SCHOLARSHIPS IN ARKANSAS

Arkansas is home to many excellent colleges and universities, such as the University of Arkansas, Harding University, Hendrix College, and many more.

But attending college in the U.S. can carry a hefty price tag, so you may want to consider scholarships in Arkansas if you plan on applying to a school there. According to one tuition comparison website, the current average cost of attending a college in Arkansas is $18,213 for in-state students and $21,495 for out-of-state students.

Because of this, students should look into funding opportunities to reduce their financial burden and improve their college experience.

This page will look at the types of scholarships in Arkansas that students can apply for, and cover some tips on applying.

 

Types of Arkansas Scholarships to Look For

There are several types of scholarships in Arkansas that can help reduce your college costs. Each scholarship has its specific details, and you should carefully review each one to understand the benefits you could be eligible for.

The following are three of the most popular types of Arkansas scholarships./p>

University Scholarships

Colleges and universities in Arkansas understand that many students may need financial assistance to afford their degrees. They also aim to recognize outstanding student achievements, which is why they offer merit-based and needs-based scholarships.

Merit-based scholarships are for students who have excellent performance in high school or while enrolled in college. Evaluation focuses on a student's GPAs and extracurriculars. Some universities may award them automatically based on GPA, while others may require an application with essays and supporting documents.

Needs-based scholarships are for students who can prove that it may be difficult for them to cover college tuition or living costs. Colleges will usually have an application period for students to submit essays and other required materials.

State & Federal Grants

In addition to colleges and universities, state and federal governments – in varying degrees - also provide financial help to students. These are often in the form of grants which the student does not necessarily need to repay, and may help alleviate financial burden.

Scholarships from Other Organizations

You may be able to obtain Arkansas scholarships from other third-party organizations or foundations. These third-parties may include non-profit organizations, employers who offer education benefits, and for-profit organizations with public scholarship opportunities.  

These opportunities may be needs or merit-based and may require detailed applications and supporting documents.

 

Popular Scholarships in Arkansas

It’s worth your time and energy to search for a variety of Arkansas scholarships. You may find many opportunities, but you will also notice that specific fields of study often boast considerable scholarship funds.

A perfect example is the healthcare field. Because healthcare is in high demand, there are an abundance of scholarships for students studying nursing, medicine, and veterinary sciences. Scholarships such as this one awarded by 365 Pet Insurance provide funding to any student enrolled in veterinary school.

Students can also find popular scholarships in the subject of agriculture. The Southern Nursery Association awards a $1,500 scholarship to students enrolled in horticulture, provided they have a good GPA.

Other popular Arkansas scholarships are for qualified minorities. The United Negro College Fund provides numerous opportunities, including a merit-based scholarship awarded to around 400 students, as well as scholarships to students who want to attend Howard University in Washington DC.

 

Tips to Apply for Scholarships in Arkansas

Once you research various Arkansas scholarships, it may be helpful to review a few tips to ensure your application is considered.

Be selective

Arkansas offers many scholarship possibilities, but you may not qualify for all of them. You should carefully review each opportunity's details and apply for the ones you have the best chance of winning.

Consult your counselor

Your counselor may have experience in college and scholarship applications. They may be able to advise you on which opportunities are more feasible and appropriate for your individual circumstances.

Craft an attractive and honest essay

Your application essay should be the best reflection of yourself. You should try to balance showcasing your achievements with an honest assessment of your abilities. Avoid exaggerating your accomplishments as the evaluation committee may not find it sincere especially if you can’t back up your achievements.

Obtain all the required documents

Each scholarship opportunity will require a set of documents to prove eligibility. Ensure you have all the necessary documents to avoid disqualifying yourself due to an incomplete application.

Edit and double-check your application

Spend some time editing and checking your application for mistakes. Make sure your essay reflects your personality and achievements. Make sure you proofread thoroughly and also have someone else review your essay it as well since fresh eyes may be able to spot typos, inaccuracies, or other areas for improvement.

Submit your application time

Every scholarship will have an application deadline. Make sure you respect the deadline and submit it on time. You might have the best application with a good chance of winning the scholarship, but if you submit your application after the deadline, the evaluation committee may not consider it at all. Avoid such problems by keeping a calendar with all scholarship application deadlines to alert you when to submit them.

Prepare for an interview

Scholarship committees occasionally invite applicants to an interview, so start slowly preparing for a scholarship interview in case it is necessary. Think about the questions that might be asked of you and be prepared to answer them.  

 

Search for Arkansas Scholarships

Now that you are familiar with scholarships in Arkansas and tips to apply, look through the CollegeData list below to discover the best opportunities for you.

 

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