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Top 16 Arkansas Scholarships in June 2023
Are you a student in the state of Arkansas? If so, you can pay for your college or graduate school education with scholarships! In fact, there are specific Arkansas scholarships that are meant to support students attending school in the state. These scholarships include opportunities for high school, college, and graduate Arkies.
Don’t miss: Scholarships360’s free scholarship search tool
Jump ahead to:
- Top Arkansas scholarships
- How to win Arkansas scholarships
- Arkansas student loan debt snapshot
- Merit scholarships at top Arkansas colleges and universities
- In-state tuition and tuition reciprocity
- Arkansas scholarship spotlight
- Resources for Arkansas students
- Frequently asked questions about Arkansas scholarships
Top 9 Arkansas Scholarships in June 2023
The Scholarships360 Research Team reviews all scholarships individually and strives to exclude any scholarship where any of the below applies:
- The scholarship requires a fee to apply
- The scholarship provider’s privacy policy allows for the misuse of student data
- The scholarship requires paid membership in an organization (with certain exceptions for reputable trade organizations and others)
- Student are required to sign up for a site or service to apply*
- The scholarship seems primarily used for lead generation** or idea harvesting purposes***
- The scholarship website has many grammatical errors and/or advertisements
- The scholarship or scholarship providing organization seem untrustworthy
- There is no evidence the scholarship was previously awarded
- The scholarship has not been awarded in the past 12 months
- There is no available contact information
If you believe a scholarship has been published in error, please reach out to [email protected] and we’ll take a look!
* There are certain exceptions to this, for example if the sponsoring organization is a major corporation or nonprofit with its own scholarship application system.
** Lead generation scholarships will require students to sign up for an app or website and require minimal (if any) application requirements.
***Idea harvesting scholarships will require students to submit blog posts or other materials that companies may use for marketing purposes.
$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship
The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high school student who hopes to…
Show More$2,000 Nitro College Scholarship – No Essay
Easy scholarship from Nitro College open to all high school, college, community and graduate students.
Niche $15,000 No Essay Scholarship
Open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year.
NAJA Graduate Scholarship Program
Are you a graduate student interested in working directly with children to address their special needs? If so, consider applying for the NAJA Graduate Scholarship Program! The program is open…
Show MoreSidney B. Meadows Scholarship
The Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund is offered to students enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate ornamental horticulture program or related discipline at a four-year institution, must be…
Show MoreAlice L. Haltom Educational Fund
The Alice L. Haltom Educational Fund presents a scholarship opportunity to students who are citizens of the U.S. or Canada and are actively pursuing a career in information and records…
Show MoreRegions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest
Are you a Black, college-bound high school senior or current college student who will be enrolled in an accredited university for this upcoming academic year? If so, you may be…
Show MoreLULAC National Scholarship Fund (LNSF)
Are you a current or incoming full-time university student in the U.S.? Further, are you of a Latine background and live near a participating LULAC council? If so, you may…
Show MoreDream.US Opportunity Scholarship
Are you an undocumented immigrant student who came to U.S before the age of 16? If so, you may be eligible for the Dream.US Opportunity Scholarship! The Dream.US Opportunity Scholarship…
Show MoreHow to win Arkansas scholarships
When it comes to winning Arkansas scholarships, start by taking note of the state’s diverse culture and natural beauty. Melodies of the Delta blues to the twangy beat of bluegrass, abound in Arkansas! Arkansas offers an abundance of natural wonders, including breathtaking mountains, clear lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Harness the power of these Arkansas beauties by sharing how they have created a passion for environmental preservation. Paint a picture of how determined you are to make a positive impact on nature by majoring in forestry, geology, or conservation.
Scholarship application resources for Texas scholarships
In order to win Arkansas scholarships you may have to write an essay about yourself. You can check out our Scholarships360 guides on how to write a 250 word essay, how to write a 500 word essay and how to write a scholarship resume to guide you through this process.
Ultimately, the key to winning Arkansas scholarships is to embrace the unique aspects of Arkansas and let it shape your narrative. By merging your personal passions with the diverse nature of Arkansas, you will stand out as an impressive candidate for Arkansas scholarships.
Arkansas college loan debt snapshot
According to the Department of Education, Arkansas residents owe $13.0 billion in federal student loan debt, with student borrowers owing $33,333 on average (those numbers do not include private loans). 51.2% of loan borrowers are under the age of 35. As you are starting your higher education journey, remember that scholarships allow students to take fewer loans. Make sure that you apply to as many as you qualify for. Keep on reading to learn more about top Arkansas scholarships from private organizations, as well as merit scholarships from colleges in Arkansas!
Merit scholarships at Arkansas colleges and universities
Harding University
- Eligibility: First-years admitted to Harding University. Enroll full-time. Have a 3.0+ GPA. Exact amount of award depends on ACT/SAT/CLT score and GPA
- Amount: $6,000 to $11,000
- Deadline: Rolling
Hendrix College
- Eligibility: Based on GPA, standardized test scores (unless test optional), leadership and extracurricular activities, and recommendations
- Amount: $15,000+
- Deadline: Upon application to Hendrix College
Lyon College
- Eligibility: Incoming first-year students to Lyon College with a 20+ ACT and 2.5+ GPA
- Amount: $15,000 – full tuition
- Deadline: Apply early to Lyon College and be admitted and considered
Ouachita Baptist University
- Eligibility: Incoming first-years. Have a 2.0+ GPA
- Amount: $20,000 to $76,000
- Deadline: Considered upon admission to Ouachita Baptist University
University of Arkansas
- Eligibility: First-years at the University of Arkansas. Evaluated based on test scores, high school GPA, and the written scholarship application along with other factors such as first-generation college student status, financial need, legacy status, and underrepresented community status
- Amount: $1,000 up to $10,000 per year
- Deadline: February 1
University of the Ozarks
- Eligibility: Be admitted to the University of the Ozarks. Have a 2.5 – 3.75+ GPA
- Amount: $11,000 to $13,000 per year
- Deadline: Considered upon admission to University of the Ozarks
Consider in-state tuition and tuition reciprocity
In-state tuition costs are often less than half of out-of-state tuition costs. This is because state public colleges are typically funded by tax dollars which come from residents of the state. Public universities offer in-state students a lesser rate to attend their college over out-of-state students.
Here are a few well-known Arkansas universities and their in-state vs out-of-state tuition costs:
University of Arkansas
- In-state tuition: $7,666
- Out-of-state tuition: $25,420
How do you get in-state tuition?
It is clear that being an Arkansas resident significantly lowers Arkansas college tuition. So, you may be wondering, how do you get in-state tuition in Arkansas? In order to establish residency in Arkansas for in-state tuition, you must physically reside in Arkansas for at least 12 consecutive months prior to enrolling in college. Collect documents that prove your residency in Arkansas such as utility bills and rental agreements. Additionally, you should show intent to make Arkansas your permanent residence by obtaining an Arkansas driver’s license and/or registering your vehicle in Arkansas.
Overall, it is important to review the specific guidelines for establishing residency provided by the institution you plan to attend.
Does Arkansas have tuition reciprocity?
While not as expansive as programs in other states, Arkansas does offer tuition reciprocity. Arkansas is a member state of the Academic Common Market, which is a limited regional reciprocity agreement among select Southern states.
Arkansas scholarship spotlight
Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship
- Eligibility: Arkansas residents who are applying for a certificate program in a high-demand occupation. Must have graduated from an Arkansas high school or GED program
- Amount: Up to $800
- Deadline: Must apply at least 30 days prior to enrollment in an eligible program
Arkansas Baptist Foundation Scholarships
- Eligibility: The Arkansas Baptist Foundation offers a variety of scholarships for different schools, people, and areas of study. Must be an Arkansas resident, and of either the Baptist or Christian faith
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Varies from February 1st to June 1st of each year
Arkansas Association of Curriculum & Instruction Administrators Scholarships
- Eligibility: Arkansas graduating high school seniors, graduate students, and vocational students who are pursuing a variety of majors (includes associate and vocational degrees)
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Varies from February to June of each year
Cornerstone Charitable Scholarship Trust
- Eligibility: African American students who have roots in Arkansas. Be 17-25 years old. Demonstrate good academic performance and financial need
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: March 30 of the year before enrollment
R. Preston Woodruff Jr. Scholarship
- Eligibility: Arkansas residents who are high school seniors and planning to attend a postsecondary education institution in Arkansas. Must complete an essay prompt and the college quiz
- Amount: $1,000 up to $4,000
- Deadline: April 1 of each year
Arkansas Farm Bureau scholarships
- Eligibility: Arkansas college juniors or seniors with at least two full semesters required for completion of their degree. Must be actively pursuing an agricultural/agricultural related degree at an Arkansas University
- Amount: $3,000
- Deadline: April 17 of each year
Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund
- Eligibility: Live in Arkansas. Meet the definition of a “single parent.” Not have previously earned a bachelor’s degree. Have a high school diploma or GED. Have a 2.0+ GPA. Complete the FAFSA. Be pursuing a degree or certification that leads to employment at family-supporting wages
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: May 18 and October 15 each year
Arkansas Nurses Foundation Scholarship
- Eligibility: Be an Arkansas Registered Nurse and a resident of Arkansas. Be admitted to an accredited nursing degree program
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: August 1 of each year
Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship – Traditional students
- Eligibility: Arkansas residents going into their first year of college. Have an ACT of 19+ (or equivalent on another test). Enroll full-time at a college or university
- Amount: $1,000 up to $5,000
- Deadline: July 1 of each year
Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship – Non-traditional students
- Eligibility: Be an Arkansas resident. Adults with college credits must have a 2.5+ GPA. Adults without credits must have a 19+ ACT score (or equivalent) or a 2.5+ GPA from an Arkansas high school. Must be the applicant’s first bachelor’s degree
- Amount: $1,000 up to $5,000
- Deadline: July 1 of each year
Additional Arkansas resources
Arkansas Community Foundation scholarship portal
Create an account with the Arkansas Community Foundation to browse their scholarship portal. Scholarships are usually accepted February 1 – April 1 annually.
Arkansas Student Loan Authority scholarship search
The Arkansas Student Loan Authority hosts a list of Arkansas scholarships for a variety of people and areas of study.
Arkansas Division of Higher Education
This is an outstanding website for both in-state and out-of-state students considering or attending college in Arkansas. In addition to information on colleges, the website offers resources for financial planning, information on veterans training, and links to AmeriCorps opportunities.
University of Arkansas Community Colleges
This listing of community colleges in Arkansas and what each offers is a great place to start your search, whether you are planning on transferring to a four-year college or university or seeking technical career training.
FAFSA guide
On October 1st of every year, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens nationwide. As soon as they can, Arkansas students should complete the FAFSA to be eligible for federal student aid as well as some scholarships.
Keep reading
Scholarships are one of the best ways to lessen tuition costs. Students should consider applying for scholarships that are specifically designed for their unique demographic. Women, high school seniors and Black students can take advantage of specific scholarship opportunities. Some scholarships require essays and applications, but others are no-essay scholarships, making the application process easier. Remember, Scholarships360 is here to provide valuable resources for students throughout their educational journey!
Frequently asked questions about Arkansas scholarships
