Current Student Common Questions

Eligibility

What does the program cover?

The UCA Commitment program will ensure that eligible students’ in-state tuition and fees directly assessed by the University (except for approved programs through the Office of Study Abroad) are covered after all federal, state, and institutional aid has been deducted.

The program does not cover charges for housing, meal plans (food), or course materials; however, private scholarships may be applied toward those charges, and institutional academic scholarships that specify funds for housing will apply to room and board costs.

Students enrolled in fully online programs through UCA Online are not currently eligible for the UCA Commitment program.

Do I have to apply for the program each year?

You do not have to apply for the UCA Commitment program annually. However, you do have to maintain all other renewal criteria as referenced by policy.

If my annual household income changes, will that disqualify me from continuing in the program?

No, if qualify for the UCA Commitment program your entering freshman semester and you opted-in, you may continue participation in the program as long as you maintain all other renewal criteria as referenced by policy.

I wasn't originally eligible for the program my freshman year, can I be considered in later years if my financial circumstances change?

No, UCA Commitment is only available to incoming first-time freshman students starting college for the fall 2024 term and beyond. Continuing students are not eligible for the program.

Scholarships & Finances

How can I get my housing and food costs covered?

Private scholarship funds are not calculated in your last dollar need. We encourage all students to explore opportunities available through state and private aid programs, and to apply for UCA Foundation scholarships.

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 I have to complete the FAFSA?

The FAFSA is required to ensure that eligible students maximize available aid opportunities.

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. The UCA Commitment office will help students find opportunities to connect with their community through service. You can serve on campus, in Conway, your hometown, or across the globe.

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 service-learning course
Unpaid internships with nonprofit organizations or government agencies
Any service (whether in-person or remote) to fulfill a community identified 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

Where can I find Information about service?

will help you find general information about service, service opportunities, and how to use .

If I join an RSO, Greek organization, service-learning 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.

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