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ÿÈÕ´óÈüÍøÕ¾ Commitment

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Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

What does the program cover?

The ÿÈÕ´óÈüÍøÕ¾ 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 Education Abroad) are covered after all Federal, State, and institutional aid has been deducted.

The program does not cover room and board (aka, housing and food) charges; 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 ÿÈÕ´óÈüÍøÕ¾ Online are not currently eligible for the ÿÈÕ´óÈüÍøÕ¾ Commitment program.

How do I apply?

The is open for the Fall 2026 term. You’ll also need to apply for admission and submit all required admission materials, test scores, a completed (school code 001092), and proof of a completed application for eligibility consideration.

How can I submit proof of applying for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship?

Students can either forward their confirmation email from the Arkansas Division of Higher Education (ADHE) stating they completed their application to commitment@uca.edu or they may upload them to their .  For specific details on how to submit documentation, visit our Resources for Eligibility ±è²¹²µ±ð.Ìý

When will I know if I’m eligible?

We will notify students of eligibility after all necessary documentation is received. This will likely occur on a rolling basis starting in the early spring term.

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.  Learn more about our Out-of-State Tuition Scholarship.

Do I have to be an incoming freshman?

Yes, ÿÈÕ´óÈüÍøÕ¾ Commitment is only available to incoming first-time freshman students.

Can I start in the Spring Semester?

Spring start students are not eligible for ÿÈÕ´óÈüÍøÕ¾ 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 freshman 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 ÿÈÕ´óÈüÍøÕ¾ Commitment eligibility and placement purposes.

Scholarships & Finances

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

ÿÈÕ´óÈüÍøÕ¾ supports incoming students through a variety of scholarship opportunities including freshman academic scholarships and ÿÈÕ´óÈüÍøÕ¾ 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 based on family income and to ensure that eligible students maximize available aid opportunities.

Service

What are Service Requirements?

All ÿÈÕ´óÈüÍøÕ¾ Commitment participants must complete a minimum of 10 service hours per semester, regardless of the amount of funds received.  The ÿÈÕ´óÈüÍøÕ¾ Commitment office will help students find opportunities to connect with their community through service. .

What counts as service hours?

For the purposes of ÿÈÕ´óÈüÍøÕ¾ 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 ÿÈÕ´óÈüÍøÕ¾ Sponsored service organization, will these hours count toward ÿÈÕ´óÈüÍøÕ¾ Commitment?

Existing service projects that meet the program criteria will count towards ÿÈÕ´óÈüÍøÕ¾ Commitment students’ service hours. ÿÈÕ´óÈüÍøÕ¾ Commitment will increase our impact in the community by deepening our engagement with local and state partners and expanding service opportunities for students.