Top 10 Arkansas Scholarships & Grants for 2026 - 2027

Arkansas Scholarships, Grants & Financial Aid Overview

What Kind of Scholarships Does Arkansas Offer?

Arkansas offers a variety of scholarships to support students pursuing higher education within the state. These scholarships are funded by the state government, private foundations, and individual colleges, and they are awarded based on merit, financial need, or workforce demand in high-need industries.

Key statewide scholarship programs include:

• Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship – One of the most popular programs, this scholarship is available to traditional and non-traditional students pursuing a college degree in Arkansas. Funded by the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery, the award amount varies by year of college:
  • Year 1: $1,000
  • Year 2: $4,000
  • Year 3: $4,000
  • Year 4: $5,000

  Students must complete the FAFSA and apply through the ADHE Student Application Management System.

• Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship – The state’s most competitive merit-based award, providing up to $10,000 per year for high-achieving students. Eligibility includes a minimum 32 ACT score (or 1410 SAT) and at least a 3.5 GPA. Recipients must attend an approved Arkansas college or university.
• Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship – Designed for students pursuing high-demand technical and career fields such as healthcare, IT, and industry trades. Covers tuition and fees for eligible certificate and associate degree programs. No FAFSA is required, but students must apply at least 30 days before enrolling.
• Arkansas Concurrent Challenge Scholarship – Provides high school students with $125 per course for concurrent (dual enrollment) credit classes at eligible Arkansas institutions.

These scholarships are managed through the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE), and students are encouraged to check for updated deadlines and program requirements each year.

What Scholarships Are Available for High School Seniors in Arkansas?

High school seniors in Arkansas have access to numerous scholarships offered by the state, colleges and universities, and local organizations. These scholarships help cover tuition, books, and other college expenses—and many are renewable for multiple years.

Top scholarships for Arkansas seniors include:

• Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship – Available to any graduating senior who enrolls in an approved Arkansas institution and meets minimum academic requirements (19 ACT or equivalent). No essay or income requirement, and it’s renewable.
• Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship – As noted above, this is for students with outstanding academic credentials and covers most college costs when combined with other aid.
• Local Community Foundation Scholarships – Organizations like the Arkansas Community Foundation and regional education cooperatives offer targeted scholarships based on location, intended major, or demographic background. Many local civic groups (like Rotary or Lions Clubs) also offer small, often less-competitive awards.
• Institutional Scholarships – Most Arkansas colleges (e.g., University of Arkansas, Arkansas Tech, Harding University) offer automatic merit scholarships based on GPA and test scores. These may require early admission applications, so students should check school-specific deadlines.

Students should begin applying for scholarships in the fall of their senior year. Submitting the FAFSA early and registering for ADHE’s SAMS portal are essential first steps to access state-funded scholarships.

Pro Tip: Don’t overlook smaller local scholarships—they often have fewer applicants and can be stacked with larger awards for maximum financial support.

What Is the 32 ACT Scholarship for Arkansas?

The Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship is Arkansas’s most prestigious merit-based scholarship, awarded to high-achieving high school seniors who earn an ACT score of 32 or higher (or a 1410 SAT) and have at least a 3.5 high school GPA.

This scholarship provides up to $10,000 per year to cover tuition, mandatory fees, room, board, and other educational expenses at approved Arkansas colleges and universities. It is renewable for up to four years, provided students maintain full-time enrollment and satisfactory academic progress.

Eligibility highlights:

• Must be an Arkansas resident and U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Must enroll full-time at an eligible in-state college or university
• Must maintain a minimum 3.25 college GPA to renew
• Application is completed through the ADHE SAMS portal

Important: Students who meet the academic requirements but are not selected for the Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship are often automatically considered for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship.

How Can You Get Grants for College in Arkansas?

Grants are a key source of financial aid that do not need to be repaid. Arkansas students can access both federal and state-funded grants to help pay for college, technical training, or certificate programs.

Steps to receive grants for college in Arkansas:

• Complete the FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required for most federal and state grants. File as early as possible after October 1.
• Apply through the ADHE: Create an account at the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (SAMS) portal to access state-specific aid programs.

Top grants available in Arkansas include:

• Federal Pell Grant – Need-based grant with awards up to $7,395 per year (2024–2025). Based on FAFSA data and enrollment status.
• Arkansas Workforce Challenge Grant – Provides tuition assistance to students pursuing high-demand fields (e.g., healthcare, IT, manufacturing). No FAFSA required. Apply through ADHE at least 30 days before enrollment.
• Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship – Although called a “scholarship,” it functions like a renewable grant for many students. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 per year depending on year in college.
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) – Offers additional aid (up to $4,000/year) for students with exceptional financial need at participating colleges.

Some private colleges and community foundations in Arkansas also offer institutional or need-based grants. Be sure to check with your school’s financial aid office for additional funding opportunities.

Tip: Apply early—many Arkansas grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

What Scholarships Are Available at the University of Arkansas?

The University of Arkansas (U of A) offers a variety of competitive scholarships for incoming freshmen, transfer students, and continuing undergraduates. These awards are typically based on academic achievement, leadership, and extracurricular involvement, and many are renewable.

Top scholarships at the University of Arkansas include:

• Chancellor’s Scholarship – One of the university’s most prestigious awards, providing $8,000 per year for four years. Requires a minimum ACT score of 30 (or SAT equivalent) and a 3.75 GPA.
• Silas Hunt Scholarship – Recognizes incoming freshmen from underrepresented communities who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership. Award amounts vary and may include mentorship and enrichment opportunities.
• Honors College Fellowships – Provides up to $72,000 over four years (including tuition, housing, and research support) to high-achieving students admitted to the U of A Honors College.
• Transfer Student Scholarships – Students transferring from Arkansas community colleges may be eligible for awards ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 per year, based on GPA and credit hours completed.

Students must apply for admission by priority deadlines (typically November 1) and complete the general scholarship application through the U of A Scholarship Portal.

Are There Scholarships for Non-Traditional Students in Arkansas?

Yes, Arkansas offers several scholarships and grants for non-traditional students, including adult learners returning to school, working professionals, and single parents. These programs aim to increase access to higher education and support career transitions.

Scholarship options for non-traditional students include:

• Arkansas Workforce Challenge Grant – Covers tuition and fees for eligible students pursuing high-demand programs in fields such as healthcare, IT, and industry. Open to adult learners and career changers; no FAFSA required.
• Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Arkansas (SPSF) – Provides $300 to $1,200+ per semester to low-income single parents enrolled in school. Available in nearly every Arkansas county with added support services like mentoring and career prep.
• University and College Institutional Scholarships – Many Arkansas colleges offer adult learner or non-traditional student scholarships through their financial aid offices. These may be based on GPA, major, or financial need.
• Finish Line Grant Program – Helps adult students who are close to completing a degree but need financial assistance to finish. Offered at participating colleges in Arkansas.

To qualify, most programs require Arkansas residency, enrollment at an eligible institution, and proof of financial need or student status (e.g., single parent, returning adult). Non-traditional students should connect with their school’s financial aid office for institutional award opportunities.

What Scholarships Are Available for Nursing Students in Arkansas?

Arkansas has several scholarship opportunities specifically for nursing students at all stages—whether you’re pursuing an associate degree, BSN, or advanced practice certification. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden of nursing school while promoting a strong healthcare workforce in the state.

Popular scholarships for Arkansas nursing students include:

• Arkansas State Board of Nursing Scholarships – Provides funding for students pursuing LPN, RN, or APRN programs. Awards may vary and often require service commitments in underserved areas after graduation.
• Baptist Health Foundation Scholarships – Offers scholarships to students enrolled in the Baptist Health College Little Rock or other approved nursing programs. Awards are based on need, academic standing, and commitment to healthcare careers.
• UAMS College of Nursing Scholarships – The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences provides a range of scholarships for current nursing students, including those based on merit, financial need, or future commitment to serve in Arkansas healthcare settings.
• Arkansas Future Grant (ArFuture) – Covers tuition and fees for students pursuing high-demand fields such as nursing. Requires Arkansas residency, FAFSA submission, and enrollment in an approved program.

To apply, students should:

• Complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for need-based aid
• Apply through their nursing school’s financial aid office or scholarship portal
• Check deadlines, which typically fall between February and April

Many of these scholarships are renewable and may include stipends for clinical expenses or service-based forgiveness options.