Arkansas Scholarships

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Are There Arkansas Scholarships for College?

There are a range of Arkansas scholarships for high school, undergrad and graduate students. Nicknamed the “Land of Opportunity”, Arkansas is home to the Ozarks and 80 colleges. Some of the state’s largest 4 year public schools offer Arkansas scholarships. University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University offer awards to new college students based on financial need or merit. Being a state resident is not always necessary. However, you typically must have full time enrollment and be a U.S. citizen

According to the NCES, the cost of a public 4 year college in AR was $8,622 for the 2022 academic year. Tuition was higher ($24,128) at private 4 year colleges. The state’s 2 year colleges cost an avg. of $3,486. 

Because a scholarship is not a loan, the funds help make college more affordable. First, by reducing the college’s tuition and fees as well as lower the need to borrow student loans.

How Do You Get Scholarships for Arkansas Residents?

If you’re an Arkansas resident, financial aid may be available from ADHE or Arkansas Department of Higher Education. Many of their scholarships are for high school graduates and undergraduate students. ADHE has over 15 scholarships. There are also financial aid programs for teachers, military service members, public service, single parents and more. Eligibility is also based on financial need, test scores, and school costs.  

For example, the Academic Challenge Scholarship is offered by the ADHE. It is for eligible Arkansas students at approved Arkansas schools. To qualify, you must be a high school senior or current college student. You must also have at least a 2.5 GPA and ACT score of 19. Scholarship funds come from the lottery. Award amounts range from $1,000 to $5,000. If you’re a recipient that follows the terms, the award may renew for up to four years. 

10 Scholarships in Arkansas Available in 2024

Use our scholarship search to find Arkansas college scholarships for your college education. Make sure to check eligibility requirements and submit your scholarship application before the deadline. It might be worth earning awards like these rather than borrowing student loans.

  1. Arkansas Health Education Grant Program (ARHEG)
  2. Arkansas Law Enforcement Officers’ Dependent Scholarship Program
  3. AR Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship
  4. AR Military Dependents Scholarship Program 
  5. Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship 
  6. Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company of Iowa Scholarship
  7. Fred R. McDaniel Memorial Scholarship 
  8. The Bird Dog Foundation, Inc. Annual High School Senior Essay 
  9. Florence Wood Scholarship
  10. Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship (Craighead County)

What Arkansas College Scholarships are for Graduating Seniors?

It’s your senior year which is the perfect time to start applying for scholarships. Your GPA and test scores are important to secure a scholarship in Arkansas. State aid programs and many AR colleges offer awards to deserving Arkansas seniors. For instance the Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship. It is a state sponsored merit award. It pays tuition, mandatory fees, room and board up to $10,000 per year. If you’re a graduating senior, you also need a 32 ACT or 1410 SAT and 3.50 grade point average. 

In addition, Arkansas Tech University’s freshmen merit scholarships require a 3.25 GPA. The Arkansas Future Grant which is the newest state grant does not set a GPA. It requires you to have a high school diploma or GED. You also must complete the FAFSA. You should be enrolled in a STEM associate or certificate program in an AR public college. 

A local business like NIADA may also offer financial assistance. The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association Foundation provides $3,500 scholarships. These go to a high school senior in each region of their organization. Strong grades and leadership are required criteria. 

Could Out of State Students Apply for Scholarships in AR?

Out of state students may be eligible for Arkansas college scholarships. The avg. out of state tuition at a 4 year public school in AR is $21,981 in 2021 to 2022. For private schools, the avg. tuition is $24,128. Costs may vary each year. 

For instance, University of Arkansas cost $9,656 per year (in state) vs $27,410 (out of state) in 2022 to 2023. They offer the New Arkansan Non Resident Tuition Award Scholarship. The award covers most of the difference between out of state and in state tuition. The school grants it automatically to eligible degree seeking students. 

Arkansas State University also has an in state ($7,456) and out of state ($13.312) tuition in 2022 to 2023. The school offers a merit award called A State Scholar program. It provides up to $14,000 per year to admitted students. One of the criteria is to accept to live in an A State Jonesboro residence hall. Eligible applicants must also have at least a 3.5 GPA, 32 ACT score or new SAT total of 1420.

List of Arkansas Scholarships

Check out our list of 8,497 scholarships in Arkansas worth $14M.

Ralph G. Norman Scholarship

This scholarship is available for U.S. students who are residents of Arkansas. Students must have a documented learning disability.
Award Amount

Total: $2000

Awards: 5

Deadline

Deadline: March 31

The Bird Dog Foundation, Inc. Annual High School Senior Essay Contest

This award is for U.S. high school seniors who reside in Tennessee, Arkansas or Mississippi who plan to attend an accredited institution of higher education. Students must submit an essay of 900 to 1,000 words to qualify.
Award Amount

Total: $1250

Awards: 2

Deadline

Deadline: April 15

Horatio Alger Arkansas Scholarship Program

This award is for high school seniors with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher who demonstrate critical financial need and are residents of Arkansas.
Award Amount

Total: $10000

Awards: 7

Deadline

Deadline: October 25

UA Fort Smith Roland S. Boreham, Jr. Engineering Scholarship

This scholarship is available for U.S. high school seniors who plan to attend the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. Students must major in electrical or mechanical engineering and have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher; an ACT composite score of 27 or higher (or the SAT equivalent) is required.
Award Amount

Total: $9384

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: November 15

Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship

The ASHOF awards nine $1,000 scholarships to deserving Arkansas student-athlete high school seniors. The winners of these scholarships will be presented at the ASHOF’s annual Induction Banquet, which will be held next year on April 9, 2021, at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock Arkansas.
Award Amount

Total: $9000

Awards: 9

Deadline

Deadline: December 31

American Electric Power Scholarship

U.S. college sophomores or juniors enrolled in an mechanical engineering or related program are eligible for this award. Preference will be given to students who are interested in power engineering and/or who reside or attend school in the American Electric Power service area of Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Award Amount

Total: $4000

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: February 18

Lewis-Clark State College Presidential Out-of-State Scholarship

High school seniors and transfer students who are not residents of Idaho and are planning to enroll at Lewis-Clark State College for the first time are eligible for this award. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and must plan to enroll full time.
Award Amount

Total: $20238

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: March 01

AR Governor’s Distinguished Scholars Program

This scholarship is available for Arkansas resident high school seniors who are planning to attend an Arkansas state-supported college or university and have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, and an ACT score of 32 of higher or an SAT score of 1410 or higher, or are a National Merit or National Achievement finalist.
Award Amount

Total: $40000

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: March 01

Stephen T. Kugle Scholarship

U.S. college sophomores or juniors currently enrolled in a public college or university in one of the states in ASME District E (Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming) are eligible for this award. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and major in mechanical engineering.
Award Amount

Total: $3000

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: March 01

Curwen-Guidry Scholarship Fund

Residents of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, or Texas who are graduating high school seniors currently bowling in a USBC-sanctioned league are eligible for this award. Students must have bowled in a sanctioned USBC league for three out of four years in high school and 75% of the league schedule. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and an SAT/ACT score of 950/20 or higher.
Award Amount

Total: $750

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: March 15