State Financial Aid Programs

Up to $2,250 annually for graduating high school seniors who complete the pre-collegiate core curriculum, and who have the required grade point average and ACT scores. This award has no family income cap but is based on academic criteria. Traditional students are required to enroll full-time each fall and spring: 12 hours the first
semester of the freshman year following high school graduation and 15 hours each semester thereafter. In addition, the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery has funding provisions for nontraditional students to receive the Arkansas Challenge Scholarship. They must complete 15
hours each consecutive semester for full-time and complete at least 6 semester hours for part-time (excluding summer terms). To apply for this scholarship,click here.

Designed to provide scholarships to minorities who will be attending an accredited community college.
Recipients may receive up to $1,500 per academic year for full-time attendance; $750 per
academic year for half-time attendance. Scholars must agree to teach in the Delta or in a
geographical area of the state in which exists a critical shortage of teachers, as designated by
the State Board of Education. If a student enrolls less than full time, this award will be prorated.
Applications are available from the ASU Mid-South Financial Aid Office.

The purpose of this grant is to increase the education and skills of Arkansas’s workforce in an affordable manner. The grant applies to students enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) or regional high demand areas of study. The grant will cover tuition and fees for qualifying certificate and Associate degree programs at Arkansas’ public institutions for eligible students. The grant is available on a first come, first serve basis. Please click here for a list of approved programs.

Amount of Grant:
An Arkansas Future Grant shall be in an amount equal to the tuition, fees, and other charges incurred by an eligible student less the amount received from state-supported scholarships; federal student financial assistance; and private scholarships.
If the approved institution of higher education in which the student is enrolled is a four-year institution of higher education, the total amount of tuition, fees, and other charges shall be calculated as the average cost of tuition, fees, and other charges at approved two-year institutions of higher education.
Grants will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis in the order in which applications are received from eligible students.

Grant funds will be distributed directly to the institution of higher education on behalf of the student.
Grant Recipient Requirements:
A student who receives an Arkansas Future Grant shall enter into a written agreement with the Department of Higher Education to receive monthly mentoring from a mentor from an organization determined by the Department of Higher Education; and complete at least fifteen (15) hours of community service each semester the student receives a grant; and reside in this state for three (3) consecutive years and be employed beginning within six (6) months after receiving an associate degree or a certification.

If the student fails to meet this requirement the grant will convert into a loan at an interest rate and term determined by the Department of Higher Education.

Designed to provide assistance with tuition, fees, and books, childcare and transportation expenses for career training and college classes to current and potential students who qualify. Recipients must meet income criteria and have one or more dependents under the age of 21. To be eligible, students must also complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) prior to the beginning of the term of enrollment. Program information and application dates are available from the Career Pathways office located on the ASU Mid-South campus.

Up to $4,000 annually for graduating high school seniors based on academic achievement, test scores and leadership. The Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship for those scoring 32 on the ACT or 1410 on the SAT, and a 3.50 academic grade point average, or are named National Merit Finalists or National Achievement Scholar pays tuition, mandatory fees, room and board up to $10,000 per year. To apply for this scholarship, please use the state’s Universal application at the website listed above. Law Enforcement Officers Dependents Scholarship Program—waiver of tuition, fees, and room at any public college, university, or technical institute in Arkansas for dependents and spouses of Arkansas law enforcement officers, some Highway and Transportation Department employees, and other public employees, who were killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty.

Waiver of tuition, fees, room and board at any public college, university, or technical institute in Arkansas for dependents and spouses of Arkansans who were killed or missing in action or who were prisoners of war. Second Effort Scholarship—up to $1,000 annually to the individuals with the top 10 scores on the GED exam during the previous calendar year.