Arkansas · 28 min read

62 Scholarships for Arkansas Residents (2026) – How to Apply

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Best Arkansas scholarship 2026 recipents. No Essay

Arkansas students have access to one of the most generous state-funded scholarship programs in the country. Between the lottery-funded Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship, the prestigious Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship, and dozens of institutional and private awards, qualified students can graduate debt-free with proper planning.

This guide lists 62 scholarships available to Arkansas residents in 2026, each individually numbered with specific amounts, deadlines, and direct application links. Whether you’re a high school senior, current college student, or adult learner returning to school, you’ll find opportunities that match your situation.

Arkansas state capitol building in Little Rock presenting state-funded scholarship programs to Arkansas residents

How Do Arkansas State Scholarships Work?

Arkansas funds most state scholarships through the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery, which has generated more than $1.5 billion for education since 2009 and funded over 822,000 scholarships. The Arkansas Division of Higher Education (ADHE) administers these programs through the Scholarship Application Management System (SAMS), where students can apply for multiple state scholarships with a single account.

To maximize your scholarship potential, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible—most state scholarships require it, and your Student Aid Index (SAI) can unlock additional funding.

Complete List of 62 Arkansas Scholarships

This article uses data from the Arkansas Division of Higher Education, individual university scholarship offices, the Arkansas Community Foundation, and verified scholarship databases. All deadlines and amounts reflect the most current information available as of December 2025 for the 2026-2027 academic year. Verify current requirements at official sources before applying.

State-Funded Scholarships

1. Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship (Lottery Scholarship)

The flagship state merit scholarship funded by lottery proceeds, available to both traditional students and adults returning to college. Apply through sams.adhe.edu.
Website: https://sams.adhe.edu/Scholarship/Details/ACST

Year 4-Year Amount 2-Year Amount
Year 1 $2,000 $2,000
Year 2 $4,000 $3,000
Year 3 $4,000 N/A
Year 4 $5,000 N/A
Total $15,000 $5,000
  • Deadline: July 1 annually
  • Requirements: Arkansas resident 12+ months, 2.5 GPA, 19+ ACT, FAFSA required

The Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship operates as a merit-based program funded by Arkansas Lottery revenues and administered by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education. It rewards academic achievement while encouraging enrollment at in-state institutions. The award structure increases annually, with four-year degree recipients receiving progressively larger amounts. Students can combine this scholarship with other financial aid, though total awards cannot exceed $10,000 per academic year.

2. Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship

Arkansas’s most prestigious merit-based award for top-achieving high school seniors. Apply through sams.adhe.edu.
Website: https://sams.adhe.edu/Scholarship/Details/GDS

  • Amount: Up to $10,000/year + $1,000 textbook stipend ($44,000 total over 4 years)
  • Deadline: March 1, 2026
  • Requirements: 32+ ACT or 1410+ SAT, 3.5+ GPA (or National Merit/Achievement Finalist), FAFSA required

The Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship represents Arkansas’s premier academic recognition, awarded by the Governor’s office to the state’s highest-achieving students. This elite program includes a textbook stipend and often provides additional benefits such as priority registration and specialized academic advising. Recipients must maintain exceptional academic standards throughout their college career.

3. Governor’s Scholars (Non-Distinguished) Scholarship

For students who are county-level top scholars or graduate with a Diploma of Distinction. Apply through sams.adhe.edu.
Website: https://sams.adhe.edu/scholarship/details/GS

  • Amount: Up to $5,000/year ($20,000 total over 4 years)
  • Deadline: March 1, 2026
  • Requirements: Highest-scoring student in county without GDS recipient, OR Diploma of Distinction, OR associate degree earned in high school

The Governor’s Scholars Scholarship serves as a secondary merit award administered by the Governor’s office. It recognizes outstanding academic performance for students who excel but may not meet the extremely high standards of the Distinguished Scholarship. The program typically awards one scholarship per county to ensure geographic representation across Arkansas.

4. Arkansas Future Grant (ArFuture)

Last-dollar grant covering tuition and fees for high-demand career programs. Apply through sams.adhe.edu.
Website: https://sams.adhe.edu/scholarship/details/ARFUTURE

  • Amount: Full tuition + mandatory fees (last-dollar)
  • Deadline: January 10 (Spring), July 1 (Fall)
  • Requirements: Arkansas HS graduate, enrolled in STEM/high-demand certificate or associate program at public institution

The Arkansas Future Grant functions as a need-based program designed to fill financial gaps for students pursuing high-demand career fields. Administered by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education, it covers remaining tuition costs after other financial aid is applied. The grant focuses on growing Arkansas’s workforce in critical areas including healthcare, technology, and skilled trades.

5. Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship

Supports workforce training in healthcare, IT, and industry fields. Apply through sams.adhe.edu.
Website: https://sams.adhe.edu/Scholarship/Details/AWC

  • Amount: Up to $800 per year
  • Deadline: 30 days before enrollment
  • Requirements: Arkansas resident, enrolled in approved workforce training program, FAFSA not required

The Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship provides modest financial support for adults seeking short-term workforce training. Funded by the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, this grant doesn’t require FAFSA completion and targets certificate programs in fields with immediate employment opportunities.

6. Arkansas Teacher Academy Scholarship

For students pursuing teaching licensure with service commitment. Apply through sams.adhe.edu.
Website: https://sams.adhe.edu/Scholarship/Details/TAC

  • Amount: Up to $6,000 per semester ($12,000/year)
  • Deadline: Rolling
  • Requirements: Enrolled in teacher licensure program, must teach in Arkansas public school 1 year per year of funding

The Arkansas Teacher Academy Scholarship offers substantial tuition support for students pursuing teaching careers. Administered by the Arkansas Department of Education, this service-based scholarship requires recipients to teach in Arkansas public schools for a period equal to their scholarship years, helping address critical teacher shortages in the state.

7. Teacher Opportunity Program (TOP)

Tuition reimbursement for current Arkansas educators. Apply through sams.adhe.edu.
Website: https://sams.adhe.edu/Scholarship

  • Amount: Up to $3,000/year for up to 6 credit hours
  • Deadline: Rolling
  • Requirements: Current Arkansas teaching or administrative license, employed in Arkansas

The Teacher Opportunity Program provides professional development support for current Arkansas educators. Administered by the Arkansas Department of Education, this grant offers tuition reimbursement for graduate coursework, with a focus on subjects where the state experiences teacher shortages.

8. Arkansas Concurrent Challenge Scholarship (A2A)

For high school students taking college courses concurrently. Contact your high school counselor to apply.
Website: https://sams.adhe.edu/Scholarship

  • Amount: $65 per semester credit hour (up to $2,000/year)
  • Deadline: Varies by institution
  • Requirements: High school freshman through senior, enrolled in concurrent courses

The Arkansas Concurrent Challenge Scholarship encourages dual enrollment by covering a portion of college tuition costs for high school students. Administered through the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, this program helps students get a head start on their college education while still in high school.

9. HEROES Scholarship (Military & First Responder Dependents)

Full support for dependents of fallen or disabled military members and first responders. Apply through sams.adhe.edu.
Website: https://sams.adhe.edu/Scholarship/Details/HEROES

  • Amount: Full tuition, fees, and on-campus housing
  • Deadline: Rolling
  • Requirements: Dependent of military member or first responder killed/disabled in line of duty

The HEROES Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support for families of military members and first responders who sacrificed in the line of duty. Funded by the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs, this program covers full tuition, fees, and on-campus housing at public Arkansas institutions.

10. Law Enforcement Officers’ Dependents Scholarship (LEODS)

For children and spouses of law enforcement killed or disabled in duty. Apply through sams.adhe.edu.
Website: https://sams.adhe.edu/Scholarship/Details/HEROES (now merged into HEROES Scholarship)

  • Amount: Full tuition and mandatory fees
  • Deadline: Rolling
  • Requirements: Dependent of Arkansas law enforcement officer killed or permanently disabled

The Law Enforcement Officers’ Dependents Scholarship honors the families of Arkansas law enforcement officers who were killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. Administered by the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy, it covers full tuition and mandatory fees at public institutions.

11. Arkansas Health Education Grant (ARHEG)

For students pursuing healthcare degrees not available in Arkansas. Apply through sams.adhe.edu.
Website: https://sams.adhe.edu/Scholarship

  • Amount: Up to $5,000/year
  • Deadline: July annually
  • Requirements: Arkansas resident, accepted to out-of-state program in dentistry, optometry, veterinary medicine, podiatry, chiropractic, or osteopathic medicine

The Arkansas Health Education Grant addresses the lack of certain professional healthcare programs within the state. Administered by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education, it supports students who must attend out-of-state institutions for specialized healthcare degrees.

12. State Teacher Education Program (STEP)

Loan forgiveness for teachers in shortage areas. Apply through sams.adhe.edu.
Website: https://sams.adhe.edu/Scholarship

  • Amount: Up to $3,000 forgiveness loan per year (up to 3 years)
  • Deadline: Rolling
  • Requirements: Valid Arkansas teaching license, teaching in shortage subject or rural area

The State Teacher Education Program offers loan forgiveness to teachers working in high-need areas of Arkansas. Funded by the Arkansas Department of Education, it provides annual loan forgiveness to educators committed to teaching in shortage subjects or rural districts.

University of Arkansas System Scholarships

University of Arkansas System Scholarships recipient

13. U of A Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship

Top award for National Merit Finalists at University of Arkansas. Apply through scholarships.uark.edu.
Website: https://scholarships.uark.edu/

  • Amount: $12,000/year ($48,000 total)
  • Deadline: February 1, 2026
  • Requirements: National Merit Finalist listing U of A as first choice

The U of A Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship represents the University of Arkansas’s most prestigious academic award, reserved for National Merit Finalists who choose the university as their first college choice. This elite scholarship includes additional benefits like priority housing and special academic opportunities.

14. U of A Chancellor’s Scholarship

For high-achieving students with community service commitment. Apply through scholarships.uark.edu.
Website: https://scholarships.uark.edu/

  • Amount: $8,000/year ($32,000 total)
  • Deadline: November 15, 2025 (priority)
  • Requirements: 30+ ACT, 3.75+ GPA, demonstrated community service

The U of A Chancellor’s Scholarship recognizes academic excellence combined with community engagement. Funded by the university’s scholarship endowment, it supports students who demonstrate both strong academic performance and commitment to serving others.

15. U of A Chancellor’s Community Scholarship

Merit award for students with strong service records. Apply through scholarships.uark.edu.
Website: https://scholarships.uark.edu/

  • Amount: $6,000/year ($24,000 total)
  • Deadline: November 15, 2025 (priority)
  • Requirements: Top candidates with community service commitment

The U of A Chancellor’s Community Scholarship focuses specifically on students with exceptional community service records. The university awards this scholarship to recognize students who have made significant contributions to their communities while maintaining strong academic performance.

16. U of A Honors College Fellowship

Elite fellowship for top 1-2% of applicants. Apply through honorscollege.uark.edu.
Website: https://honorscollege.uark.edu/

  • Amount: Up to $72,000 over 4 years (tuition, housing, research support)
  • Deadline: November 15, 2025
  • Requirements: Highly competitive, top academic credentials

The U of A Honors College Fellowship is the University of Arkansas’s most comprehensive academic award, covering tuition, housing, and research opportunities. Administered by the Honors College, it’s designed for the university’s most exceptional students and includes faculty mentorship and special academic enrichment.

17. U of A Silas Hunt Scholarship

For underrepresented students with academic excellence. Apply through scholarships.uark.edu.
Website: https://scholarships.uark.edu/

  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: November 15, 2025 (priority)
  • Requirements: Underrepresented student demonstrating academic excellence and leadership

The U of A Silas Hunt Scholarship honors the legacy of integration at the University of Arkansas. Named after Silas Hunt, the first African American student to attend the university, this scholarship supports underrepresented students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.

18. Arkansas State University Promise Plus Scholarship

Full tuition coverage for qualifying Arkansas residents. Apply through astate.edu.
Website: https://www.astate.edu/a/finaid/types-of-finaid/scholarships/

  • Amount: Full tuition gap coverage
  • Deadline: July 1, 2026
  • Requirements: Arkansas resident, household income under $70K, 19+ ACT, 3.0 GPA

The Arkansas State University Promise Plus Scholarship makes college accessible to low-income Arkansas residents. Funded by the university, it covers the gap between other financial aid and full tuition costs, ensuring qualifying students can attend without tuition concerns.

19. A-State Scholar Scholarship

Competitive scholarship for honors students. Apply through astate.edu.
Website: https://www.astate.edu/a/finaid/types-of-finaid/scholarships/

  • Amount: Up to $18,000 over 4 years
  • Deadline: February 1, 2026
  • Requirements: Competitive application, honors course requirement, 3.5+ GPA

The A-State Scholar Scholarship supports students in Arkansas State University’s Honors College. The university awards this merit-based scholarship to recognize academic excellence and provide financial support for students who take on the additional challenge of honors coursework.

20. A-State Trailblazer Scholarship

Leadership-focused competitive award. Apply through astate.edu.
Website: https://www.astate.edu/a/finaid/types-of-finaid/scholarships/

  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: February 1, 2026
  • Requirements: Competitive application with leadership focus

The A-State Trailblazer Scholarship identifies and supports students with exceptional leadership potential. Arkansas State University awards this scholarship to students who have demonstrated leadership abilities through school activities, community service, or work experience.

21. UAFS Prestigious Scholarship

Top merit award at University of Arkansas – Fort Smith. Apply through uafs.edu.
Website: https://uafs.edu/tuition-and-aid/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/freshman.php

  • Amount: Varies (covers tuition and housing)
  • Deadline: January 12, 2026
  • Requirements: Separate application required, essays and recommendations

The UAFS Prestigious Scholarship is the most elite award at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith. Funded by the university and private donors, it covers both tuition and housing costs for the most exceptional applicants through a competitive selection process.

22. UAFS Myles Friedman Honors Scholarship

For honors program candidates at UAFS. Apply through uafs.edu.
Website: https://uafs.edu/tuition-and-aid/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/freshman.php

  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: November 15, 2025 (preferred)
  • Requirements: Honors program admission

The UAFS Myles Friedman Honors Scholarship supports students admitted to the honors program at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith. The university provides financial support for students who take on the additional academic challenge of honors coursework and special seminars.

Private & Community Foundation Scholarships (23-35)

23. Arkansas Community Foundation Scholarships (200+ awards)

Single portal with hundreds of donor-funded scholarships. Apply through arcf.org.
Website: https://www.arcf.org/apply/scholarships/

  • Amount: Varies by scholarship
  • Deadline: February 1 – April 1 annually
  • Requirements: Varies; complete eligibility quiz to match scholarships

The Arkansas Community Foundation manages over 200 different scholarships from various donors, making it one of the state’s largest private scholarship sources. Each scholarship has specific criteria, but applicants complete a single application that matches them to relevant opportunities ranging from a few hundred dollars to full tuition.

24. THEA Foundation Creative Writing Scholarship

Talent-based award for Arkansas high school seniors. Apply through theafoundation.org.
Website: https://theafoundation.org/creative-writing-scholarship/

  • Amount: Up to $10,000
  • Deadline: January 11, 2026
  • Requirements: Arkansas HS senior, no GPA/test requirement, talent-based

The THEA Foundation Creative Writing Scholarship recognizes artistic talent among Arkansas high school seniors. This talent-based award doesn’t consider GPA or test scores, focusing instead on creative writing abilities as demonstrated through portfolio submissions.

25. THEA Foundation Visual Arts Scholarship

For students with visual arts talent. Apply through theafoundation.org.
Website: https://theafoundation.org/visual-arts-scholarship/

  • Amount: Up to $10,000
  • Deadline: January 5, 2026
  • Requirements: Arkansas HS senior, portfolio submission

The THEA Foundation Visual Arts Scholarship supports students with exceptional visual arts talent. Applicants must submit portfolios showcasing their artistic abilities, with awards based on the quality and potential demonstrated in their work.

26. THEA Foundation Performing Arts Scholarship

Audition-based awards for dance, drama, and vocal performance. Apply through theafoundation.org.
Website: https://theafoundation.org/performing-arts-scholarship/

  • Amount: Multiple awards vary
  • Deadline: March 2026 (varies by category)
  • Requirements: Arkansas HS senior, audition required

The THEA Foundation Performing Arts Scholarship provides audition-based awards for students in dance, drama, and vocal performance. This competitive program evaluates applicants’ performing abilities through live auditions or recorded performances.

27. Arkansas Chamber Singers Vocal Scholarship

For students majoring in vocal/choral music. Apply through arkansaschambersingers.org.
Website: https://arkansaschambersingers.org/acs-scholarship

  • Amount: $2,000
  • Deadline: March 23, 2026
  • Requirements: Arkansas senior, vocal/choral music major at in-state 4-year college

The Arkansas Chamber Singers Vocal Scholarship supports students pursuing vocal or choral music degrees. Awarded by the Arkansas Chamber Singers organization, this $2,000 scholarship targets seniors planning to major in music at in-state four-year institutions.

28. Regions Riding Forward Scholarship

Essay/video scholarship from Regions Bank. Apply through regions.com.
Website: https://www.regions.com/about-regions/community-engagement/riding-forward-scholarship

  • Amount: $8,000 (quarterly awards)
  • Deadline: December 31, 2025 (and quarterly thereafter)
  • Requirements: Essay or video about an inspiring community member

The Regions Riding Forward Scholarship offers quarterly $8,000 awards based on essays or videos about inspiring community members. Sponsored by Regions Bank, this program encourages students to recognize and celebrate positive community impact.

29. Hispanic Women’s Organization of Arkansas (HWOA) Scholarship

For Latino students in Arkansas. Apply through hwoa.org.
Website: https://www.hwoa.org/scholarship-program.html

  • Amount: $500 – $5,000
  • Deadline: Late March annually
  • Requirements: Hispanic/Latino heritage, Arkansas resident

The Hispanic Women’s Organization of Arkansas Scholarship supports Latino students pursuing higher education. Award amounts vary based on available funding and applicant qualifications, with a focus on students demonstrating both need and academic potential.

30. Arkansas PTA Student Scholarship

Community-backed award for college-bound students. Apply through arkansaspta.org.
Website: https://www.arkansaspta.org/page/student-scholarships

  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: Early February annually
  • Requirements: Arkansas student, PTA involvement preferred

The Arkansas PTA Student Scholarship provides community-backed financial support for college-bound students. While PTA involvement is preferred, the scholarship primarily targets Arkansas students demonstrating academic promise and community engagement.

31. Hagan Scholarship

National need-based merit scholarship for rural students. Apply through haganscholarships.org.
Website: https://haganscholarships.org/

  • Amount: Up to $6,000/year + $2,000 for essentials ($48,000+ total)
  • Deadline: November 15, 2025
  • Requirements: Rural high school graduate, need-based merit, strong academics

The Hagan Scholarship is a national program supporting rural students with both academic merit and financial need. This comprehensive award includes funding for tuition and additional support for essentials like computers and winter coats.

32. Arkansas Society of CPAs Scholarships

For accounting majors at Arkansas institutions. Apply through arcpa.org.
Website: https://www.arcpa.org/ed-foundation/students/scholarships

  • Amount: Varies (multiple awards)
  • Deadline: February 1 annually
  • Requirements: Accounting major at Arkansas institution

The Arkansas Society of CPAs offers multiple scholarships for accounting majors at Arkansas institutions. These awards vary in amount and are designed to support students pursuing careers in accounting and related financial fields.

33. Oaklawn Foundation Scholarship

Managed through Arkansas Community Foundation. Apply through arcf.org.
Website: https://www.arcf.org/oaklawnscholarship/

  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: January 2 – February 18, 2025
  • Requirements: Specific eligibility (separate from main ARCF portal)

The Oaklawn Foundation Scholarship is administered through the Arkansas Community Foundation with specific eligibility requirements separate from the main scholarship portal. Award amounts vary based on donor specifications and applicant qualifications.

34. Tyson Scholars Program

Corporate scholarship from Tyson Foods. Apply through your institution or tysonfoods.com.
Website: https://www.tysonfoods.com/

  • Amount: Up to $5,000/year
  • Deadline: Varies
  • Requirements: Arkansas resident, pursuing agriculture, engineering, business, or sciences

The Tyson Scholars Program provides corporate scholarship support for Arkansas residents pursuing degrees in agriculture, engineering, business, or sciences. Tyson Foods offers up to $5,000 annually to students in fields relevant to the company’s operations.

35. Arkansas State Fair Scholarship

For students engaged with fair programs and agriculture. Apply through arkansasstatefair.com.
Website: https://www.arkansasstatefair.com/p/scholarships

  • Amount: Varies by category
  • Deadline: Spring/early summer
  • Requirements: Fair program participation, agriculture involvement

The Arkansas State Fair Scholarship supports students involved with fair programs and agricultural activities. Award amounts vary by category, with preferences for students demonstrating significant engagement with the state fair and agricultural communities.

Career-Specific Scholarships

Career-Specific Scholarships Arkansas

36. Arkansas Nursing Education Loan Repayment

Loan forgiveness for nursing educators. Apply through sams.adhe.edu.
Website: https://sams.adhe.edu/Scholarship

  • Amount: Up to $5,000 forgiveness
  • Deadline: Rolling
  • Requirements: Must teach full-time in Arkansas nursing education program

The Arkansas Nursing Education Loan Repayment program offers loan forgiveness for nursing educators. Administered by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education, it provides up to $5,000 in forgiveness for educators teaching full-time in Arkansas nursing programs.

37. Arkansas State Board of Nursing Scholarships

For LPN, RN, and APRN students. Contact arsbn.org.
Website: https://www.arsbn.org/

  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: Varies
  • Requirements: Enrolled in nursing program, may require service commitment

The Arkansas State Board of Nursing offers scholarships for LPN, RN, and APRN students. These awards vary in amount and may require service commitments in areas with nursing shortages.

38. Baptist Health Foundation Nursing Scholarship

For students at Baptist Health College or approved programs. Apply through Baptist Health Foundation.
Website: https://www.baptist-health.com/foundation

  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: Varies
  • Requirements: Enrolled in Baptist Health College or approved nursing program

The Baptist Health Foundation Nursing Scholarship supports students at Baptist Health College and approved nursing programs. Award amounts vary based on available funding and program requirements.

39. UAMS College of Nursing Scholarships

Multiple awards for nursing students at UAMS. Apply through uams.edu.
Website: https://nursing.uams.edu/

  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: Varies
  • Requirements: Enrolled in UAMS nursing program

The UAMS College of Nursing offers multiple scholarships for nursing students. These awards vary in amount and are available to students enrolled in the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences nursing program.

40. UAFS STEM Scholarship

For STEM majors at University of Arkansas – Fort Smith. Apply through uafs.edu.
Website: https://uafs.edu/tuition-and-aid/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/freshman.php

  • Amount: Varies (includes housing)
  • Deadline: January 12, 2026
  • Requirements: Major in biology, chemistry, computer science, geoscience, mathematics, or engineering

The UAFS STEM Scholarship supports students majoring in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith. Award amounts vary and may include housing support for qualifying students.

41. UAFS First Bank Corp. Business Scholarship

For business majors at UAFS. Apply through uafs.edu.
Website: https://uafs.edu/tuition-and-aid/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/freshman.php

  • Amount: Varies (includes housing)
  • Deadline: January 12, 2026
  • Requirements: Business major, leadership capabilities

The UAFS First Bank Corp. Business Scholarship targets business majors at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith. This award emphasizes leadership capabilities and may include housing support for exceptional candidates.

42. Poultry Federation Scholarship

For students in poultry/agriculture fields. Apply through Arkansas Community Foundation.
Website: https://www.arcf.org/apply/scholarships/

  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: February 1 – April 1
  • Requirements: Pursuing poultry industry degree at U of A system, A-State, ATU, or SAU

The Poultry Federation Scholarship supports students pursuing degrees in poultry and agriculture fields. Administered through the Arkansas Community Foundation, it targets students at specific Arkansas institutions with poultry industry programs.

43. ASHRAE Region VIII Scholarship

For HVAC/refrigeration engineering students. Apply through ashrae.org.
Website: https://www.ashrae.org/

  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: December 1 annually
  • Requirements: Full-time student in ASHRAE Region VIII (includes Arkansas)

The ASHRAE Region VIII Scholarship supports HVAC and refrigeration engineering students. This professional organization scholarship is available to full-time students in the region that includes Arkansas.

44. ARMA Southwest Chapter Scholarship

For information/records management students. Apply through ARMA Southwest Chapter.
Website: https://www.arma.org/

  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: Varies
  • Requirements: Pursuing degree in information/records management, residing in TX, AR, LA, OK, or NM

The ARMA Southwest Chapter Scholarship supports students pursuing information and records management degrees. This regional scholarship is available to students in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.

Scholarships for Specific Groups

LULAC National Scholarship Fund

45. LULAC National Scholarship Fund

For Hispanic/Latino students through local councils. Apply through lnesc.org.
Website: https://www.lnesc.org/scholarships/lulac/

  • Amount: Varies (collectively $739,000+ awarded annually)
  • Deadline: Early 2026 (application reopens)
  • Requirements: Hispanic/Latino heritage, apply through local LULAC council

The LULAC National Scholarship Fund provides substantial support for Hispanic/Latino students through local council partnerships. This program collectively awards over $739,000 annually and requires applicants to work through their local LULAC council.

46. Hispanic Scholarship Fund

National scholarship for Hispanic students. Apply through hsf.net.
Website: https://www.hsf.net/

  • Amount: $500 – $5,000
  • Deadline: February annually
  • Requirements: Hispanic heritage, minimum 3.0 GPA, U.S. citizen or permanent resident

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund offers national support for Hispanic students pursuing higher education. Award amounts range from $500 to $5,000 and require a minimum 3.0 GPA for consideration.

47. BIPOC Arkansas High School Scholarship (Bold.org)

For minority students at Star City, Dumas, or McGehee High Schools. Apply through bold.org.
Website: https://bold.org/scholarships/by-state/arkansas-scholarships/

  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: Varies
  • Requirements: BIPOC student at specified Arkansas high schools

The BIPOC Arkansas High School Scholarship targets minority students at specific high schools in Star City, Dumas, and McGehee. This program provides varying award amounts based on available funding and applicant qualifications.

48. Cornerstone Charitable Scholarship Trust

For Black/African-American Arkansas high school graduates. Apply through scholarship databases.
Website: Check https://bold.org/scholarships/ and other scholarship search engines

  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: Varies
  • Requirements: Black/African-American, Arkansas HS graduate, enrolled in accredited institution

The Cornerstone Charitable Scholarship Trust supports Black/African-American Arkansas high school graduates pursuing higher education. Award amounts vary and are available to students enrolled in accredited institutions.

49. Cherokee Nation Higher Education Scholarship

For Cherokee Nation citizens. Apply through cherokee.org.
Website: https://www.cherokee.org/

  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: Varies
  • Requirements: Cherokee Nation citizenship, pursuing associate degree or higher

The Cherokee Nation Higher Education Scholarship supports Cherokee Nation citizens pursuing higher education. Award amounts vary based on available funding and program requirements for associate degrees and above.

50. Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund

For single parents pursuing education. Apply through aspsf.org.
Website: https://www.aspsf.org/

  • Amount: Varies by county chapter
  • Deadline: Varies by county
  • Requirements: Single parent, Arkansas resident, enrolled in education program

The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund supports single parents pursuing education. Award amounts and deadlines vary by county chapter, with each local organization setting its own criteria and funding levels.

51. Finish Line Grant Program

For adult students close to completing degrees. Contact your institution’s financial aid office.
Website: Contact your institution’s financial aid office

  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: Rolling
  • Requirements: Adult student near degree completion, financial need

The Finish Line Grant Program assists adult students nearing degree completion. This need-based grant varies in amount and is available on a rolling basis through institutional financial aid offices.

52. Washington Center Scholarship for Arkansas Students

For students attending Washington Center internships. Apply through sams.adhe.edu.
Website: https://sams.adhe.edu/Scholarship

  • Amount: Up to $6,000
  • Deadline: Varies
  • Requirements: Arkansas student accepted to Washington Center internship program

The Washington Center Scholarship supports Arkansas students participating in Washington Center internships. This program provides up to $6,000 for students accepted into these prestigious internship programs.

53. Arkansas Occupational Therapy Scholarship

For OT students in Arkansas programs. Apply through scholarship databases.
Website: Check with Arkansas universities offering OT programs

  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: Varies
  • Requirements: Arkansas resident, completed 1+ year OT coursework at Arkansas institution

The Arkansas Occupational Therapy Scholarship supports students in occupational therapy programs. Award amounts vary and are available to Arkansas residents who have completed at least one year of OT coursework at in-state institutions.

54. Arkansas School Plant Management Association Scholarship

For students pursuing facilities management. Apply through ASPMA.
Website: Contact Arkansas School Plant Management Association

  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: Varies
  • Requirements: Pursuing facilities/plant management education

The Arkansas School Plant Management Association Scholarship supports students pursuing facilities management education. Award amounts vary based on available funding and program requirements.

55. Special Education Scholarship (Arkansas)

For students preparing to work with children with special needs. Apply through scholarship databases.
Website: Check with Arkansas universities offering special education programs

  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: Varies
  • Requirements: Junior/senior or graduate student, pursuing degree in special education services

The Special Education Scholarship supports students preparing for careers working with children with special needs. Award amounts vary and are available to juniors, seniors, and graduate students pursuing special education degrees.

No-Essay & Easy-Apply Scholarships Arkansas

No-Essay & Easy-Apply Scholarships

56. Sallie $2,000 No-Essay Scholarship

Monthly drawing with simple registration. Apply through sallie.com.
Website: https://www.sallie.com/scholarship

  • Amount: $2,000 monthly
  • Deadline: Monthly
  • Requirements: Age 17+, simple registration

The Sallie $2,000 No-Essay Scholarship offers monthly $2,000 awards through simple registration. This easy-apply opportunity is available to individuals 17 and older without requiring essays or extensive applications.

57. Bold.org Arkansas Scholarships

Profile-based matching to multiple scholarships. Apply through bold.org.
Website: https://bold.org/scholarships/by-state/arkansas-scholarships/

  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: Varies by scholarship
  • Requirements: Create profile, match to opportunities

Bold.org Arkansas Scholarships provide profile-based matching to multiple scholarship opportunities. Students create a profile and the platform matches them with relevant scholarships based on their background and qualifications.

58. Scholarships360 No-Essay Scholarship

Account-based scholarship drawing. Apply through scholarships360.org.
Website: https://scholarships360.org/

  • Amount: $10,000
  • Deadline: Monthly
  • Requirements: Create account, complete profile

The Scholarships360 No-Essay Scholarship offers monthly $10,000 drawings through simple account creation. This easy-apply opportunity requires only account setup and profile completion.

59. ScholarshipOwl No-Essay Scholarship

Profile-based automatic applications. Apply through scholarshipowl.com.
Website: https://scholarshipowl.com/

  • Amount: $2,025
  • Deadline: Monthly
  • Requirements: Complete profile

The ScholarshipOwl No-Essay Scholarship provides monthly $2,025 awards through profile completion. This platform automates scholarship applications based on the information students provide in their profiles.

60. CollegeVine Scholarship

For students with CollegeVine chancing profiles. Apply through collegevine.com.
Website: https://www.collegevine.com/

  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: Rolling
  • Requirements: Complete CollegeVine chancing profile

The CollegeVine Scholarship supports students with completed CollegeVine chancing profiles. Award amounts vary and are available on a rolling basis to students who have created comprehensive college planning profiles.

61. Appily Scholarship

For high school students exploring colleges. Apply through appily.com.
Website: https://www.appily.com/

  • Amount: $1,000
  • Deadline: Rolling
  • Requirements: HS sophomore, junior, or first-semester senior

The Appily Scholarship provides $1,000 awards for high school students exploring college options. This rolling scholarship is available to sophomores, juniors, and first-semester seniors using the Appily platform.

62. Niche No-Essay Scholarship

Monthly drawing for Niche users. Apply through niche.com.
Website: https://www.niche.com/colleges/scholarships/

  • Amount: $2,000 monthly
  • Deadline: Monthly
  • Requirements: Create Niche account

The Niche No-Essay Scholarship offers monthly $2,000 drawings for Niche platform users. This easy-apply opportunity requires only account creation on the Niche website.

Complete Arkansas Scholarship Summary Table

# Scholarship Name Amount Deadline
1 Arkansas Academic Challenge Up to $15,000 (4 yr) July 1
2 Governor’s Distinguished Up to $44,000 (4 yr) March 1
3 Governor’s Scholars (Non-Distinguished) Up to $20,000 (4 yr) March 1
4 Arkansas Future Grant Full tuition Jan 10 / Jul 1
5 Workforce Challenge Up to $800/yr 30 days before
6 Teacher Academy Up to $12,000/yr Rolling
7 Teacher Opportunity (TOP) Up to $3,000/yr Rolling
8 Concurrent Challenge (A2A) Up to $2,000/yr Varies
9 HEROES Scholarship Full tuition + housing Rolling
10 LEODS Full tuition + fees Rolling
11 Health Education Grant (ARHEG) Up to $5,000/yr July
12 STEP (Teacher Loan Forgiveness) Up to $3,000/yr Rolling
13 U of A Chancellor’s Merit $48,000 (4 yr) Feb 1
14 U of A Chancellor’s $32,000 (4 yr) Nov 15
15 U of A Chancellor’s Community $24,000 (4 yr) Nov 15
16 U of A Honors Fellowship Up to $72,000 Nov 15
17 U of A Silas Hunt Varies Nov 15
18 A-State Promise Plus Full tuition gap Jul 1
19 A-State Scholar Up to $18,000 Feb 1
20 A-State Trailblazer Varies Feb 1
21 UAFS Prestigious Varies Jan 12
22 UAFS Myles Friedman Honors Varies Nov 15
23 AR Community Foundation (200+) Varies Feb 1 – Apr 1
24 THEA Creative Writing Up to $10,000 Jan 11
25 THEA Visual Arts Up to $10,000 Jan 5
26 THEA Performing Arts Varies March
27 AR Chamber Singers $2,000 Mar 23
28 Regions Riding Forward $8,000 Quarterly
29 HWOA (Hispanic Women’s Org) $500 – $5,000 Late March
30 Arkansas PTA Varies Early Feb
31 Hagan Scholarship Up to $48,000+ Nov 15
32 AR Society of CPAs Varies Feb 1
33 Oaklawn Foundation Varies Jan 2 – Feb 18
34 Tyson Scholars Up to $5,000/yr Varies
35 AR State Fair Varies Spring
36 Nursing Education Loan Repayment Up to $5,000 Rolling
37 AR Board of Nursing Varies Varies
38 Baptist Health Nursing Varies Varies
39 UAMS Nursing Varies Varies
40 UAFS STEM Varies Jan 12
41 UAFS First Bank Business Varies Jan 12
42 Poultry Federation Varies Feb 1 – Apr 1
43 ASHRAE Region VIII Varies Dec 1
44 ARMA Southwest Varies Varies
45 LULAC National Varies Early 2026
46 Hispanic Scholarship Fund $500 – $5,000 February
47 BIPOC AR High School (Bold.org) Varies Varies
48 Cornerstone Charitable Trust Varies Varies
49 Cherokee Nation Varies Varies
50 AR Single Parent Scholarship Varies Varies
51 Finish Line Grant Varies Rolling
52 Washington Center Up to $6,000 Varies
53 AR Occupational Therapy Varies Varies
54 AR School Plant Management Varies Varies
55 Special Education Varies Varies
56 Sallie No-Essay $2,000 Monthly
57 Bold.org AR Scholarships Varies Varies
58 Scholarships360 No-Essay $10,000 Monthly
59 ScholarshipOwl $2,025 Monthly
60 CollegeVine Varies Rolling
61 Appily $1,000 Rolling
62 Niche No-Essay $2,000 Monthly

Application Timeline for 2025-2026

Date Action Item
October 1 FAFSA opens; UAFS applications available
October 3 Governor’s Distinguished application opens
November 1 U of A priority admission deadline
November 15 U of A priority scholarship; Hagan Scholarship; UAFS Honors
December 1 ASHRAE Region VIII deadline
January 5 THEA Visual Arts deadline
January 10 ArFuture Grant (Spring semester)
January 11 THEA Creative Writing deadline
January 12 UAFS Prestigious Scholarship deadline
February 1 A-State Scholar/Trailblazer; U of A final; ARCF opens; ARCPA
February 18 Oaklawn Foundation closes
March 1 Governor’s Distinguished/Scholars deadline
March 23 AR Chamber Singers deadline
Late March HWOA deadline
April 1 Arkansas Community Foundation closes
July 1 Academic Challenge; ArFuture (Fall); A-State general

Frequently Asked Questions

Can out-of-state students get Arkansas scholarships?

Most state-funded scholarships require Arkansas residency for at least 12 months. However, institutional scholarships at Arkansas universities are available to out-of-state students.

Do I need to file FAFSA for Arkansas scholarships?

Yes, most state scholarships require FAFSA completion, including Academic Challenge and Governor’s Distinguished. The Workforce Challenge Scholarship does not require FAFSA.

Can I stack multiple Arkansas scholarships?

Yes, many scholarships can be combined. The Academic Challenge can stack with Governor’s Distinguished, but combined total cannot exceed $10,000/year. Check specific stacking rules for each scholarship.

What if I lose my scholarship?

Most scholarships have appeal processes for extenuating circumstances. Contact ADHE or your institution’s financial aid office immediately if you’re at risk.

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