These types of grants are awarded based on your eligibility, as determined by FAFSA.
Federal Pell Grants
Federal Pell Grants are given to students with financial need. These awards vary in
amounts from $775 to $6195 for a full-time student.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are intended to assist
students with exceptional financial need. Priority is given to early applicants who
have been determined to have a zero expected family contribution. The award amount
depends on when the student applies, the students level of need, and the funding level
at Ĵý.
The programs listed below are awarded and administered by the Ĵý Department of Higher Education. Further information may be obtained by writing to: Ĵý Department of Higher Education, 423 Main Street, Suite 400 | Little Rock, AR 72201, or by calling (501) 371-2000, or 1-800-547-8839 or at .
Ĵý Academic Challenge Scholarship Program
The Academic Challenge Program provides scholarships to Ĵý residents pursuing
a higher education. Funded in large part by the Ĵý Scholarship Lottery, the
Academic Challenge Scholarship is available to students regardless of their academic
status, whether just graduating from high school, currently enrolled in college, enrolling
in college for the first time, or re-enrolling after a period of time out of college.
The deadline to apply is June 1. There are no income restrictions but students still
must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The scholarship award
amount will be determined annually in early Spring.
Ĵý Future Grant (ArFuture) Traditional & Non-Traditional Students
Ĵý Future (ArFuture) is a grant that the State of Ĵý has designed with
the purpose to increase the education and skills of Ĵý’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 Ĵý’ public
institutions for eligible students. The grant is available on a first come, first
serve basis. Scholarship Deadline: July 1 for Fall and January 10 for Spring. (Updated 11-18-2019).
Governor’s Distinguished Scholars
The Governor’s Distinguished Scholars Program provides a tuition, mandatory fees,
and room and board not to exceed $10,000 per year to students who achieve 32 or above
on the ACT or 1410 on the SAT, have a 3.50 academic grade point average or are a National
Merit Finalist attending an approved Ĵý public or private college or university.
The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years provided the student
meets the continuing eligibility standards. Application deadline is February 1 of
high school graduation year.
Higher Education Opportunities Grant (GO! Opportunities Grant)
The GO! Grant provides $1000 grants to full-time and $500 grants to part-time students
based on financial need. Students must be an Ĵý resident for at least 12 months
prior to applying for the grant. Students also must meet the financial need criteria
established for the GO! Grant and attend an approved Ĵý Institution. Applicants
must complete the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). Application deadline is
June 1.
Law Enforcement Officer’s Dependents Scholarship
The Law Enforcement Officers' Dependents Scholarship (LEO) provides a waiver of tuition,
fees, and room at any public college, university, or technical institute in Ĵý
for dependents and spouses of Ĵý law enforcement officers, some Highway and
Transportation Department employees, and other public employees, who were killed or
permanently disabled in the line of duty. Application deadline is June 1.
Military Dependent’s Scholarship
The Military Dependent’s Scholarship Program provides a waiver of tuition, fees, and
on-campus room and board to full-time students at any public college, university,
or technical institute in Ĵý for dependents and spouses of Arkansans who were
killed or missing in action or who were prisoners of war or who are totally and permanently
disabled. All applicants must also apply for and show acceptance or denial of the
Federal dependent's Educational Assistance Program. Application deadline is June 1.
Single Parent Scholarship
Single Parent Scholarships (SPSF) are given to low-income single parents who are pursuing
post-secondary education in preparation for skilled employment. Scholarship Funds
are administered by affiliate organizations and volunteers in each county of Ĵý.
Eligibility criteria and application requirements vary by county. To apply for a scholarship
or to get involved go to .
Teacher Opportunity Program (TOP)
The TOP program offers reimbursement grants to cover tuition and fees, not to exceed
$3,000, for up to six completed college credit hours per academic year to current
Ĵý teachers and administrators seeking to further their education.
The State Teacher Education Program (STEP)
The State Teacher Education Program (STEP) provides Federal student loan repayment
grants of up to $4,000 per year to Ĵý residents who earned a teaching degree
after 4/1/2004 and are teaching in a public school in a geographical and/or subject
shortage area. Application deadline is June 1.
Ĵý National Guard
Act 82 of 2005 provides a tuition and waiver assistance program for soldiers and airmen
of the Ĵý National Guard. Members of the Ĵý National Guard should contact
the financial aid office for more information about NGTA.
Over 60 Tuition Waiver
Ĵý residents who are sixty or older on the first day of class may have tuition
and fees waived upon completion of certification of eligibility. Students must notify
the Financial Aid Office each semester of the number of enrolled hours which need
to be waived. Applications are available in the Financial Aid Office.
Veterans Benefits
Ĵý is approved by the State Approving Agency (SAA) as a school
whereby eligible veterans and veterans’ beneficiaries may use educational benefits
while working toward a degree. Eligible students should contact the Office of Veteran
Services to obtain information regarding school attendance under the following programs:
Title 38, Chapter 33, Post-9/11 GI Bill®; Title 38, Chapter 30, Montgomery GI Bill®
Active Duty; Title 38, Chapter 32, Veterans Educational Assistance Program; Title
38, Chapter 35, Survivors and Dependents Education; Title 10, Chapter 1606, Montgomery
GI Bill® for Selective Reserves; and Title 10, Chapter 1607, Reserve Educational Assistance
Program.
All students must be working toward a degree and should follow the curriculum outline for their objectives, since only specific courses may be applied toward VA certification and graduation. Enrollment certification will not be sent to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs until the person applying for veteran’s benefits has been admitted to the University and prior credit evaluated. Students must request certification for each term to be certified and are responsible for notifying the certifying official of any changes in enrollment status or eligibility. Veterans may be given placement credit for prior military training by providing an official military transcript or DD-214.
All active duty military service persons and veterans eligible under the GI Bill® as determined by the VA who are classified as "out-of-state" for tuition purposes shall receive a waiver of out-of-state tuition charges. Ĵý complies with Section 702 of the Veterans Choice Act. For additional information, please contact the Office of Veteran Services. See also "In-State Tuition for Military Personnel, Veterans and Dependents" in the Fees and Expenses section of this catalog.
Students may stop by the Office of Student Services or call (479) 667-3111 if they have questions or need assistance in applying for their benefits.
Vocational Rehabilitation Assistance
Persons who have substantial handicap to employment as a result of a permanent disability
may receive, at no cost to themselves, vocational counseling and some financial assistance
toward the cost of their college training when the vocational objective of the disabled
person is approved by the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. These services are
available through the Division of Rehabilitation Services, 1401 Brookwood Drive, Little
Rock, Ĵý 72203. Application for assistance or request for information about
the program may be made to that address or to a local rehabilitation counselor.
Workforce Investment Act
The Workforce Investment Act is a federal program which provides financial assistance
to individuals in need. The program’s primary targets are individuals with barriers
to employment and dislocated workers. Candidates who meet eligibility requirements
will receive tuition and book scholarships for two years to complete an associate
degree at Ĵý. WIA is an equal opportunity employer/program.
Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
Requests for information about eligibility may be made through the WIA office,104
S. Rochester, Russellville, AR 72801; telephone 968-4919; TDD/ARS: 1-800-285-1131.