college GPA of 3.0 or above. Selection based on academic performance, financial need, and being active in worship and work of a Christian congregation.
Aaron B. Gray Scholarship: For full-time students from underrepresented groups with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above.
Robert M. McCaa Scholarship: For full-time students who are U. S. citizens and enrolled in a graduate program at UCA. Preference shall be given to Arkansas residents.
Howard R. Hartford Scholarship: For full-time entering freshmen who are graduates of Arkansas High School in Texarkana (Arkansas). Preference shall be given to students from Arkansas High School. Second preference shall be given to any high school student from Texarkana (Arkansas). Selection based on ACT of 24 or above and high school GPA of 2.75 or above. Consideration may be given to financial need.
Bradley R. Jesson Scholarship: For full-time students who are members of the UCA tennis team or band.
Miss Eugenia M. Sanders Scholarship: For full-time junior or senior students from underrepresented populations under the age of 23 with 60 hours or more. Preference given to St. Francis County (Arkansas) graduates.
James W. Trimble Scholarship: For full-time students who are graduates of a Phillips County (Arkansas) high school.
Summit Utilities Scholarship: For full-time students who are children of present Summit Utilities employees. Selection based on academic record and financial need. Requires a high school GPA of 3.0 or college GPA of 2.5 or above.
Farris W. Blount Scholarship: For Arkansas residents from one of the following counties: Calhoun, Cleburne or Dallas. Requires ACT of 24 or above and high school GPA of 2.75 or above.
Wm. H. Duncan Scholarship: For full-time undergraduate students in good academic standing, with a declared major, who are U. S. citizens. Must be a resident of Arkansas or be the child/grandchild of a former student completing 60 or more hours at UCA or a graduate of UCA.
Harvey A. Love Scholarship: For full-time undergraduate students with 12 hours or more completed at UCA and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above. Consideration will be given to applicants with 24 or more hours completed at UCA.
B. A. Gregory Scholarship: For full-time entering freshmen and current UCA students who are graduates of Conway or Springdale Public Schools with a high school GPA of 2.5 or above. Preference is given to descendants of David and Laura Grimes and their siblings.
Gregory E. Magness Scholarship: For undergraduate students who have competed 30 or more hours with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above. Preference given to underserved populations from Lonoke (Arkansas).
John C. Hawkins Scholarship: For full-time undergraduate students who have completed 30 or more hours with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or above. Preference is given to non-traditional students, students majoring in writing, or students pursuing a degree within the College of Fine Arts and Communication.
Desirae A. Hosch Scholarship: For full-time undergraduate students who have completed 60 or more hours at UCA, with a declared major, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or above.
Harry W. Read Memorial Scholarship: For students majoring in history, or pursuing an education degree with a history emphasis, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.
Paul L. Stacy Scholarship: For full-time students major…
Dr. Scholarship: For full-time, incoming or current undergraduates accepted to the University of Central Arkansas who are majoring or minoring in Broadcasting, Journalism, Drama or Forensic Speech. Selection criteria varies depending on student status. Financial need is considered.
Mildred L. Scholarship: For American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) members who are college juniors or seniors enrolled full-time at Harding University Home Economics Department majoring in Family and Consumer Sciences. Students must have a minimum 3.0 CGPA and demonstrate high moral standards and leadership skills.
Scholarship: For Arkansas residents who are Law students attending the University of Arkansas-Little Rock Law School. citizens. Awards are based on academics, school activities, community service, athletics, future goals, faculty and advisor recommendations, and financial need.
Scholarship: For female undergraduate students attending John Brown University participating in varsity volleyball.
Scholarship: For Arkansas residents who are undergraduate students enrolled full-time in a Nursing program at St. Vincent Health Systems in Little Rock, Arkansas. citizens. Awards are based on academics, school activities, community service, athletics, future goals, faculty and advisor recommendations, and financial need.
Scholarship: For Arkansas residents who are undergraduate students attending National Park Community College and will be enrolling full-time in the School of Nursing. Preference given to students who reside in Garland County. citizen and a minimum of 22 years of age. Awards are based on academics, school activities, community service, athletics, future goals, faculty and advisor recommendations, and financial need.

Art Scholarships

With the exception of the Windgate Scholarship for entering freshmen, recipients of the art scholarships are nominated by individual art faculty members and selected by a vote of the full-time faculty.

Dr. David and Barbara Warriner Art Scholarship: For full-time students majoring in art. Selection based on academic and studio performance.
Dr. Jane Brannon Scholarship: For entering students majoring in art. Selection based on talent and financial need.
Dr. Robert and Mrs. Ruth Wirz Art Scholarship: For junior or senior students majoring in art. Selection based on financial need, academic and/or studio performance.

Other Departmental Scholarships

William C. Woolfolk Scholarship: For full-time undergraduate students majoring in Creative Writing.
Dr. William J. Teague Scholarship: For full-time seniors majoring in History with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and planning to pursue a graduate degree.
Dr. Robert D. and Catherine M. Entwistle Scholarship: For full-time seniors majoring in philosophy and/or religious studies with a GPA of 3.0 or above.
Ferne Helen Stoecker Journalism Scholarship: For full-time junior or senior students majoring in journalism with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above in both major and academic studies. Selection based on academic performance, demonstrated journalism development as shown by working in news, radio, TV internships/jobs and other related journalism activities.
Helen L. Brown Scholarship: For full-time students majoring in journalism.
Paul L. Battles Memorial Scholarship: For full-time freshmen students who are graduates of Booneville (Arkansas) High School pursuing a degree in English, history or journalism. Preference shall be given to students with financial need.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarship for incoming/current undergraduate students accepted to the University of Central Arkansas who demonstrate talent and potential in the areas of Band, Choral, Keyboard or Orchestra. Selection is determined by the director in each area. Deadlines and award amounts may vary. Renewable.
Scholarship for full-time juniors or seniors attending the University of Central Arkansas who are majoring in Music Education. Selection based on academic achievement, musical talent and potential. Deadlines and award amounts may vary.
W.E. & Irene K. Scholarship for full-time undergraduate students attending the University of Central Arkansas. Applicants must have a minimum 2.75 GPA and financial need. Deadlines and award amounts may vary.
Scholarship for full-time juniors or seniors attending the University of Central Arkansas who are majoring in Nursing. Selection based on academic standing and financial need. Preference given to single parents. Deadlines and award amounts may vary.
Scholarship for full-time juniors or seniors attending the University of Central Arkansas who are majoring in Journalism. Applicants must have a minimum 2.75 GPA, completed at least 60 credit hours and have financial need. Deadlines and award amounts may vary.
Scholarship for undergraduate students attending John Brown University. Applicants must demonstrate financial need. Students must file the FAFSA. Due date and number of awards may vary.
Scholarship for undergraduate students whose family is serving on a foreign mission field and are attending John Brown University. Applicants must demonstrate financial need. Students must file the FAFSA. Due date and number of awards may vary.

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