Exceptional Scholarships to Apply for in Arkansas for 2024

Arkansas is nicknamed as the land of opportunityand it’s higher education is no exception! With top schools like the University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University, thousands of students choose this state as the destination for their college education…but it doesn’t come cheap!

Across the entire state, in-state students can expect to pay an average of $4,703 in tuition per year while out-of-state students pay an average of $11,308. Keep in mind that these numbers might be different depending on whether your school is public or private. Luckily, scholarships can help!

Benefits of Scholarships & How to Apply

Scholarships are the best way to pay for your college education since they never need to be paid back! Plus, there are all different types for all sorts of people in all kinds of situations. But where can you find them?

The best place to start your search is at Going Merry. We match you with the scholarships you qualify for, saving you tons of time and effort! After that, head to your high school guidance counselor or college financial aid office to learn about more scholarships that you qualify for!

In the meantime, if you’d like to know more about applying for scholarships, check out our step-by-step guide and our list of expert tips.

Scholarships in Arkansas:

1. Cornerstone Scholarship Charitable Trust

Black and African-American students in Arkansas are eligible to apply for the Cornerstone Scholarship Charitable Trust! Applicants must be between 17 and 25 years old, have a high school degree at the time of the application, and come from an economically disadvantaged background.

Amount: Varies

Provider: Cornerstone Scholarship Charitable Trust

Who Can Apply: Graduated High School Seniors, College Freshmen, College Sophomores, College Juniors

Requirements: (a) Black/African-American, (b) Roots in the state of Arkansas, (c) U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or Permanent Resident, (d) 17-25 years old.

2. National Rice Month Scholarship Program

Designed to promote and create awareness of U.S.-grown rice, the National Rice Month Scholarship is granted to students in Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas. To apply, students must create a video about the importance of U.S. rice and National Rice Month.

Amount: $1,500 to $4,000

Provider: Corteva Agrisciences

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors

Requirements: (a) Residency in a rice-growing state, (b) Original video.

3. Arkansas Farm Bureau Scholarship

Both children and grandchildren of Arkansas Farm Bureau members can apply for the Arkansas Farm Bureau Scholarship. Recipients should be planning to study agriculture at an accredited university within the state. The winner is chosen based on career plans, financial need, academic achievement, character, and leadership.

Amount: $3,000

Provider: Arkansas Farm Bureau

Who Can Apply: College Juniors, College Seniors

Requirements: (a) Minimum GPA of 2.5, (b) At least 2 full semesters away from degree completion, (c) Residency in Arkansas.


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4. Dr. Austin C. Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund

Graduating seniors from any high school in Northwest Arkansas who plan on majoring in a healthcare-related field are eligible to apply for the Dr. Austin C. Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Amount: Varies

Provider: Arkansas Community Foundation

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors

Requirements: (a) Residency in Northwest Arkansas, (b) Plans to major in a healthcare-related field.

5. Jim and Jean Stanford Christian Health Center Scholarship Endowment

Residents of Cleburne County who plan to or are currently majoring in health- or medical-related programs can apply for the Jim and Jean Stanford Christian Health Center Scholarship. Applicants can be high school seniors or current college students.

Amount: $1,000

Provider: Arkansas Community Foundation

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors, College Freshmen, College Sophomores, College Juniors

Requirements: (a) Residency in Cleburne County, (b) Plans to major in a health- or medical-related field.

6. Elizabeth G. Redman Republican Party of Kansas Scholarship Endowment

One of the many awards for members of the Republican Party of Kansas, the Elizabeth G. Redman Republican Party of Kansas Scholarship Endowment is granted to members or students who are active in the party.

Amount: $1,000

Provider: Arkansas Community Foundation

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors, College Freshmen, College Sophomores, College Juniors

Requirements: (a) Member or activity in the Republican Party of Arkansas, (b) Residency in Arkansas.

7. Arkansas Service Memorial Scholarship Endowment

The Arkansas Service Memorial Scholarship is awarded to the children of those who have lost their lives while serving the nation, state, or community, such as in the National Guard or any branch of the armed forces.

Amount: $2,500

Provider: Arkansas Community Foundation

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors, College Freshmen, College Sophomores, College Juniors

Requirements: (a) Child of Arkansas Resident who lost their life in the line of duty.

8. AT&T War Memorial Scholarship

Residents of Arkansas who have served in any branch of the Armed Forces, the National Guard, or the Reserves and have veteran status are eligible to apply for the AT&T Memorial Scholarship. Recipients should plan on attending a two- or four-year college or university within the state.

Amount: $2,500

Provider: Arkansas Community Foundation

Who Can Apply: Veterans

Requirements: (a) Residency in Arkansas, (b) Veteran status, (c) Planning to attend an accredited Arkansas college or university.

9. Ted & Clara Gentry Scholarship

The Ted & Clara Gentry Scholarship awards six $2,000 scholarships per year to dependents of employees of public and private waterworks and sewage facilities within the state of Arkansas. Students must meet the dependency requirements set by the IRS to qualify.

Amount: $2,000

Provider: AWW & WEA

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors, College Freshmen, College Sophomores, College Juniors

Requirements: (a) Residency in Arkansas, (b) Dependent of waterworks/sewage employee.  


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