University Of Central Arkansas

The University of Central Arkansas (UCA), founded in 1907 as Arkansas State Normal School, evolved into a comprehensive public university serving over 10,000 students on its picturesque 356-acre campus in Conway, Arkansas. Recognized for academic excellence and affordability, UCA offers 80+ undergraduate majors and 50 graduate programs across six colleges, with strengths in business, health sciences, education, STEM, and liberal arts. Home to the only public doctoral physical therapy program in Arkansas, it emphasizes hands-on learning through facilities like the $35M Health Sciences Center and Convergent Technology Research Center. The historic Old Main (1919, National Register of Historic Places) anchors the red-brick campus blending Georgian architecture with modern innovation hubs. UCA Bears compete in NCAA Division I Atlantic Sun Conference, boasting championship wrestling and softball programs. Conway's college-town vibe offers 250+ restaurants, Toad Suck Park trails, and proximity to Little Rock (30 min). Celebrating 20 years smoke-free and sustainability leadership, UCA supports 5% international students from 60 countries, delivering high-value education (98% employed/grad school within 6 months) in America's safest college town.