Arkansas scholarships give students amazing chances to pursue additional study free from the weight of debt. Students can access millions of dollars in scholarship funds year with financing from programs run by states governments and the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery.
From the esteemed Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship to tailored initiatives for educators and medical professionals, Arkansas has developed a whole financial ecosystem for education.
Comprehending Arkansas Scholarships
Most state-funded scholarships run under the Arkansas Division of Higher Education (ADHE) via their SAMS (Scholarship Application Management System) webpage. Higher education is now available to individuals from all backgrounds since these programs accommodate various student demographics and career pathways.
Unlike student loans, Arkansas State Scholarships are designed especially for residents of Arkansas; cover many education levels from concurrent enrollment to graduate school; support both traditional and non-traditional students; many programs have reasonable GPA and test score requirements.
Leading Arkansas Scholarships for High School Students
The Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship (ACST)
Funded mostly by the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery, the main scholarship program of Arkansas is the Academic Challenge Scholarship.
Award Levels:
Two-year institutions: $1,000 (freshman) → $3,000 (sopherson);
Four-year institutions: $1,000 (freshman) → $4,000 (sopherson); junior $4,000
Need:
• ACT composite score at least 19 or comparable SAT level
• Arkansas resident
• First autumn semester, enroll in at least 12 credit hours; then, keep 2.5 cumulative GPA by enrolling in 15+ hours each semester.
• First year get 27 credit hours; then, 30 hours every year.
July 1 yearly is the application deadline.
Governor’s Unique Scholarship
Targeting outstanding academic records, this premium scholarship program seeks high achievers.
Award Value: Up to $10,000 annually for four years
Guidelines:
• ACT composite score of 32+ or SAT score of 1410+
• 3.5 un weighted cumulative GPA
• Complete FAFSA application; National Merit Finalists may qualify without GPA criteria
March 1 is the application deadline.
Scholarship Program for Arkansas Concurrent Challenge
Through this initiative, students in high school enrolling in college classes can drastically cut their expenses.
Award value: $125 for every qualified concurrent course
Benefits:
• Available to qualified high school students statewide
• Helps students get ahead on college credits
• Reduces double enrollment fees
Non-traditional Student Scholarships
Arkansas Future Grant (ArFuture)
This more recent award program is concentrated on workforce development in highly sought-after disciplines.
Approaches: For eligible programs, full tuition and required expenses
Program Eligibility:
• STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields; regional high-demand professional fields
• Public institution programs for certificates and associates’ degrees
Rules:
• No prior Associate degree
• Arkansas high school diploma, homeschool completion, or GED
• Enroll in eligible STEM or high-demand program
• Complete FAFSA
Deadlines: January 10 (spring) and July 1 (fall)
Arkansas Challenge for the Workforce
Designed for workforce development in vital industries, this scholarship encourages career-oriented study.
Program Award Amount: Up to $800
Priority Areas: Information Technology; Healthcare Training; Industrial/Manufacturing Skills
Salient Characteristics:
• It addresses credit as well as non-credit training initiatives.
• Applications approved thirty days before the start of classes
• Cannot mix with the Academic Challenge Scholarly Grant
Scholarships for Teacher Education
Scholarship for Arkansas Teacher Academy (TAC)
Award Amount: Up to $6,000 for program fees and tuition each semester
Service Commitment: Recipients have to teach public schools in Arkansas for every year of financing obtained.
Deadlines: July 1 (fall); January 10 (spring)
STEP – State Teacher Education Program
A loan payback scheme designed for present teachers employed in shortage areas.
Award Amount: Up to $6,000 yearly toward maximum three-year debt payback
Eligibility:
• Currently employed in an area with geographic or topic scarcity
• Graduated following April 1, 2004
• Have outstanding federal student loan debt
• Teach in Arkansas public schools
Healthcare and Professional Scholarships
Arkansas Health Education Grant (ARHEG)
Helps students in disciplines where Arkansas has few in-state choices who are seeking professional healthcare training.
Fields Covered:
• Chiropractic medicine
• Dentistry
• Optometry
• Osteopathic medicine
• Podiatric medicine
• Veterinary medicine
Applications Deadline: July 1
Loan Program for Out-of-State Veterinary Medical Education Repayment
Especially aims at veterinarians that practice food supply veterinary medicine in Arkansas and attended Mississippi State University.
Award: Up to five years of federal student debt repayment help
Particularly Designed Scholarships
Governor’s Higher Education Transition Scholarship (GHETS)
For intellectually disabled students enrolled in approved transition programs.
Maximum award amount per semester: $2,500
Programs:
• “WAYL” at Jonesboro Arkansas State University
• “EMPOWER” at University of Arkansas
• “3D” at University of Arkansas at Pulaski Technical College
Law Enforcement Officer Dependents Scholarship (ACAP)
Full tuition, fees, and room waivers for dependents and spouses of law enforcement officers killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty.
Coverage: Complete remission of required fees, in-state tuition, and on-campus room expenses
Military Dependents Scholarship (MDS)
Same advantages for service families having made the ultimate sacrifice.
Waives: Tuition, lodging and board, and required fees at qualified Arkansas colleges
How to Apply for Arkansas Scholarships
Step 1: Finish Your FAFSA
Most Arkansas scholarships call for completion of the Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) free application. Usually in October for the next school year, the 2024–2025 FAFSA should be finished right away upon opening.
Step 2: Create Your SAMS Account
Register in the Arkansas Scholarship Application Management System. Applications for most state scholarships are handled via this one portal.
Step 3: Meet Deadlines
Program-Based Deadline Variations:
• July 1: Most yearly scholarships including Teacher programs and Academic Challenge
• March 1: Governor’s Exceptional Scholarship
• January 10: ArFuture and other spring semester programs
• November 1: Fellowship for Undergraduate Research Students
Step 4: Compile Essential Information
Common evidence includes:
• ACT/SAT scores
• Proof of Arkansas residence
• Letters of recommendation (for some programs)
• FAFSA completion confirmation
• High school or college transcripts
Maximizing Your Arkansas Scholarship Performance
- Get Early Started
Start looking at and getting ready applications in your junior year of high school. Many scholarships award first-come, first-served based on limited money. - Keep Up Excellent Academic Standards
Generally, Arkansas scholarships call for minimal GPA requirements. Maintaining eligibility for renewal, keep your grades excellent through high school and college. - Give Community College First Some Thought
Although their scholarships are less, two-year colleges might offer a reasonably priced route to meet general education requirements prior to transfer to a four-year university. - Request for Several Programs
Put not all of your eggs in one basket. Apply to maximize your financial possibilities for every scholarship program for which you qualify. - Meet All Standards
Specific enrollment, GPA, and credit hour requirements define Arkansas scholarships. Before you accept rewards, be sure you can fulfill all responsibilities.