Introduction to Arkansas scholarships
In this scholarship post, we’re tackling the Natural state, otherwise known as Arkansas! Arkansas scholarships are available for residents as well as for students simply attending an Arkansas college or university.
We’ll start off by providing some basic background information on some of Arkansas’ higher ed institutions. Then, we’ll dive into Arkansas scholarships offered by organizations of all kinds, before leaving you with a shortlist of recommended financial aid and reading resources to bookmark as you begin or continue along your college prep journey.
Higher education in Arkansas
Arkansas is home to approximately 56 higher education institutions, with the majority comprising 2-year and 4-year public universities, followed by approximately 15 private colleges and universities, and less than 10 other higher education entities.
The two main university systems in the state include the University of Arkansas System and the Arkansas State University System.
Perhaps the most widely well-known of all colleges and universities in the state is the University of Arkansas. Located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the U of A has a total undergraduate enrollment of approximately 24,000 students and an acceptance rate of around 83% (U.S. News & World Report).
Other highly ranked public colleges and universities in the state include Harding University, John Brown University, Ouachita Baptist University, and Arkansas State University.
Arkansas is also home to Hendrix College, one of the state’s ~15 private institutions, that often ranks within the top 100 liberal arts colleges in the US.
Now that we’ve briefly covered the composition of higher education institutions across the state, let’s dive into some awesome Arkansas scholarships offered that you can put towards your higher education.
Arkansas Scholarships
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Amount: $1,000
Deadline: Quarterly (March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31)
Before diving into all of the Arkansas-specific scholarships, check out our easy scholarship! It's open to high school, college, and graduate students of all years, and there's no essay required.
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Amount: $1,000
Deadline: June 30, September 30
Another one of our scholarships open to Arkansas students and others alike! This one's an easy scholarship open to all high school students - no essay required.
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Amount: up to $2,000
Deadline: January 6
Eligibility: Open to high school students under the age of 20. Minimum 2.5 GPA.
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Amount: $10,000 per year
Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: This academically rigorous scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors scoring either a minimum composite or superscore of 32 on the ACT or 1410 on the SAT and a 3.50 academic grade point average. Must complete the FAFSA to be eligible.
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Amount: Varies
Deadline: April 7
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate juniors and seniors, as well as graduate students, pursuing degrees in fields related to the delivery of services to children with special needs and/or to those who have a disability. Consideration will be given to persons employed by or planning to be employed by school districts or educational cooperatives in Arkansas.
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Amount: Varies
Deadline: April 7
Eligibility: Open to Hispanic and Latino students entering a higher education institution.
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Amount: $2,500
Deadline: June 2
Eligibility: Open to first-year medical students who are interested in practicing medicine in rural Arkansas.
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Amount: Varies ($1,000 - $5,000)
Deadline: July 1
Eligibility: The Academic Challenge Scholarship is open to prospective and current 2 and 4-year college students, as well as non-traditional students who may be re-enrolling after a period of time out of college.
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Amount: Varies
Deadline: July 1
Eligibility: Open to Arkansas residents who have been accepted into an out of state program in one of the following fields of study: chiropractic medicine, dentistry, optometry, osteopathic medicine, podiatric medicine, and veterinary medicine.
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Amount: $500
Deadline: September 29
Eligibility: Open to Arkansas residents enrolled in an accredited occupational therapy education program in Arkansas. Must have completed at least 1 year of occupational therapy-specific coursework.
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Amount: Varies
Deadline: Varies, but for many scholarships the application period is February 1 - April 1
Eligibility: Varies. ARCF features scholarships for all kinds of students! Browse through their scholarship portal and create an account to find the ones you’re eligible for.
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Amount: $5,000
Deadline: Varies
Eligibility:The Arkansas School Plant Management Association (ASPMA) seeks to promote the continuation of education by offering scholarships to students in search of a vocational, associate or bachelor’s degree. Any graduating high school senior is eligible to apply for a scholarship
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Amount: $500
Deadline: 4/1
Eligibility: The Arkansas Association of Career and Technical Education Administrators (AACTEA) is offering two scholarships to high school seniors to supplement education costs during their freshman year. The scholarship awards are $500 each and will be awarded to full-time or part-time students who enroll in an Arkansas college or university, including junior colleges, community colleges, and vocational/technical colleges.
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Amount: $1,000 to $2,000
Deadline: 4/15
Eligibility: This award was created in the hopes that it would enhance scholarly training and education in wildlife and wildlife conservation as well as give financial aid for tuition the college-bound student. The contest is open only to high school seniors (12th grade) who are preparing to enter their freshman year at an accredited college or university.
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Amount: $2,000
Deadline: Varies (several deadlines throughout the year)
Eligibility: Open to students who are single parents (and meet all of the criteria on the application page) who are planning to attend an ASPSF approved school or training program to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Minimum 2.0 GPA.
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Amount: up to $800 per program
Deadline: N/A
Eligibility: Open to high school graduates who are pursuing workforce training in high-demand areas of healthcare, information technology, and industry.
Additional financial aid resources for Arkansas students
We’ve listed some great Arkansas scholarships sponsored by companies, private organizations and even state organizations. But, if you’re a student in Arkansas, it’s also important to remember that these scholarships are only the beginning of your financial aid journey and the resources that are available to you!
Below, we’ve highlight the most important financial aid websites and resources offered by the state of Arkansas for prospective and current students alike:
- Arkansas Division of Higher Education - provides resources for students looking to fund their higher education and plan next steps after high school. Includes a directory of colleges and universities in Arkansas, as well as information on financial aid, scholarships, career pathways and planning, and more.
- Arkansas YOUniversal scholarship application - organized by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, this system allows you to apply to over 25 state scholarships with just one application.
- Arkansas Student Loan Authority - provides information primarily on college planning (checklists, financial aid, scholarships) and student loans.