Arkansas students can qualify for 'free' bachelor's degree

The University of Central Arkansas will offer a tuition-free bachelor's degree to in-state students from families earning less than $100,00 a year, report Hechinger's Olivia Sanchez. The scholarship won’t cover other costs such as textbooks, housing, food and transportation.

To be eligible for the UCA Commitment, students must qualify for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship, which requires a minimum ACT score of 19 (19.5 is the national average) or an SAT score of 990 (1050 is the median nationally). After state and federal grants, UCA will cover the rest of tuition costs, said Houston Davis, the university president. He estimates 40 to 45 percent of first-year students will be eligible.

To retain the aid for four years, students must maintain a grade-point average of 2.5.

The university, which accepts 90 percent of applicants, charges $10,118 this year in tuition and fees.