Are There Arkansas Scholarships for College?

Yes, there are a range of Arkansas scholarships for high school, undergrad and graduate students. ADHE has over 15 scholarships. University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University offer awards to new college students based on financial need or merit.

What Arkansas College Scholarships are for Graduating Seniors?

The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association Foundation provides $3,500 scholarships. These go to a high school senior in each region of their organization.

Could Out of State Students Apply for Scholarships in AR?

Yes, out of state students may be eligible for Arkansas college scholarships. University of Arkansas offers the New Arkansan Non Resident Tuition Award Scholarship. Arkansas State University offers the A State Scholar program worth up to $14,000.

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. Eligibility is also based on financial need, test scores, and school costs.

Arkansas Scholarships for 2024

Home
scholarships
by state
arkansas scholarships

Written by Dave Moniz

✔️ Edited by Unigo Staff

Arkansas, known for its beautiful Ozark Mountains, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene, also offers a robust array of opportunities for higher education. Whether you're a resident or planning to attend one of the state's esteemed institutions such as the University of Arkansas (U of A), Arkansas State University (ASU), Harding University, University of Central Arkansas (UCA), and University of the Ozarks, numerous grants and scholarships are available to help make your college education more affordable.

We've compiled a comprehensive list of some of the best scholarships offered to Arkansas students. Whether you're attending a public or private institution, pursuing an in-state degree, or seeking financial aid for specific academic programs, you'll find plenty of opportunities to support your educational journey in Arkansas.

List of Arkansas Scholarships for College In 2024

Check out our list of 8,497 Arkansas Scholarships for College In 2024 worth $14M.

Ralph G. Norman Scholarship

$2,000 Award Amount

5 Awards

Mar 31 Deadline

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

View Scholarship

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

$1,250 Award Amount

2 Awards

Apr 15 Deadline

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.

View Scholarship

Horatio Alger Arkansas Scholarship Program

$10,000 Award Amount

7 Awards

Oct 25 Deadline

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.

View Scholarship

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

$9,384 Award Amount

1 Award

Nov 15 Deadline

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.

View Scholarship

Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship

$9,000 Award Amount

9 Awards

Dec 31 Deadline

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.

View Scholarship

American Electric Power Scholarship

$4,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Feb 18 Deadline

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.

View Scholarship

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

$20,238 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 1 Deadline

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.

View Scholarship

AR Governor's Distinguished Scholars Program

$40,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 1 Deadline

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.

View Scholarship

Stephen T. Kugle Scholarship

$3,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 1 Deadline

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.

View Scholarship

Curwen-Guidry Scholarship Fund

$750 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 15 Deadline

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.

View Scholarship

R. Preston Woodruff, Jr. Scholarship

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available for international and U.S. students who are either residents of Arkansas attending an in-state or out-of-state postsecondary institution or are from out-of-state and attending a postsecondary education institution in Arkansas. Students must plan to be enrolled in a postsecondary institution for the following academic year.

View Scholarship

UA Chancellor's Scholarships

$30,000 Award Amount

10 Awards

Feb 1 Deadline

U.S. and International students who are high school seniors and are planning to attend the University of Arkansas are eligible for this award. Students who receive this award typically have a grade point average of 3.75 or higher and have SAT/ACT scores of 1240/28 or higher.

View Scholarship

Alice L. Halton Educational Fund (ALHEF)

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

May 1 Deadline

The Houston Chapter of ARMA created this fund to honor the legacy of Alice L. Halton with scholarships for students pursuing an education for a career in information and records management.

View Scholarship

Ann and Bob Becker Endowment Scholarship

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Feb 1 Deadline

This scholarship is open to U.S. and international undergraduate and graduate students who are residents of Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

View Scholarship

Magnolia DX Association Scholarship

$500 Award Amount

1 Award

Jan 4 Deadline

This scholarship is open to U.S. and international students who are licensed radio amateurs (technician class or higher) and reside in Mississippi or the ARRL Delta Division (AR, LA, TN). Students must attend a postsecondary institution in Mississippi. Preference will be given to graduating high school seniors.

View Scholarship

Jackson County ARA Scholarship

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Jan 4 Deadline

This scholarship is open to international and U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who are licensed radio amateurs. Students must be residents of Mississippi, or, if no eligible Mississippi students apply, residents of the ARRL Delta Division (AR, LA, MS, TN).

View Scholarship

Jake McClain Driver KC5WXA Scholarship

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Jan 4 Deadline

This scholarship is open to international and U.S. licensed radio amateurs (technical class or higher) who can provide at least one QLSL card received within the past 12 months. Students must reside in the ARRL Delta Division (AR, LA, MS, TN) and study electronics, computers, or journalism.

View Scholarship

Landscape Forms Design for People Scholarship

$3,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Feb 1 Deadline

This scholarship is for international and U.S. students who are in their final year of full-time undergraduate study in landscape architecture at a LAAB-accredited institution. Applicants must show a proven contribution to the design of public spaces that integrates landscape design and the use of amenities to promote social interaction.

View Scholarship

KASF Southwestern Region Scholarship

$5,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Jun 30 Deadline

This award is available for Korean-American students who are residing in or attending school in one of the following states: Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas.

View Scholarship

Arkansas State Council Endowment Scholarship

$750 Award Amount

1 Award

Feb 1 Deadline

This award is available to U.S. and international residents of Arkansas who are high school seniors or undergraduate/graduate students at the time of application. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

View Scholarship

Texas Bordering States Waiver

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Feb 1 Deadline

This award provides a waiver of non-resident tuition for students from Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico or Oklahoma enrolled in certain public institutions in Texas.

View Scholarship

Arkansas Health Education Grant Program (ARHEG)

$5,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Jul 1 Deadline

This award is available to Arkansas graduate students who are studying dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, osteopathic medicine, podiatric medicine, or chiropractic medicine at an eligible out-of-state institution.

View Scholarship

Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship - High School Seniors

$5,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Jul 1 Deadline

This award is available for Arkansas high school seniors who are planning to attend a two-year or four-year postsecondary institution in Arkansas. Students must successfully complete the Smart Core curriculum established by the Arkansas Department of Education and have an ACT (or ACT equivalent) score of 19 or higher.

View Scholarship

AR Military Dependents Scholarship Program

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Jul 1 Deadline

This award is available to Arkansas resident undergraduate students who are attending an Arkansas state-supported college or university. Students must be the natural child, adopted child, or spouse of an Arkansas resident who is/was one of the following: a prisoner of war, missing in action, killed in action, killed on ordnance delivery, or disabled during the course or result of active military duty after Jan. 1, 1960. Applications are available from the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) website. Accessing the application requires students to register for an account using the electronic Arkansas Universal Financial Aid System. As part of the application, students must also submit the following eligibility documentations: a death certificate or Report of Casualty from the appropriate branch of the U.S. military; a Statement of Award for Special Monthly Compensation by the federal Department of Veterans Affairs for service-connected, 100 percent total and permanent disability (VA Form 20-5455); a copy of the veteran's DD214 form showing service dates; a copy of his/her birth certificate or a copy of legal adoption or guardianship appointed certificate (if apply as an eligible dependent child) or a copy of his/her marriage license (if applying as an eligible spouse). The application deadline is July 1 annually.

View Scholarship

Arkansas Law Enforcement Officers' Dependents Scholarship Program

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Jul 1 Deadline

This award is available to Arkansas residents who are attending an Arkansas state-supported college or university. The student must be the dependent or the spouse of an Arkansas resident who was killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty while working in a law enforcement or public service position.

View Scholarship

1 2 »

Cost of College in Arkansas

Downtown Little Rock skyline reflecting off Arkansas River, framed by Junction Bridge

Before exploring grant and scholarship opportunities for Arkansas students, it is important to understand the cost of attending college in Arkansas. For the 2024-25 school year, in-state tuition and fees at the University of Arkansas (U of A) are approximately $10,000 per year, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $30,000 annually.

Arkansas State University (ASU) charges in-state students just over $10,000 per year as well, with out-of-state tuition and fees just over $18,000. Private institutions such as Harding University generally charge higher tuition and fees. At Harding, tuition and fees can exceed $26,000 per year.

Despite the cost of attending college in Arkansas, a variety of scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs are available to help Arkansas students manage their educational costs effectively.

Arkansas State-Funded Scholarships and Grants

Arkansas offers several state-funded scholarships and grants aimed at making higher education accessible to its residents. Most of these programs require students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial need and eligibility.

Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship

The Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship (ACST) is a merit-based scholarship for Arkansas high school graduates and adult learners who attend eligible schools. Award amounts vary depending on the type of school you attend and the year you are in. For instance, a maximum award for a freshman will be $1,000 increasing to $5,000 by your senior year. To qualify, students graduating from high school must have an ACT composite score of at least 19. Adult learners returning to college can also qualify if they have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on prior college coursework.

Arkansas Future Grant

The Arkansas Future Grant (ARFuture) is targeted primarily at students enrolling in high-demand fields of study, primarily in STEM fields. This grant covers tuition and fees for qualifying certificate or associate degree programs at participating state institutions. Eligibility for the ARFuture is open to both traditional and non-traditional students who have earned a high school diploma or equivalent and are committed to working in Arkansas for a set period after completing their program. To maintain this grant, students must meet academic requirements, participate in mentoring and community service activities, and sign a promissory note agreeing to working in specific fields in the state.

Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship

The Arkansas Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship (GS) is a competitive, merit-based scholarship for top academic achievers. The scholarship provides awards of up to $10,000 per year for tuition, fees, room, and board. To qualify, Arkansas high school seniors must have earned at least a 32 composite score on the ACT or 1410 on the SAT as well as at least a cumulative 3.5 GPA or be a National Merit and National Achievement Finalist.

Federal Grants for Arkansas Students

Scenic Buffalo National River with steep limestone bluffs and lush forested banks.

In addition to state-funded grants and scholarships, Arkansas students can apply for federal financial aid programs to further support their education. These grants are available to eligible students based on financial need and other criteria.

Pell Grant

The Pell Grant is a federal grant that provides up to $7,395 per year for low-income students during the 2024-2025 academic year. Pell Grants do not need to be repaid and are awarded based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) offers additional funding for students with exceptional financial need. Award amounts range from $100 to $4,000 annually, depending on the student’s financial situation and the availability of funds at their institution.

Institutional Scholarships at Arkansas Colleges and Universities

Many Arkansas colleges and universities offer their own grants and scholarships to help students cover the cost of tuition and fees. These institutional awards are typically based on merit, financial need, or a combination of both.

University of Arkansas Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship

The Chancellor’s Merit Scholarshipat the University of Arkansas is a highly competitive scholarship that provides up to $10,000 annual awards which cover tuition, fees, room, and board for four years to attend U of A. This scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Recipients are expected to maintain a high GPA and actively participate in campus activities.

Arkansas State University Promise Plus Scholarship

Arkansas State University offers the Promise Plus Scholarship for Arkansas residents who have household incomes of less than $70,000, have qualifying ACT or SAT scores, have a 3.0 high school GPA, and are graduating high school in 2025. The Promise Plus Scholarship can cover up to full tuition to attend ASU.

University of Central Arkansas (UCA) Scholarships

The University of Central Arkansas provides merit-based scholarships to eligible incoming freshmen. Awards can vary between $1,500 and $8,500 per year and include components for tuition and fees as well as housing.

Private Scholarships for Arkansas Students

Hot Springs National Park's historic bathhouses illuminated against a lush hillside.

Beyond state-funded and institutional scholarships, numerous private scholarships are available to Arkansas students. These awards are typically sponsored by local businesses, foundations, and nonprofit organizations.

Arkansas Community Foundation Scholarships

The Arkansas Community Foundation administers a wide range of scholarships for Arkansas students. These scholarships vary in amount and eligibility criteria, covering fields such as healthcare, engineering, education, and the arts. Students can search for scholarships that match their academic interests and personal backgrounds through the foundation’s website.

Walmart Arkansas Scholarship Program

The Walmart Arkansas Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to high school seniors and current college students in Arkansas. Award amounts range from $1,000 to $10,000, based on academic achievement, financial need, and community involvement. Recipients must demonstrate a commitment to furthering their education and contributing to their communities.

Tyson Scholars Program

The Tyson Scholars Program is designed for students pursuing degrees in agriculture, engineering, business, and the sciences. Sponsored by Tyson Foods, this scholarship offers up to $5,000 per year for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. Applicants must be Arkansas residents with strong academic records and leadership qualities.

Scholarships & Grants for Adult Learners in Arkansas

Arkansas recognizes the importance of supporting adult learners and non-traditional students who are returning to school after a break in their education. Several scholarships and grant programs are available to help these students advance their education and career prospects.

Arkansas Workforce Challenge

The Arkansas Workforce Challenge Program (AWC)is designed for adult learners who are seeking workforce training in specific fields relating to industry, health care, and information technology. Up to $800 is available per eligible workforce program of study,

Teacher Opportunity Program

The Arkansas Teacher Opportunity Program (TOP) offers tuition reimbursement grants to Arkansas teachers and administrators. Eligible educators can receive up to $3,000 per academic year for eligible, out-of-pocket expenses incurred from completing up to six college credit hours. To qualify for TOP, applicants must be Arkansas residents for at least 12 months prior to the application deadline, hold a current teaching or administrative license, and be employed as classroom teachers or administrators within the state. TOP recipients must attend an approved Arkansas higher education institution, taking courses directly related to their employment, and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in the courses.

Tips for Securing Arkansas Grants and Scholarships

Serene sunrise over the misty Ozark Mountains, revealing layered forested ridges.

Securing scholarships and grants in Arkansas requires careful preparation and strategic planning. Here are some tips to help you maximize your chances of winning scholarship and grant awards:

Complete the FAFSA Early: Many state-funded and institutional scholarships require the FAFSA to determine financial need. Submit your FAFSA as soon as possible to ensure you qualify for the maximum amount of aid available.

Stay Organized: Keep track of all scholarship deadlines, required materials, and eligibility criteria. Use a spreadsheet or calendar to manage your applications effectively.

Write a Compelling Personal Statement: Your personal essay is a critical component of many scholarship applications. Highlight your academic achievements, leadership roles, community involvement, and future goals.

Search for Local Scholarships: Many Arkansas businesses, community organizations, and foundations offer scholarships that may not be widely advertised. Look for opportunities within your local community to increase your chances of receiving financial aid.

Request Strong Letters of Recommendation: Choose teachers, employers, or community leaders who know you well and can speak to your strengths and qualifications. Ask for letters of recommendation well in advance of application deadlines.

Maintain a High GPA: Academic performance is a key factor in many scholarship decisions. Strive to maintain a strong GPA to enhance your eligibility for merit-based awards.

Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities: Participation in clubs, sports, volunteer work, and other extracurricular activities can make you a more attractive candidate for scholarships that value leadership and community service.

By following these tips and staying proactive in your grant and scholarship search, you can increase your chances of securing the financial assistance you need to pursue your college education in Arkansas.