The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) is a prominent institution located in Conway, Arkansas, known for its commitment to providing high-quality education and fostering a nurturing environment for students. Founded in 1907, UCA offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, including business, education, arts, and sciences. The university prides itself on its strong emphasis on experiential learning, allowing students to engage in hands-on activities that enhance their educational experience and prepare them for successful careers.

UCA is also recognized for its vibrant campus culture and student life, which is enriched by a variety of organizations and extracurricular activities. The university promotes a strong sense of community and engagement, encouraging students to participate in clubs, sports, and service projects. UCA's graduation rates and successful employment outcomes reflect its dedication to student success, with many graduates going on to thrive in their respective fields. With its beautiful campus, modern facilities, and a dedicated faculty, the University of Central Arkansas continues to be a leading choice for students seeking a well-rounded education in a supportive and dynamic environment.

Analysis of Key Metrics at the University of Central Arkansas

The University of Central Arkansas has shown notable trends in several critical metrics related to student outcomes and financial investment in education over the past decade. A significant aspect is the increase in tuition fees. For in-state undergraduate students, tuition has escalated from $7,595 in 2014 to $10,118 in 2024, reflecting a rise of approximately 33%. Meanwhile, out-of-state tuition for undergraduates leaped from $13,340 to $17,258, an increase of 29%. Such hikes in tuition burden can potentially impact enrollment and access to higher education.

Another critical metric is the graduation rate, which has seen a positive upward trajectory. The 100% graduation rate for undergraduates improved from 19.23% in 2014 to 33.89% in 2024, reflecting an increase of over 14 percentage points. This improvement indicates that the university may be enhancing its academic support systems, leading to better student retention and success. The 150% graduation rate also shows an upward trend, increasing from 39.89% to nearly 49%, suggesting that students are increasingly completing their degrees.

Student retention rates have fluctuated but also show a promising trend. The retention rate for undergraduates increased from 69.77% in 2014 to 73.43% in 2024. This stable growth could be indicative of a more engaging campus life or improved support services that foster a conducive learning environment.

Finally, the student-to-faculty ratio has slightly worsened over the years, declining from 17:1 in 2014 to 14:1 in 2024. A lower ratio suggests a potential decline in individual attention students receive, which could affect academic performance and satisfaction.

Overall, while the rise in tuition may be a concern, the improvements in graduation and retention rates reflect positively on the university's efforts to enhance educational outcomes for its students. However, the changing dynamics of the student-to-faculty ratio warrant monitoring to ensure that quality education remains a priority.

Analysis of Degree Completion Trends at University of Central Arkansas

The graduation data from the University of Central Arkansas showcases intriguing trends across various academic disciplines for the year 2023. A notable observation is the dominance of the Psychology program at the bachelor's level, with a total of 143 graduates, including 2 international students. This highlights the program's popularity and potentially reflects broader societal interest in mental health and behavioral sciences, particularly in the context of increasing awareness and discussion surrounding mental health issues post-pandemic.

In contrast, the Business Administration sector exhibits a different narrative. While the bachelor’s programs did not produce any graduates, the master's program recorded a significant number of 90, accompanied by 15 international students. This trend may point to a shift towards advanced business education, as professionals seek higher qualifications to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving job market.

Interestingly, the data shows a complete absence of graduates in fields like Computer and Information Sciences at the master's level and across various other programs, which could indicate either underrepresentation of those fields within the university or an inconsistency in student enrollment. Furthermore, the lack of associate degree completions suggests a potential gap in foundational education pathways that could funnel students into higher degree programs.

Overall, this analysis reveals critical insights into the popularity and potential growth areas for academic programs at the University of Central Arkansas, reflecting broader trends in education and labor market demands. Addressing the disparities and exploring new opportunities could enhance the university's offerings and better prepare graduates for their future careers.

Trends in Admission and Ranking at the University of Central Arkansas

The University of Central Arkansas has exhibited a fluctuating trend over the years concerning its rankings and admission rates. In 2025, the university's rank improved to 377, showcasing a positive trajectory after a previous decline where it reached 394 in 2024. This movement may indicate measures taken by the university to enhance its reputation and attract more applicants. From the admission data, we observe varying acceptance rates, with male students being admitted at a rate of approximately 89% and female students at around 91% for the year 2024. These figures reflect a relatively inclusive admission strategy, although the overall rates have seen minor fluctuations through the years. Notably, the highest enrollment occurred in 2015, with over 2,200 students, while lower years like 2021 saw a drop to 1,715 students accepted. Moreover, the volume of applications denied has remained significant, peaking in 2024 with 628 denials, which indicates heightened competition for admission as the university navigates its changing ranking and possibly adjusting its academic and extracurricular offerings. In summary, while the University of Central Arkansas has faced challenges reflected in its ranking, there is a notable effort to enhance acceptance rates and attract a diverse student population, particularly evident in the improved rank and steady admission rates characterized by responsiveness to its competitive environment.

Trends in Admission Scores at the University of Central Arkansas

The data reflects a notable trend in the standardized tests scores required for admission to the University of Central Arkansas over the years. Notably, the SAT reading and mathematics scores for the middle 50% of admitted students have shown slight fluctuations, emphasizing the changing dynamics of the admission criteria. The 25th percentile scores—representing the lower end of accepted students—appeared to drop at times, particularly between 2010 and 2017, where it fell down to 410 in the reading section before climbing back up in subsequent years.

Moreover, the percentage of students submitting SAT scores has remained relatively low, fluctuating between 1% to 4% over the years. This indicates a growing acceptance of other evaluation metrics or perhaps a shift towards alternative standardized testing. The ACT scores also show a broader range, with a slight uptick in average scores, showcasing a consistent cohort of academically capable students being admitted.

Interestingly, this shift in admission scores occurs amidst broader national trends regarding college admissions, where institutions are reevaluating the role of standardized testing in the admissions process. More institutions are adopting test-optional policies, which may impact future admissions data and the reliance on these scores over time.

Overall, while the University of Central Arkansas continues to maintain academic standards, the evolving landscape of standardized testing and admissions practices suggests a responsive change to societal demands and educational equity considerations.

Analysis of Student Demographics at the University of Central Arkansas in 2024

The student demographic data for the University of Central Arkansas in 2024 reveals intriguing patterns, particularly in terms of gender representation and diversity. The total enrollment indicates a healthy mix of undergraduate and graduate students, with notable distinctions among various categories.

Focusing on undergraduate newcomers, 36.1% are male while 63.9% are female, suggesting a substantial female majority. This trend is also reflected among continuing undergraduate students, where males constitute 38.6% and females 61.4%. These figures indicate an overall increasing trend of female enrollment in higher education, which aligns with national data showing women outpacing men in college attendance in recent years.

The statistics for undergraduate transfer students indicate that males make up 42.9%, with females at 57.1%, also maintaining the pattern of a greater female representation. However, the gender disparity is more pronounced among graduate students, with only 25.6% males and 74.4% females, which raises questions about the factors driving this difference in graduate programs.

Regarding racial demographics, the available data shows that a significant portion of students identify as white, pointing to the need for continued efforts to enhance diversity. As higher education institutions strive to reflect the broader society, initiatives to recruit students from other racial and ethnic backgrounds remain critical.

In conclusion, while the University of Central Arkansas demonstrates a commendable commitment to inclusivity, the ongoing trends in gender and diversity call for further exploration and strategic action to ensure a balanced and representative academic environment.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at the University of Central Arkansas

The age distribution of students at the University of Central Arkansas provides valuable insights into the demographic landscape of the institution. The largest group of students is concentrated in the 18-19 age range, comprising 34.0% of the total student body, highlighting the university's attractiveness to recent high school graduates. This is followed closely by students aged 20-21, accounting for 28.2%, which indicates a stable progression of students moving through their undergraduate studies.

Interestingly, a significant number of students, particularly females, are pursuing their undergraduate degrees at 22-24 years old, reflecting the growing trend of students taking gap years or working before committing to higher education. Conversely, we observe a drop-off in numbers among older age groups, which raises questions about the university's appeal to non-traditional students and those looking to return to education later in life.

Moreover, the presence of graduate students over 22 demonstrates continued academic engagement, with older students contributing to a diverse classroom environment. Notably, the proportion of female students remains higher across most age categories, particularly in the 18-19 and 20-21 ranges, which reflects broader societal trends in higher education where women are increasingly enrolling in and completing degree programs.

Overall, these demographics not only mirror national trends in higher education but also suggest the potential for targeted programs to support non-traditional and mature students at the University of Central Arkansas, ensuring a balanced and inclusive educational environment.

Trends in International Student Enrollment at the University of Central Arkansas

The University of Central Arkansas has shown a fluctuating trend in international student enrollment over the years. Beginning in 2005, the percentage of international undergraduate students was relatively low at 1.97% but has seen a gradual increase, reaching a peak of 5.97% in 2012. However, this trend was not sustained, as the percentage dropped to 3.51% by 2024. The total number of undergraduate students also varied, peaking in 2009 before experiencing a steady decline in subsequent years.

At the graduate level, the percentage of international students has remained more stable but consistently below that of undergraduates. The graduate enrollment percentage has hovered around 3% to 4%, reflecting similar trends as observed nationally. This stability in graduate enrollment could indicate a more consistent demand for advanced degrees among international students despite varying overall enrollment numbers.

The drop in international undergraduate enrollment during recent years reflects wider national trends, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted international travel and study. Despite this, the University of Central Arkansas remains a viable option for many, evidenced by the continued presence of international graduate students.

In conclusion, while there have been challenges in maintaining high international undergraduate enrollment, the stable presence of graduate students signifies that UCA is still an attractive choice for pursuing higher education within the U.S. The university's commitment to enhancing its international student experience will be crucial for rebuilding and boosting its global enrollment figures in the future.

Here are some notable schools near the University of Central Arkansas:

1. Harding University - Ranked 296 in the 2025 US News rankings, Harding University is a comprehensive university known for its strong emphasis on Christian values and liberal arts education.

2. University of Arkansas - This university is ranked 189 in the 2025 US News rankings and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, becoming a leading institution in research and academics in the region.

3. Rhodes College - With a rank of 59, Rhodes College is a prestigious liberal arts college that provides a well-rounded education with a strong focus on the humanities, sciences, and social sciences.

4. University of Memphis - Ranked 266, the University of Memphis offers a vibrant campus life and is known for its diverse degree options and research initiatives.

5. University of Mississippi - Also known as Ole Miss, this institution is ranked 171 and has a rich history and a strong reputation for its academic programs and athletic achievements.

6. Louisiana Tech University - With a ranking of 296, Louisiana Tech is recognized for its engineering and technology programs and offers various online learning opportunities.

7. Missouri University of Science and Technology - Ranked 196, this school specializes in science and technology education, making it a popular choice for aspiring engineers and scientists.

8. Washington University in St Louis - With an impressive rank of 21, this university is known for its rigorous academic programs and outstanding research facilities.

These institutions contribute greatly to the educational landscape of the region, offering a variety of programs and opportunities for students.

Trends in Campus Crime at University of Central Arkansas

The campus crime statistics from the University of Central Arkansas over the past decade show a noticeable trend in crime rates and their implications for student safety. From 2013 to 2016, the average number of incidents per 1,000 students hovered around the 10 to 13 range, indicating a relatively higher crime rate. However, a significant drop occurred in 2020, with the rate plummeting to 7.19 incidents per 1,000 students, followed by a gradual increase in subsequent years.

One of the most concerning areas is gun-related arrests, which have fluctuated but show an alarming presence, especially in a time of increased public discourse on gun violence in the U.S. This highlights the ongoing challenges that college campuses face when ensuring the safety of their students amid broader societal issues. Interestingly, the most recent data from 2023 depicts a resurgence in the crime rate to 12.17 per 1,000 students, raising concerns about whether this trend will continue.

The intersection of campus safety and crime prevention is critical, as higher crime rates can lead to a more uncomfortable living and learning environment for students. Colleges must invest in preventive measures, community engagement, and mental health resources to mitigate these trends. Ensuring a safe educational environment is paramount for student success, and understanding these statistics can inform necessary actions and policies.

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