The Arkansas Department of Higher Education administers many scholarships for state residents. 

The Academic Challenge Scholarships are funded by the Arkansas State Lottery.
Students who have been Arkansas residents for at least a year and graduate from public schools in Arkansas may qualify for the Academic Challenge Scholarship if they earned a least a 2.5 grade point average on the Smart Core curriculum or scored 19 or higher on the ACT college entrance exam. Arkansas residents who graduate from private schools in Arkansas or from out-of-state high schools qualify if they scored a 19 or higher on the ACT. They can use their scholarships at any certified two-year or four-year institution of higher education in Arkansas, public or private.

Arkansas Health Education Grant (ARHEG) 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 Scholars Program Up to $4000 annually for graduating high school seniors based on academic achievement, test score 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.  The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is not required.

Higher Education Opportunities Grant (GO! Opportunities Grant) Provides $1000 grants to full-time and $500 grants to part-time students based on financial need. Students must be an Arkansas 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 Arkansas institution. Applicants complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the GO! Opportunities Grant application.

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.

Military Dependents Scholarship Program 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 or who are totally and permanently disabled.

Student Loan Program - Nurse Educator Loan Provides forgivable loans to students pursuing a course of study leading to qualification as a nurse educator.  Funding for this program is provided through the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.  All eligible applicants will be considered for award by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing

For additional information about financial aid, call us at 1-800-54-STUDY, or in the Little Rock area, 501-371-2050, or e-mail us at finaid@adhe.edu.

Also see the Nursing Scholarship Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration.