UCA Commitment

transforming education & empowering students

Introducing the UCA COMMITMENT , a groundbreaking initiative that creates a pathway to a debt-free degree for incoming freshmen from Arkansas. The results? More open doors, more empowered students, and an even more educated state. Get ready for a major transformation.

Letter from the Preside nt

What started as a simple conversation with a small campus group about finding solutions to help our students avoid debt and meet their financial obligations has developed into what will be an institution-defining and life-changing program for Arkansas students and their families.

Our university has introduced the UCA Commitment, a student support initiative meant to provide financial assistance and assurance to a population of students who might think that they have been priced out of even considering pursuing a college degree. Through the UCA Commitment, we are ushering in a new era of stewardship at our institution and fundamentally changing the educational access landscape in our state and region.

Starting in the fall of 2024, incoming first-year students from Arkansas households earning up to $100,000 can choose to opt into the UCA Commitment, which will give them a pathway to earn a degree with no debt or greatly reduced debt.

We know that students from this population still owe an average of $4,000 per year after all other federal, state, and private aid are exhausted. Students have to turn to student loans to cover this shortfall, and in some cases, credit cards. The UCA Commitment can help in bridging this gap. We are proud to continue finding new ways to eliminate financial barriers and increase our students’ capacity to succeed.

UCA recognizes the vital role that education plays in shaping the future of our state and society. Through higher education, we empower individuals, inspire innovation, and drive economic development, and the UCA Commitment is another investment in our students and in the state of Arkansas.

GO BEARS!

DR. HOUSTON D. DAVIS PRESIDENT

Purpose

Removing barriers

Higher education is all about removing barriers and opening doors, including our own. Unfortunately, rising costs has put a four-year degree out of reach for many families in Arkansas.

What then? Students walk away from their college dreams. The UCA Commitment is a groundbreaking program that creates a debt-free pathway for tuition and fees – and that impacts everything.

our goals

Transform education by reducing financial barriers for Arkansas families earning $100,000 a year or less.

Empower students and their families to see a post-secondary education as an obtainable opportunity.

Foster equal access to education, inspire future leaders, and promote fair socioeconomic growth.

Laying th e groundwork for transformation

The UCA Commitment is made possible through careful financial planning, donor support and ensuring all students maximize available aid at the state and federal levels.

Institutional Commitment

UCA is dedicated to an inclusive and equitable learning environment. We’re ready to assist students through the efficient use of resources, with our leaders and stakeholders fully backing this program’s transformative potential.

Federal & State Funding

Students must submit a completed Federal Application for Student Aid and Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship application to access all possible aid for this program.

Support from Alumni & Donors

Generous contributions and endowments from alumni and donors who support UCA’s mission greatly help fund the UCA Commitment and ensure its reach and continuity.

Partnerships & Collaboration

UCA will work with community organizations, businesses, and government bodies to boost the program’s impact. These collaborations offer more resources and opportunities for students’ success.

Financial Relief

Reduce student loan debt and meet unmet financial needs.

Increased Access

Provide scholarships, work-study opportunities, and service requirements to increase accessibility to higher education.

Strengthen Community Connection

Foster responsibility, empathy, and social awareness through service.

The UCA Commitment makes college education more accessible and affordable for Arkansas families. Our university has always been dedicated to empowering individuals, inspiring innovation, and driving economic development in the state. Through UCA Commitment, we’re expanding ways to enhance this mission further and create the next generation of engaged and proactive citizens for our great state.

Program Impact in Year One

20,240 250

750

structure

A multifaceted approach

The UCA Commitment program is a comprehensive initiative designed to support Arkansas students from households earning $100,000 or less a year. The program combines various forms of financial aid and support to ensure more equitable access to higher education opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria

• Meet all admission requirements and submit required documents;

• Provide documentation of a completed FAFSA and completed Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship by April 1, 2024;

• Be a UCA first-time entering undergraduate;

• Be an Arkansas resident as defined by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education (section 5.10) and a graduate from an Arkansas public school, private school, homeschool, or GED recipient;

• Be Pell-eligible or have an annual household income of $100,000 or less as documented by a submitted FAFSA

Financial Aid Components

The UCA Commitment program provides a multifaceted approach to address students’ financial needs while engaging participants in meaningful service opportunities. Tuition and fee costs will be fully covered for eligible students through scholarship and work-study opportunities.

Last Dollar Scholarships

Scholarships will cover the cost of tuition and fees after applying institutional, state, and federal financial aid.

Service Requirements

All participants will fulfill a minimum of 10 service hours per semester, engaging in community activities and volunteer work.

Work-Study Opportunities

Participants with greater financial needs may accept an on-campus job opportunity to cover remaining tuition and fee expenses.

student support

• The program provides support for eight consecutive fall and spring semesters or until the completion of a bachelor’s degree, whichever occurs first.

• UCA Commitment will have staff who support and help students navigate the program acceptance and renewal requirements.

service & work

An invested interest

We are expanding access to quality education and backing it up with the financial support students need to pursue their college dreams. This is an investment in our shared future.

UCA Commitment incorporates both service and work-study elements to foster well-rounded development and provide financial support. Service hours and work-study opportunities are based on the amount needed to cover the cost of tuition and fees for students participating in the program.

Service

All students who opt-in to the program must complete a specified number of service hours. The hours of service required per semester range from 10-40 hours total.

Work-Study

Students with a higher last dollar need will be offered a work-study position at UCA. If they choose to opt-out of the work portion, they’ll need to find employment or funding elsewhere to pay the remaining tuition and fees.

President Houston Davis

Placement Decisions

Work-study placements are available for UCA Commitment students with greater financial need. These placements will be made based on student availability and interests. Students who opt-in to the program will receive a survey to help determine their on campus work station. Students will be notified of their placement before the beginning of their eligible semester.

campus

Arts & Campus Engagement

Student Success & Academic support

Communications & Creative Services

housing & learning communities

Event & hospitality services

It & Technical Support

Assignments will range from 10-20 hours per week and are based on student need.

Scenario 1

megan

Megan meets the eligibility criteria for the program. Considering the available aid, she’ll only be required to participate in the Service component of the program. Megan must complete 20 service hours per semester.

Scenario 2

Ricardo

Ricardo has been approved for the program. Although he has adequate aid for his initial year of college, Ricardo has chosen to participate in case he needs additional funding beyond his first year. Nonetheless, he must still fulfill 10 service hours.

AGI $32,213

Tuition & Fees $5,059

Pell $3,422

AR Challenge $500

Scholarships $0

Commitment Dollars $1,137

Service Hours Per SEMESTER 20

Work-Study Hours Per week 0

AGI $39,795

Tuition & Fees $5,059 Pell $2,809

AR Challenge $500

Scholarships $1,750

Commitment Dollars $0

Service Hours Per SEMESTER 10

Work-Study Hours Per week 0

Scenario 3 taylor

Taylor is eligible for the program because based on their aid additional assistance is needed. To qualify for the aid, Taylor must complete 40 hours of service per semester. Taylor may also choose to accept a workstudy position that requires 20 hours of work per week throughout the semester.

What these scenarios tell us

we’re meeting students where they are Individual student circumstances are unique and can be accompanied with a variety of other challenges. We’re dedicated to lifting the burden of costs associated with tuition and fees so families can breathe easier and know they have a path forward.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Eligibility

How do I apply?

No separate UCA application is required to apply for this program. Your application for admission, FAFSA, and completed Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship application must be on file for eligibility consideration.

When will I know if I’m eligible?

We will notify students of eligibility after all necessary documentation is received starting in spring 2024.

Are non-Arkansas students eligible?

Students from outside of Arkansas are not eligible at this time. However, students from contiguous states are eligible for automatic in-state tuition and students from non-neighboring states and other countries can receive in-state tuition if they reside in campus housing.

Do I have to be an incoming first-year student?

Yes; the UCA Commitment is only available to incoming first-year students starting college for the fall 2024 term.

Can I start in the Spring?

Spring start students are not eligible for the UCA Commitment at this time.

Am I eligible if I take a gap year before starting college?

Yes; as long as you don’t enroll at another college or university after high school graduation, you would still be considered an incoming first-year student for the next academic year.

Is your institution still test-optional?

Yes; students with at least a 3.0 cumulative high school GPA may be admitted without test scores. However, ACT, SAT, or Accuplacer scores are required for placement purposes.

scholarships & Finances

I don’t qualify for this program; what do I qualify for?

UCA supports incoming students through a variety of scholarship opportunities including freshman academic scholarships and UCA Foundation scholarships. We encourage all students to explore opportunities available through state and private aid programs.

Will the housing portion of my academic scholarship be applied to my housing costs?

Yes; institutional academic scholarships that specify funds for housing will apply to room and board costs.

Why do we have to complete the FAFSA?

The FAFSA is required to determine eligibility through family income and to ensure eligible students are maximizing available aid opportunities.

program scope

Is this for all four years or just the first year?

Students who are eligible for the UCA Commitment may receive funds for the duration of eight (8) consecutive fall and spring semesters or through the completion of a bachelor’s degree, whichever occurs first, as long as renewal criteria are met.

If I’m ineligible year one but eligible my sophomore year, can I join the program?

No; initial eligibility is only determined upon entry as a first-year student and isn’t reconsidered for subsequent academic terms.

How do I opt-in to the program?

Once you’re notified of your eligibility, you’ll have the opportunity to opt-in to the program. Eligible students must officially opt-in to the program no later than May 1, 2024. Specific requirements associated with individual UCA Commitment offers will be sent after you’ve participated in our Summer Orientation and Academic Registration (SOAR).

service

What are Service Requirements?

All UCA Commitment participants must complete a minimum of 10 service hours per semester, regardless of the amount of funds received. Additional service hours will be required for students who receive higher levels of funding; however, no student will be required to provide more than 40 service hours per semester.

What counts as service hours?

For the purposes of UCA Commitment, service hours may include:

• Time spent on direct service to the community through a nonprofit organization or government agency, such as serving a meal or participating in a clean-up

• Time spent individually or with a group organizing direct service opportunities for others, such as planning and implementing a donation drive or service day

• Time spent on indirect or research-based service, such as creating a deliverable for a nonprofit organization through a servicelearning course

• Unpaid internships with nonprofit organizations or government agencies

• Any service (whether in-person or remote) to fulfill a communityidentified need on campus or in your local, state, regional, national, or international communities that can be verified by a partner organization in the community

• Volunteer training required by a nonprofit organization in order to serve

If I join an RSO, Greek organization, servicelearning class, or a UCA Sponsored service organization, will these hours count toward UCA Commitment?

Existing service projects that meet the program criteria will count towards UCA Commitment students’ service hours. UCA Commitment will increase our impact in the community by deepening our engagement with local and state partners and expanding service opportunities for students.

Work-Study

How do I opt-in to the work option?

You’ll be notified of your eligibility for work-study and have the opportunity to opt-in. Students eligible for work study must opt-in to the work portion no later than July 15, 2024.

will I get to choose my work placement?

Eligible participants who have opted-in to work-study will be placed in a specific workstation based on a variety of student and departmental needs and interests.

Can I have a job outside of campus while fulfilling my UCA commitment work requirements?

Yes; all students may hold off-campus jobs as their schedule permits.

Current Students

Are Current Students Eligible?

No; the UCA Commitment is a new program that will only go into effect for fall 2024 first-time freshmen and subsequent entering fall freshmen.

Will i continue to receive my aid and scholarships?

Yes; the UCA Commitment won’t negatively impact your current UCA funding. Currently enrolled UCA students with a household income of $100,000 or less receive aid that covers an average of 90% of their college costs.

Will I lose my work-study?

No; the UCA Commitment isn’t designed to overtake current workstudy positions. We’ll continue to support all UCA students and their efforts to fund their education.

Will this reduce current students opportunities for service and volunteerism?

No; UCA is a vibrant community with many opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to get involved. We’re excited about expanding our impact by increasing our engagement with those local and state partners.