STATE AID-Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) Complete one application to determine eligibility for ALL ADHE scholarships listed below. Test scores, high school transcripts, and/or college transcripts are necessary and must be submitted to ADHE by the deadline date. Application deadline is July 1 unless noted otherwise. All eligibility requirements and updates to all scholarships can be found at the ADHE website. An application is available online at https://sams.adhe.edu/.
Academic Challenge (Lottery) Scholarship (Traditional) This scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors demonstrating academic achievement (ACT score of 19 required). It provides funds for full-time students and has specific enrollment requirements for full-time students. For additional information visit https://sams.adhe.edu/Scholarship/Details/ACST.
Academic Challenge Scholarship (Non-Traditional) This scholarship is open to non-traditional students who are Arkansas residents. Students must have a 2.5 GPA and/or certain test scores to be eligible. The scholarship provides funds to full-time and part-time students enrolled in at least six (6) hours.
Arkansas Future Grant This scholarship is a “Last Dollar” award that covers tuition and fees not already covered by a student’s other scholarships and grants. The purpose of this grant is to promote STEM and high demand degree obtainment and encourage community involvement and interaction. Students must have graduated from an Arkansas high school, home school or have a GED; (or) must have a high school diploma and have lived in Arkansas for the last three years; must be enrolled in a STEM or Regional High Demand Credential Program; must complete the FAFSA; and must not already hold an Associate’s Degree. Students will apply through the YOUniversal System at ADHE. The Grant will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Arkansas Geographical Critical Needs Minority Scholarship Provides financial assistance to minority students attending any public or private institution of higher education in Arkansas with an approved teacher education program. Recipients must teach in the Arkansas Delta region after completion of licensure program. For more information, call (870) 575-8058.
Career Pathways Career Pathways is sponsored by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education. Qualified applicants are determined via the following:
- Custodial or noncustodial parents of a dependent child residing in Arkansas and under the age of 21, and whose income is less than 250% of FPL. This includes custodial and noncustodial parents, parents who are justice-involved (currently or previously incarcerated), or minor parents who are not head of household.
- Current (or former) TEA, SNAP, Medicaid or ArKids whose income is less than or equal to 250% of FPL guidelines.
If an applicant qualifies through one of the government benefit categories, income does not have to be verified. For more information, contact Kim Rawls, krawls@pccua.edu, (870) 946-3506, ext. 1690; Shawndus Gregory, sgregory@pccua.edu, (870) 338-6474, ext. 1116 or Toni Carter, tcarter@pccua.edu, (870) 673-4201, ext. 1886.
Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship This scholarship is for students who meet the following minimum eligibility criteria: either a 32 composite score on a single ACT or 1410 combined in math and critical reasoning score on a single SAT AND either a 3.50 academic grade point average or selection as a National Achievement Finalist or National Merit Finalist. (Those who are named National Merit Finalists or National Achievement Scholars may qualify without meeting the GPA requirement, but must still meet the ACT/SAT requirement). If funding allows, up to 375 Governor’s Distinguished Scholars may be named. If there is a county in Arkansas that does not have a Distinguished Scholar, the highest ranking applicant from that county will be awarded a Governor’s Scholarship at $5,000 per year.
(Financial need of the student is not a factor in the award of the scholarship, therefore no financial information is required. You do not have to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for this scholarship.)
Law Enforcement Officers’ Dependents Scholarship (LEO) – This scholarship is a waiver of tuition, fees, and room/board at any public college, university, or technical institute in Arkansas for dependents and spouses of Arkansas law enforcement officers, some Highway and Transportation Department employees, and other public employees, who were killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty.
Military Dependents Scholarship (MDS) – This scholarship is a waiver of tuition, fees, and room/board at any public college, university, or technical institute in Arkansas for dependents and spouses of Arkansans who were killed or were missing in action, were prisoners of war, or who are totally and permanently disabled.
Single Parent Scholarship (sponsored by Phillips County) This scholarship provides financial assistance to single parents who are pursuing a course of instruction which will improve their income-earning potential. Scholarships may be used for tuition, books, utility bills, car maintenance, child care, etc. For more information go tohttp://www.aspsf.org/county-map.
State Teacher Education Program (STEP) The STEP program is a loan repayment program that offers yearly loan repayment grants to current educators teaching in a subject or geographic shortage area in an Arkansas public school. Teachers must reapply each year and are eligible for up to three years.
Teacher Opportunity Program (TOP) The Teacher Opportunity Program (TOP) offers tuition reimbursement grants to Arkansas teachers and administrators. Teachers and administrators may apply for reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses paid for up to six (6) college credit hours completed for each academic year, not to exceed $3,000.