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.
$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. college sophomores and/or graduate students who are residents of Arkansas and who are currently attending a college/university in Arkansas. Students must be members of the American Occupational Therapy Association and be pursing a career in occupational therapy.
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$750
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 15
Deadline
The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund services 68 of the 75 counties in Arkansas along with Bowie County, TX. We provide scholarships to single parents pursuing postsecondary education.
Applying for one of the single parent scholarships offered by ASPSF is easy! Follow the steps outlined below, and you will be on your way.
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$563
Award Amount
20
Awards
Jun 15
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Hempstead County, Arkansas residents who are pursuing a career-oriented course of study (full- or part-time) to ensure a better standard of living for their families. Students must be single (never married, legally separated, divorced, or widowed) with legal custody and sole responsibility for one or more children under the age of 18.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. and international undergraduate and graduate students who are residents of Arkansas. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 30
Deadline
The Korean American Scholarship Foundation (KASF) – Southwestern Regional Chapter (SWRC) is pleased to announce a scholarship program in honor and recognition of 1.6 million American Veterans who served in the Korean War during the Korean War era (June 25, 1950–January 31, 1955). These men and women answered the call to fight for a country and people they never knew and never met. More than 54,000 Americans died and 103,000 were wounded.
To express our gratitude to these veterans for their sacrifices, KASF-SWRC will offer their descendants an opportunity to apply for a scholarship. KASF-SWRC scholarship program will recognize outstanding students who have demonstrated outstanding talents and potential for success.
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$3,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Jun 1
Deadline
The Epilepsy Reach Foundation members and volunteers are committed to helping those living with epilepsy and their families reach success by providing guidance and support through informative resources, financial assistance for medication and education, and career services for professional development. Our mission is to empower adults and children living with epilepsy in underserved Southeastern U.S. communities by offering aid and support to enable their success.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 2
Deadline
The Arkansas Rural Health Scholarship was created by Dr. Rhys Branman to support, empower, and encourage medical students in Arkansas who are interested in practicing medicine in rural areas of Arkansas.
The scholarship award of $2,500 is to be used toward tuition fees and educational expenses, including but not limited to: textbooks, supplies (paper, pens, notebooks, etc.), and required technology.
The scholarship award will be disbursed directly to the student in the form of a cash prize. The selected student will be required to furnish information necessary to issue a 1099 tax form, including social security number, as part of the process for dispersing scholarship monies. Student will be responsible for any resulting tax obligations.
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Cost of College in Arkansas
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
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
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
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.
Our Scholarships
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$1,500 – I Have a Dream
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$10,000 – Unigo $10K Award
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$1,500 – Sweet and Simple
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$2,500 – Superpower
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$3,000 – All About Education
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$1,500 – Fifth Month Scholarship
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$1,500 – Do-Over
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$1,500 – Flavor of the Month
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$1,500 – Make Me Laugh
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$1,500 – Shout It Out
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$2,000 – Zombie Apocalypse
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$5,000 – Education Matters
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$1,500 – Top Ten List
Written by Dave Moniz
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Edited by Unigo Staff