State Programs
Arkansas Academic Challenge
The Academic Challenge will be awarded in increments depending on the year the student enrolled (see the chart below). The Academic Challenge has three separate awarding categories. In some cases, recent Arkansas residents and current UA students may be eligible as current achievers. The Arkansas State scholarship deadline is June 1st for the following school year. The results will not be posted until mid-August. The Office of Financial Aid encourages you to take a few moments to apply.
| Year First Awarded | 4 Year School | 2 Year School |
|---|---|---|
| 2010-11 | $5000 | $2500 |
| 2011-12 | $4500 | $2250 |
| 2012-13 | $4500 | $2250 |
| 2013-14* | $2000 (1st year) | $2000 |
| 2013-14 | $3000 (2nd year) | $2000 |
| 2013-14 | $4000 (3rd year) | $2000 |
| 2013-14 | $5000 (4th year) | $2000 |
| 2016-17 | $1000 (1st year) | $1000 |
| 2016-17 | $4000 (2nd year) | $3000 |
| 2016-17 | $4000 (3rd year) | |
| 2016-17 | $5000 (4th year) |
*Students who are initially awarded the Arkansas Challenge Scholarship for the 2014-2015 or 2015-2016 academic years will be awarded on a graduated schedule that is identical to 2013-2014.
To apply you need to complete both the FAFSA and the YOUniversal application. To complete the state application, log on to the Arkansas Department of Higher Education website, http://scholarships.adhe.edu/. This link has the single online application that is reviewed by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education for all Arkansas state scholarships programs, such as the Academic Challenge (Lottery) Scholarship, the Governor's Distinguished Scholars Program and more. Make sure to follow all the directions and provide the required documents. Arkansas state scholarships also require the completion of the FAFSA. You can complete the FAFSA online at https://fafsa.ed.gov/. Please have your tax documents available to speed completion.
If you wish to read about the various aid programs Arkansas offers, you will find more information on the state website under Scholarships and Programs. If you have questions regarding your application process, please feel free to call ADHE (1-800-54-STUDY) or send an email to finaid@adhe.edu. Please explore as many financial aid and scholarship opportunities as you can.
Arkansas Health Education Grant (AHEG)
Provides financial assistance to students seeking professional training in chiropractic medicine, dentistry, optometry, osteopathic medicine, podiatric medicine, and veterinary medicine to allow them to attend out-of-state institutions.
Governor's Distinguished Scholarship Program
Provides up to $10,000 annually for graduating high school seniors based on academic achievement, test score, and leadership. The Governor's Distinguished Scholarship is the most academically rigorous scholarship program offered for selected graduating seniors in Arkansas scoring 32 on the ACT or 1410 on the SAT (pre-March 2016) and a 3.50 academic grade point average. Those who are named National Merit Finalists or National Achievement Scholars may qualify without meeting the GPA requirement, but must still meet the ACT/SAT requirement. This scholarship pays tuition, mandatory fees, room and board up to $10,000 per year. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is not required.
A full list of available state aid and requirements can be viewed at http://scholarships.adhe.edu/scholarships-and-programs/a-z/
