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Freshman Merit Scholarships

Scholarships are for four years or completion of an undergraduate degree, whichever comes first. Students must be enrolled in 12 credit hours each semester and renewal is based upon earning 24 hours per academic year. Students must also earn a 3.0 GPA for Platinum, Gold, and Silver renewal and 2.5 GPA for Bronze and Lion Pride scholarships. Those who have not met these requirements at the end of spring may use the summer semester to meet renewal. Merit scholarship housing stipends are valid for Lion's Den housing for up to four years.

Your admission application also acts as your application for both merit and foundation-based scholarships. There is no need to submit a separate scholarship application.

 

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Fall 2025 Deadline

Your Fall 2025 admissions application, official high school transcript, and official test scores must be submitted by March 15, 2025, to be considered for merit scholarships.

Eligibility Criteria Amounts
  • 30 ACT and 4.0 GPA

OR

  • Valedictorian
  • Up to $6,000
  • Up to $1,500 Housing Stipend

Eligibility Criteria Amounts
  • 27 ACT

OR

  • 3.8 GPA
  • Up to $4,000
  • Up to $1,500 Housing Stipend

Eligibility Criteria Amounts
  • 25 ACT

OR

  • 3.6 GPA
  • Up to $3,000
  • Up to $1,500 Housing Stipend

Eligibility Criteria Amounts
  • 21 ACT

OR

  • 3.25 GPA
  • Up to $2,000
  • Up to $1,500 Housing Stipend

Eligibility Criteria Amounts
  • 19 ACT

OR

  • 3.0 GPA
  • Up to $1,000
  • Up to $1,500 Housing Stipend

 

Freshman Prestigious Scholarships

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith provides merit-based scholarships to our most academically successful students in the form of Freshman Prestigious Scholarships. UAFS Freshman Prestigious Scholarships require a separate application in addition to the Application for Admissions.  

High school seniors graduating in the spring who begin seeking a bachelor's degree through UAFS in the fall of that same year are eligible for this scholarship. Scholarships are available for four years or until completion of a degree, whichever comes first. 

To ensure consideration please make certain both your application for admission, your Prestigious Scholarship Application, essays, recommendation letters, and resume are received by the deadline. You can apply for Prestigious Scholarships through the Admissions Application Status Portal after being admitted to UAFS.

Fall 2025 Deadline

The Prestigious Scholarship deadline for Fall 2025 is Jan. 13, 2025.

Prestigious Scholarship Application 

The First Bank Corp. Business Scholarship is a highly competitive scholarship for students who demonstrate strong academic performance and leadership capabilities both in and out of school. They must have the desire to take a leadership role in activities that recognize business student achievement and promote the College of Business and Industry at UAFS as well as serve in an advisory capacity as student representatives to the dean and faculty of the College of Business and Industry. All students applying for this scholarship must submit a complete Application for Admission and a scholarship application. Students must also be seeking a major in the College of Business and Industry at UAFS. A selection of applicants will be chosen for a competitive interview.
 
Eligibility Criteria Renewal Criteria Amounts
  • ACT Score: 27
  • High School GPA: 3.5
  • Seeking a degree in the College of Business and Industry
  • Maintain 3.0 cumulative UAFS GPA
  • Enroll in 15 credit hours each semester and earn 30 credit hours per year
  • Full tuition and fees over four years or until degree completion, whichever comes first
  • Optional $2,500 housing for two years
Students who do not wish to use the housing portion of their scholarship in the first year forfeit the entire housing portion. The housing portion of the scholarship must be used consecutively in order to receive it each year.
 
NOTE: Current students will be responsible for the scholarship renewal criteria listed on their contracts. Changing majors could result in a loss of awards.

The Myles Friedman Honors Program Scholarship is a highly competitive scholarship for students who demonstrate strong academic performance. The program consists of a unique honors general education curriculum with an international focus, exciting travel study classes, service opportunities, independent study project options, and the opportunity for graduation with honors. All students applying for this scholarship must submit a complete Application for Admission and a scholarship application. Students must also be seeking a bachelor's degree through UAFS. A selection of applicants will be chosen from a competitive interview. 
 
For more information about this program, please contact Dr. Dennis Siler at 479-788-7537 or by e-mail at Dennis.Siler@cellphonejoys.com. 
 
Eligibility Criteria Renewal Criteria Amounts
  • ACT Score: 27

OR

  • High School GPA: 3.5
  • Maintain 3.2 cumulative UAFS GPA
  • Enroll in 15 credit hours each semester and earn 30 credit hours per year. In their first year, students may earn 27 credit hours and be enrolled in 12 credit hours in their first semester. 
  • Up to $34,000 over four years or until degree completion
  • Full in-state tuition and mandatory fees (approximately $7,338.50 per year, $3,669.25 each fall and spring semester)
  • Optional $2,500 housing for two years
Students who do not wish to use the housing portion of their scholarship in the first year forfeit the entire housing portion. The housing portion of the scholarship must be used consecutively in order to receive it each year.
 
NOTE: Current students will be responsible for the scholarship renewal criteria listed on their contracts.

The STEM Scholarship is a competitive scholarship for students who demonstrate strong academic performance and are pursuing a degree in biology, biology with teacher licensure, chemistry, computer science, geoscience, mathematics, mathematics with teacher licensure, or engineering.* The college is committed to allowing students to explore cutting-edge ideas and methodologies, with programs and courses designed to foster independence, analytical thinking, and problem-solving. All students applying for the scholarship must submit a complete Application for Admissions and a scholarship application.
 
 
Eligibility Criteria Renewal Criteria Amounts
  • Preferred ACT Score: 26
  • High School GPA: 3.5
  • Seeking a degree in STEM
  • Maintain 3.0 cumulative UAFS GPA
  • Enroll in 15 credit hours each semester and earn 30 credit hours per year.
  • Up to $27,000 over four years or until degree completion
  • $5,500 for tuition and fees each year
  • Optional $2,500 housing for two years
Students who do not wish to use the housing portion of their scholarship in the first year forfeit the entire housing portion. The housing portion of the scholarship must be used consecutively in order to receive it each year.
 
*Engineering majors: This scholarship will only apply while you are completing the Associate of Science in electrical engineering or mechanical engineering.
 
NOTE: Current students will be responsible for the scholarship renewal criteria listed on their contracts. Changing majors could result in a loss of awards.

The Boreham Engineering Scholarship is a highly competitive scholarship offered by the UAFS Foundation for students who demonstrate strong academic performance and have the desire to complete a degree in mechanical or electrical engineering. All students applying for this scholarship must submit a complete Application for Admission and a scholarship application.
 
Eligibility Criteria Renewal Criteria Amounts
  • Preferred ACT Score: 27
  • High School GPA: 3.5
  • Seeking a degree in mechanical or electrical engineering
  • Maintain 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Enroll in 15 credit hours each semester and earn 30 credit hours each year
  • Full tuition and fees over four years or until degree completion, whichever comes first
  • All required books and supplies
  • Laptop computer
  • Optional $2,000 for on-campus housing each year
NOTE: Current students will be responsible for the scholarship renewal criteria listed on their contracts. Changing majors could result in a loss of awards.
 
Housing Information
 
The housing application must be completed and turned in by March 15. If you have any questions about housing, you may contact Stephanie London, interim director of Housing and Residential Life, at 479-788-7697 or Stephanie.London@cellphonejoys.com.
 
NOTE: Students who do not wish to use the housing portion of their scholarship in the first year forfeit the entire housing portion. The housing portion of the scholarship must be used consecutively in order to receive it each year.
 
Admissions Process

Please visit the Admissions Office website for information about the application process for incoming freshmen.

 

Arkansas Scholarships

There is NO separate scholarship application for these awards.
 
Students are encouraged to apply early for admission to UAFS. High school seniors who graduate in the spring and begin seeking a bachelor's degree through UAFS in the fall of that same year are eligible for this award.
 
NOTE: High school counselors must provide a list of qualifying students to the UAFS Financial Aid Office by June 1 via spreadsheet sent to scholarships@cellphonejoys.com.
 
Eligible Schools
  • Alma
  • Greenwood
  • Mountainburg
  • Northside
  • Ozark
  • Southside
  • Van Buren
  • Westside

Eligibility Criteria Renewal Criteria Amounts
  • Be named an Arkansas Scholar*
  • Maintain 2.8 cumulative UAFS GPA
  • Enroll in 15 credit hours each semester and earn 30 credit hours per year
  • $2,000 over two years
  • $1,000 for tuition and fees each year


Students must be certified by their respective high school and meet all four of the Arkansas Scholars Program requirements:

  • Take the Smart Core curriculum during high school (4 units of Math and English – 3 units of Science and Social Studies – complete remaining courses)
  • Make a semester grade of C or better in ALL academic courses
  • Attend school at least 95 percent of the time or more
  • Complete high school in eight consecutive semesters
* Check with your high school counselor to confirm eligibility.
 
The UAFS Arkansas Scholars Scholarship may not be combined with any other UAFS tuition scholarship.

DEADLINE: The application deadline is Feb. 1 of the year of high school graduation. The application and all supporting documentation, except National Merit/Achievement Finalist status notification, must be received by the deadline. Applications submitted after will not be considered. 

The Arkansas Governor’s Distinguished Award (Governor’s Distinguished) is the most academically rigorous award program offered by ADHE. The award pays tuition, mandatory fees, room, and board up to $10,000 per year. 

The Arkansas Governor’s Scholars Award (Governor’s) is also an academically rigorous award program offered by ADHE that pays tuition, mandatory fees, room, and board up to $5,000 per year. 


Who qualifies for Arkansas Governor’s Scholars Program Scholarships?
In addition to the general state requirements, students must also meet these criteria:
  • ACT score of 32 or higher OR SAT score of at least 1410 (Scores must be earned by Dec. 31 prior to the application deadline in order for the scores to be considered by the department for a scholarship award.

AND

  • Final High School 3.5 GPA OR
  • Be selected as a finalist in either the National Merit Scholarship competition, the National Hispanic Recognition Program, or the National Achievement Scholarship competition.

How many hours are required for the Arkansas Governor’s Scholars Program Scholarship?
A student must enroll in at least 15 credit hours each semester to receive the Governor’s Distinguished or Governor’s scholarship for that semester. The only exceptions include the student’s first semester, in which the student is required to enroll in at least 12 hours, and the student’s final semester, in which the student is completing their degree.

NOTE: Even if a student takes extra hours in the fall semester, the student must still be enrolled in at least 15 credit hours in the spring semester for the scholarship to pay. The Governor’s Distinguished and Governor’s scholarships cannot be applied to courses taken in the summer term.

What is the renewal criteria for the Arkansas Governor’s Scholars Program Scholarships?
To renew the Governor’s Distinguished, a student must complete a total of 30 credit hours for the academic year with a cumulative 3.25 GPA for all college courses. The only exception is for the student’s first academic year, in which they are only required to complete a total of 27 credit hours. The Governor’s Distinguished is renewable for up to four years.

To renew the Governor’s scholarship, a student must complete a total of 30 credit hours for the academic year with a cumulative 3.0 GPA for all college courses. The only exception is for the student’s first academic year, they are only required to complete a total of 27 credit hours. The Governor’s scholarship is renewable for up to four years.

NOTE: Renewal criteria is separate from semester criteria. If a student is unable to complete 30 credit hours for the academic year due to course failure or withdrawal, the student may make up the hours in the summer term. However, the student will be responsible to request an official transcript from the Registrar's Office with the summer coursework to be sent to ADHE by Sept. 15.

For more information on the Arkansas Governor’s Scholars Program Scholarship, please review the ADHE overview.

Application Deadline
July 1 during the student's senior year in high school

The Arkansas Academic Challenge (Arkansas Challenge) Program provides scholarships to Arkansas residents pursuing higher education. Funded in large part by the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery, the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship is available to students regardless of their academic status, whether just graduating from high school, currently enrolled in college, enrolling in college for the first time, or re-enrolling after a period of time out of college.

Who qualifies?
In addition to the basic state eligibility requirements, students must also meet one of these criteria:
  • Any Arkansas high school graduate with a final GPA of 2.5 or higher
  • Any Arkansas resident
    • with an ACT score of 19 or higher OR
    • who has earned at least 12 college credit hours and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
Do I have to apply every year?
No. Once you are awarded the Arkansas Challenge Scholarship, the award will automatically renew as long as you meet the renewal criteria. The Arkansas Challenge is renewable for up to four years. 

Arkansas Academic Challenge Award Amounts and hour criteria (Four-Year College)
Year 1 - $1,000 - 12 Fall hours. 15 Spring hours.
Year 2 - $4,000 - 15 Fall hours. 15 Spring hours.
Year 3 - $4,000 - 15 Fall hours. 15 Spring hours.
Year 4 - $5,000 - Prorate based on enrollment.
 
Year 4 Proration Chart
15+ hours = Full award
9 - 14 hours = 3/4 award
6 - 8 hours = 1/2 award
0 - 5 hours = No award

Continuing Eligibility Criteria
To renew the Traditional Arkansas Challenge, a student must:
  • Maintain a 2.50 cumulative GPA
  • Complete 27 semester hours the first academic year and 30 hours each year thereafter
  • Complete all remedial courses during the first 30 hours taken after receipt of the scholarship
  • Be continuously enrolled unless student requests for the scholarship to be placed on hold (maximum of four semesters)
  • Enroll in courses that lead toward a baccalaureate degree after:
    • Earning an associate degree OR
    • Having less than four semesters of funding left

This scholarship will be renewed until the recipient first:

  • Earns a baccalaureate degree OR
  • Attempts a total of 120 semester hours OR
  • Receives eight semesters of funding, whichever comes first*
*NOTE: If the recipient's undergraduate degree requires additional hours, ADHE, in conjunction with UAFS, will determine the maximum period of time for renewal.

Visit the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) website for additional details about the Arkansas Challenge Scholarship. 

Additional Arkansas Department of Higher Education Potential Scholarships

Law Enforcement Officer's Dependent Scholarship (LEO)

LEO provides a 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. (View Details)

Military Dependents Scholarship (MDS)

MDS provides a 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, were prisoners of war, or are totally and permanently disabled. (View Details)

Single Parent Scholarship Fund

Arkansas Single Parent Scholarships (ASPSF) offers scholarships to low-income single parents who are pursuing post-secondary education that leads to skilled employment. Scholarship funds are administered at the local level. Full-time and part-time scholarships are available. (View Details)

Teacher Opportunity Program (TOP)

TOP offers reimbursement funding Arkansas teachers and administrators who are furthering their education. Teachers and administrators may apply for reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses. Funding covers up to 6 credit hours per academic year, not to exceed $3,000. (View Details)

Washington Center Scholarship

This program awards scholarships of up to $6,000 to Arkansas students who are accepted to the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars located in Washington, D.C. (View Details)

Other Potential Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Higher Education Scholarship

Citizens of the Cherokee Nation actively pursuing a higher education degree may apply to receive educational scholarships payable directly to an accredited college or university. Some scholarships may have restrictions, such as students with multiple tribal lineages may only receive assistance from one tribe. Students must be working towards an Associate of Arts or Science, Associate of Applied Science in Nursing ONLY, bachelor's, master's, or doctorate. (View Details)

Choctaw Nation College Scholarship

Any member of the Choctaw Nation actively pursuing a higher education degree may apply to receive assistance in the form scholarship payable directly to an accredited college or university. Students must be working toward a minimum of an associate degree. Students may receive assistance while working toward one associate degree (maximum six full-time grading periods), one bachelor's degree (maximum 12 full-time grading periods), one master's degree (maximum six full-time grading periods), and one doctorate degree (maximum four full-time grading periods total after all-but-dissertation status) while making forward academic progress. Students seeking to obtain certifications and/or licenses may contact the Choctaw Nation Career Development Program. (View Details)

 

Renewal Criteria by Scholarship

Renewal Criteria Amount
  • Maintain 3.0 cumulative UAFS GPA
  • Enroll in 12 credit hours each semester and earn 24 credit hours per year
  • Up to $19,000 over four years, or until degree completion
  • $4,000 for tuition and fees each year
  • $1,500 for Housing each year for two years
Recipients are not required to live on campus, but the housing portion may only be applied to on-campus housing. The housing portion must be used consecutively in order to receive it each year.
 
NOTE: Current students will be responsible for the scholarship renewal criteria listed on their contracts. Changing majors could result in loss of award.

Renewal Criteria Amounts
  • Maintain 3.0 cumulative UAFS GPA
  • Enroll in 12 credit hours each semester and earn 24 credit hours per year
  • Up to $15,000 over four years or until degree completion
  • $3,000 for tuition and fees each year
  • $1,500 for Housing each year for two years

Recipients are not required to live on campus, but the housing portion may only be applied to on-campus housing. The housing portion must be used consecutively in order to receive it each year.

NOTE: Current students will be responsible for the scholarship renewal criteria listed on their contracts. Changing majors could result in a loss of awards.

Renewal Criteria Amounts
  • Maintain 2.5 cumulative UAFS GPA
  • Enroll in 12 credit hours each semester and earn 24 credit hours per year
  • Up to $13,000 over four years or until degree completion
  • $2,000 for tuition and fees each year
  • $1,500 for Housing each year for two years
  • $500 for books and supplies
 
Recipients are not required to live on campus, but the housing portion may only be applied to on-campus housing. The housing portion must be used consecutively in order to receive it each year.
 
NOTE: Current students will be responsible for the scholarship renewal criteria listed on their contracts. Changing majors could result in a loss of awards.

Renewal Criteria Amounts
  • Maintain 2.5 cumulative UAFS GPA
  • Enroll in 12 credit hours each semester and earn 24 credit hours per year
  • Up to $11,000 over four years or until degree completion
  • $2,000 for tuition and fees each year
  • $1,500 for Housing each year for two years
Recipients are not required to live on campus, but the housing portion may only be applied to on-campus housing. The housing portion must be used consecutively in order to receive it each year.
 
NOTE: Current students will be responsible for the scholarship renewal criteria listed on their contracts. Changing majors could result in a loss of awards.

Housing Information
 
The housing application must be completed and turned in by March 15. If you have any questions about housing, you may contact Stephanie London, interim director of Housing and Residential Life, at 479-788-7697 or Stephanie.London@cellphonejoys.com.

NOTE: Recipients are not required to live on campus, but the housing portion may only be applied to on-campus housing. The housing portion must be used consecutively in order to receive it each year.