5 Best Arkansas Scholarships
Updated February 4, 2022 | BestCollegeReviews.org Staff
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Scholarships for Arkansas
Digging for scholarships for Arkansas can unearth a goldmine of financial aid resources in the "Land of Opportunity." Studying in America's 29th largest state offers an outdoorsman's paradise with natural landmarks like Hot Springs National Park, Crater of Diamonds, and the Ozark Mountains. Arkansas' higher education landscape is also noteworthy with 33 public, 12 private colleges, and many online college programs. Students can choose from top-notch liberal arts schools like Hendrix College, research institutes like Arkansas State University, and Christian colleges like John Brown University. According to the USNWR, the University of Arkansas' flagship campus in Fayetteville is the 135th best national university. Save big bucks on your chosen school's tuition by applying for the following scholarships in Arkansas.
Arkansas isn't as expensive as most U.S. states, but the average tuition still costs $4,423 for residents and $11,216 for out-of-state students. Private schools outside the University of Arkansas system often drive costs higher. For example, Lyon College in Batesville presently charges a comprehensive fee of $34,730 yearly. Financial aid opportunities like the above 5 best scholarships for Arkansas are essential to reduce your college expenses.
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The American Quarter Horse Foundation in Amarillo has distributed over $6.7 million since 1976 through its 28 scholarship programs. The Swayze Woodruff Memorial Mid-South Scholarship is a regional fund designed to support Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee residents with a passion for horseback riding. Over four years, the award gifts $9,000 for a bachelor’s degree of the recipient’s choice. Applications are accepted until December 1st.
Eligibility
• Be AQHA or AQHYA members for 12+ months
• Possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent
• Compete regularly in Quarter Horse shows
• Obtain a minimum grade point average of 2.5
Located in Little Rock, the Arkansas Chamber Singers (ACS) gives back through a Vocal/Choral Music Scholarship. This program rewards high schoolers active in choral music programs statewide with $500 to $1,000 for college. Until December 16th, applications are accepted with a transcript, 300-word essay, and three sealed recommendations. Finalists must perform two selections of contrasting styles before the judges.
Eligibility
• Be graduating seniors at public or private Arkansas schools
• Possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Intend to major in music (choral or vocal) performance
• Show acceptance at an accredited four-year college
The Arkansas Department of Career Education administers the High Tech Scholarship to support 20 Arkansans matriculating full-time in post-secondary technical programs. Recipients are presented $250 per semester or $500 annually for four years maximum. Acceptable programs would include graphic design, avionics, radiologic technology, nuclear engineering, biotechnology, computer systems technology, etc. The competitive application review begins on the July 1st deadline.
Eligibility
• Be United States citizens
• Graduate from Arkansas public schools
• Achieve a minimum secondary GPA of 2.5
• Score at least 19 on the ACT or 730 on the SAT
• Demonstrate leadership capabilities
Until June 30th, the Cornerstone Charitable Scholarship Trust accepts applications for its need-based funds. Incoming college students who are U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents under 25 years old could apply. From Jacksonville, the Trust sends funding each semester to lower costs of associate and bachelor’s degrees. Interested freshmen should send a current driver’s license, tax returns, official transcripts, and a 250-word personal essay.
Eligibility
• Have roots in the State of Arkansas
• Already hold a high school diploma or GED
• Matriculate full-time at accredited colleges or vocational schools
• Be economically disadvantaged with significant need
Established in 2006, the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) Foundation offers four regional scholarships for $3,500 apiece. Region III encompasses North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Kansas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Preference is given to Midwest residents who strive for careers in the automotive industry. Applications must include a 1,200-word essay describing how tomorrow’s drivers’ needs will change.
Eligibility
• Be classified as high school seniors
• Legally reside in NIADA’s Region III
• Display academic merit with a GPA over 2.5
• Show aptitude for college work with ACT/SAT scores