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 scholarships in Arkansas worth .