Arkansas offers a variety of scholarships and grants to help students fund their college education. With tuition costs on the rise, these programs provide essential financial assistance to make higher education more accessible and affordable. This guide provides an overview of the main scholarship and grant programs available specifically for students from Arkansas.
Federal and State Financial Aid Programs
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is awarded based on financial need and does not require repayment. For the 2022-2023 academic year, the maximum award is $6,895. To be eligible, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship
This scholarship covers tuition and fees up to $5,000 per year for graduating high school seniors and non-traditional students. Applicants must be Arkansas residents and meet certain GPA, ACT/SAT score and college credit requirements.
Arkansas Future Grant
This need-based grant provides up to $2,500 per year to Arkansas residents attending a state college or university. Students must complete the FAFSA.
Arkansas Workforce Challenge Grant
This grant covers tuition and fees for students in certain high demand occupations, such as computer science, education and healthcare. Award amounts vary based on program costs.
Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship
This competitive 4-year scholarship awards up to $10,000 per year for tuition, fees, room and board to top Arkansas high school graduates. Applicants must have a 3.5 GPA and 27 ACT score.
College and University Scholarships
Many colleges and universities in Arkansas offer their own merit and need-based scholarship programs. Here are some top awards to look out for:
University of Arkansas Academic Scholarships
The U of A offers several competitive academic scholarships for incoming freshmen, including the Chancellor’s Scholarship worth $72,000 over 4 years and the Honors College Fellowship covering tuition, fees and more.
Arkansas State University Leadership Scholarships
ASU has leadership scholarships available in areas like athletics, diversity, public service, Greek life, academics and more. Most awards provide $6,000 per year.
Harding University Trustee Scholarship
This competitive scholarship covers up to full tuition for 4 years. Applicants must have a 3.6 GPA and 28 ACT. There are also Dean and Founder scholarships worth $15,000 to $20,000 per year.
Hendrix College Hendrix Experience Award
This scholarship package covers full tuition, room and board. Eligible applicants must have shown leadership, community service and academic success.
Southern Arkansas University Foundation Scholarships
SAU offers over 200 foundation-funded scholarships in various majors and program areas. Most provide between $500 to $2,000 per year.
Private Scholarships
There are also many scholarships funded by private organizations, companies and non-profits. Here are some of the top private scholarships for Arkansas students:
Arkansas Community Foundation Scholarships
The ACF offers over 100 scholarship funds awarding over $2.5 million annually to Arkansas students. There are opportunities by region, field of study and more.
Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship
Provides need-based scholarships up to $2,500 per year for single parents pursuing vocational, associate and bachelor’s degrees at Arkansas schools.
Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship
Administered by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, this program awards scholarships up to $9,000 per year for high-achieving students.
Arkansas Hospital Auxiliary Association Scholarships
Offers scholarships to Arkansas students pursuing healthcare degrees, with preference given to auxiliary members and their families. Amounts range from $500 to $2,000.
Arkansas Chamber Singers Vocal/Choral Scholarship
Awards $1,000 to a high school senior who excels in vocal music and will pursue vocal studies in college.
Arkansas Tennis Association Scholarships
Offers scholarships up to $2,500 to outstanding Arkansas high school tennis players who display academic excellence.
Arkansas Broadcasters Association Scholarships (PDF link)
Awards 10 scholarships annually for students pursuing careers in broadcasting, such as radio, television and digital media. Each scholarship is worth $2,500.
Scholarships for Specific Majors and Fields of Study
Some scholarships are only available to students pursuing certain majors or career paths. Here are some examples:
Healthcare
- Arkansas Hospital Auxiliary Association Healthcare Scholarships
- Arkansas Health Information Management Association Scholarship
- Arkansas Medical Society Scholarship
Education
- Arkansas Teacher Incentive Scholarship
- Arkansas Association on Children Under Six Future Teacher Scholarship
- Arkansas Retired Teacher Association Scholarship
Engineering
- Arkansas Society of Professional Engineers Scholarships
- Arkansas Academy of Electrical Contractors Memorial Scholarship
- Associated General Contractors of Arkansas Scholarships
Agriculture
- Arkansas Future Farmers Association Scholarships
- Arkansas Pecan Growers Association Scholarship
- Arkansas Rice Field Day Scholarship
Arts
- Arkansas Arts Center Arts School Scholarship
- Arkansas Country Music Awards Scholarship
- Arkansas Young Artist Association Scholarships
Scholarships in Arkansas for Minorities and Under-served Groups
Many scholarships aim to increase representation and provide opportunities specifically for minorities and groups underrepresented in higher education. These include:
- Gates Millennium Scholars Program (for minority students)
- League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Scholarships
- Hispanic Scholarship Fund College Scholarships
- American Indian College Fund Scholarships
- UNCF Scholarships (for African American students)
- Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (for single parents)
- Arkansas Rehabilitation Services (for students with disabilities)
- Arkansas Alzheimer’s Association Scholarship (for caregivers)
Arkansas Athletic Scholarships
Skilled athletes can earn scholarships from Arkansas colleges and universities, the NCAA, NAIA and more. Some top athletic scholarship opportunities include:
- University of Arkansas Athletic Scholarships
- Arkansas State Athletics Scholarships
- Henderson State University Athletic Scholarships
- Arkansas Activities Association Scholarships (for high school athletes)
- National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Scholarships
- National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Scholarships
Unique and Unusual Arkansas Scholarships
Some quirky, unusual and fun scholarships can help pay for school in Arkansas. Here are a few examples:
- Tall Clubs International Scholarships (for tall students)
- Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship (for vegetarian students)
- Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest (duck calling skills)
- Legacy of the Plains Video Contest (promoting the prairie)
- Little Rock Halloween Costume 5k & Parade Scholarship
- Arkansas Safe Rider Scholarship (promoting motorcycle safety)
- Arkansas Chefs Association Scholarship (culinary arts)
- Bean Scholarship (awarded by Dr. Bean in Arkansas every 10 years)
- Left Handed Scholarship – For left-handed students, awards $5,000 per year.
- Arkansas Bladder Cancer Awareness Scholarship – For students who have survived bladder cancer or have an immediate family member diagnosed with it.
- Fellowship of Christian Cowboy Churches Scholarship – For students involved with a Christian cowboy church in Arkansas.
- Razorback Brittany Spaniel Scholarship – For Arkansas residents who own a Brittany Spaniel dog.
- Sigma Alpha Iota Carolyn Watson Rural Music Educators Award – For students studying rural music education.
- Arkansas Swine Farms Scholarship – For students pursuing agriculture and who work on a swine farm.
- Hands On Arkansas Make A Difference Scholarship – For volunteer community service.
- Arkansas Women’s Bowling Association Scholarship – For female bowlers.
- Arkansas Aviation Historical Society Scholarship – Aviation-related majors.
- Arkansas Draft Horse and Mule Association Scholarship – Equine studies majors.
- Brick City Catfish Tournament Scholarship – Fishing and conservation related fields.
- Miss Arkansas Local Pageant Scholarships – For students who compete in local pageants.
- Arkansas Bigfoot Conference Scholarship – Essay contest on Bigfoot studies.
- Bean Scholarship – Awarded by Dr. Bean every 10 years, next in 2023.
- Miss Arkansas Rodeo Scholarship – For rodeo performers and agriculture majors.
Tips for Scholarship Success
Follow these top tips to find and win more scholarships in Arkansas:
- Start researching and applying early – as early as freshman year of high school.
- Meet all deadlines and requirements.
- Apply to every scholarship you are eligible for – the more you apply to, the better your odds.
- Highlight achievements, leadership experience, community involvement and financial need in applications.
- Get good recommendation letters from teachers, coaches and community leaders.
- Follow up and confirm your scholarship award details.
- Send thank you notes to scholarship providers.
- Look beyond the well-known scholarships – consider small local awards and niche opportunities.
- Check with your target school and community organizations for scholarships.
- Maintain a strong GPA, test scores, extracurriculars and volunteer work throughout high school.
Frequently Asked Questions about Arkansas Scholarships
- Who is eligible for Arkansas scholarships? Most Arkansas scholarships are for graduating high school seniors or current college students who are Arkansas residents. Some have additional eligibility requirements based on GPA, test scores, financial need, major, or other criteria.
- How do I apply for Arkansas scholarships? Many scholarships require submitting an application with details on grades, test scores, activities, essay responses and more. Each scholarship will have its own application process and timeline. Most open applications in the fall or early spring.
- Where can I find applications for Arkansas scholarships? Applications are typically available on the scholarship provider’s website. Many can be found through the Arkansas Department of Higher Education or Arkansas Community Foundation. Your school counselor may also have applications.
- What is the deadline to apply for most Arkansas scholarships? Deadlines vary, but most Arkansas scholarship applications are due between January and April before you start college in the fall. Some recurring scholarships accept applications year-round.
- How much money do Arkansas scholarships provide? Scholarship awards range from $500 to fully covering tuition and more, depending on the program. The average Arkansas scholarship award is $1,500-$3,000. High-achieving students can stack multiple scholarships.
- Can I lose an Arkansas scholarship? Yes, you must maintain the GPA or other eligibility criteria set by the scholarship. Read the requirements carefully and ensure you do not jeopardize your scholarship funding.
- Are Arkansas scholarships only for public in-state colleges? No, many Arkansas scholarships can be used at private or out-of-state colleges and universities. However, some are designated for Arkansas public institutions only.
Conclusion
Arkansas offers a wide range of scholarship and grant opportunities for prospective college and university students in the state. By thoroughly researching options, applying broadly and presenting yourself as a well-rounded applicant, you can maximize your chances of securing financial aid to fund your post-secondary education. With Arkansas’ generous scholarship and grant programs, higher education is accessible for motivated students who take the initiative to seek out assistance.
