State Aid Programs
Eligibility requirements are subject to change by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE). Awards are subject to availability of funds. ADHE’s website is scholarships.adhe.edu
Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship. The Academic Challenge program provides educational assistance to Arkansas residents in pursuit of higher education. Additional funding made possible by the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery has allowed the expansion of this program. Both traditional and non-traditional students may be eligible to receive funds under this program. All students are required to be Arkansas residents, be accepted for admission at an approved institution of higher education, and be enrolled in a program that leads to a baccalaureate, associate, or qualified certificate program. Eligible traditional students are required to have completed certain high school class, grade point, and placement score requirements. Eligible non-traditional students are required to meet various grade point requirements. FAFSA application submitted is required. Students can find out more information and apply at https://sams.adhe.edu through the YOUniversal application. Application deadline is July 1.
Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship. The Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship is the most academically rigorous scholarship program offered for those graduating seniors scoring either 32 on the ACT or 1410 on the SAT, and a 3.50 academic grade point average. 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. The scholarship pays tuition, mandatory fees, room and board up to $10,000 per year. Applicants must apply by February 1st.
Arkansas Future Grant. The AR Future Grant is a “last dollar” award that pays tuition and fees not already covered by a student’s other scholarships and grants. 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 YOUniversal application. Awards are made on a first-come, first-serve basis. The AR Future Grant covers tuition and fees for Associate and Certificate Programs in STEM and Regional High Demand focus. Both tradition and non-traditional students may receive this grant, and students may be enrolled either full-time or part-time. In order to maintain the grant students must receive at least one mentoring session per semester, complete at least 10 hours of community service per semester, and maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the institution. The grant will continue for a maximum of five semesters. The grant becomes a loan if the student does not meet the following requirements after completion: live in and work for Arkansas for three consecutive years. FAFSA is required to participate.
Arkansas National Guard Tuition Incentive Program (GTIP). Qualifying soldiers must complete the application (AG AR Form 621-®, 9 June 2005) for each semester and submit to the Education Center at Camp Robinson between July 1st and August 15th for fall term and between November 1st and December 15th for spring term. Award amounts are based on enrollment status and availability of funds.
Arkansas Workforce Challenge Grant. The Workforce Challenge Scholarship was created in the 2017 legislative session and is funded by lottery revenue. The purpose of the scholarship is for workforce training in high demand areas of healthcare, information technology, and industry. Classes are not limited to credit-bearing programs. Non-credit, workforce-training classes can be eligible. The Workforce Challenge Award will be the cost of a certificate program or program of study not to exceed $800.
Arkansas Department of Higher Education. For information and applications on additional programs awarded and administered by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, write to Arkansas Department of Higher Education, 423 Main Street Suite 400, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201, call 1.800.54. STUDY, or visit their website at www.adhe.edu. These programs include but are not limited to the Governor’s Scholars & Distinguished Scholars, Emergency Secondary Education Loan, Law Enforcement Officers’ Dependents Scholarship, Military Dependents’ Scholarship, National Guard Scholarship, and the Second Effort Scholarship.