UCA freshman enrollment has exceeded over 2,100 students for the second year in a row. 

Riding the momentous wave of 2024’s 2,183 students, the university spent the last year prepping its housing availability and on-campus resources to ensure a smooth arrival. 

“We’re at full capacity again for new students and returning students,” President Houston Davis said. “Housing is continuing to think about what’s the quality and what’s the number of beds that we need to have, that’s going to stay right there front and center for my leadership team.”

UCA has partnered with several apartment complexes, such as The Edge apartments on Donaghey Avenue, to further boost the number of available rooms. 

The university is also planning to construct more on-campus housing for future students. 

In the already fast-growing city of Conway, which is currently ranked as the 38th fastest growing city in the nation by the U.S. Census Bureau, UCA will have over 10,000 students on campus for the upcoming academic year. 

“We have a lot of wind in our sails,” Davis said. “I love the town and gown relationship that we have with Conway. UCA is lucky to be in a growing and vibrant place like this community.”

The heavy increase in enrollment numbers had been partially attributed to the UCA Commitment program. 

The program was designed to cover tuition fees and expenses for students who come from households making less than $100,000 a year. 

The goal of Commitment is “helping students find a pathway to higher education and ensuring their success from admission to graduation”, according to the UCA website. 

As the student body continues to grow, UCA’s strategies are continuing to evolve to keep its head above water.