University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Scholarships (2025–2026)

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As one of Arkansas’s public HBCUs, UAPB offers both automatic and competitive scholarships that make a strong education accessible. The Freshman Academic awards start automatically with qualifying GPAs and test scores, while the Chancellor’s Scholarship offers up to $16,500 per year for top-performing students.

Use this guide to understand UAPB’s full range of options—from automatic merit and the University Scholarship to competitive full-ride opportunities through the Honors and Flagship programs.

💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Note: These totals reflect the institution’s published full-time undergraduate Cost of Attendance for in-state and out-of-state students living on campus. They include direct costs charged by the university (tuition/fees and housing & meals) and also standard estimates for books, transportation, personal/miscellaneous and loan-fee costs. They do **not** include optional costs like premium meal plans, parking permits, or study‐abroad travel.

FAQ about Discounts & Waivers

Who qualifies? Out-of-state students with sufficient GPA/test scores from eligible states, or students in ACM-approved majors may qualify for in-state tuition.

How much can you save? The Neighbors program can reduce out-of-state tuition substantially — in some cases to nearly in-state rates – depending on scholarship/waiver eligibility.

Do you need to apply? Yes — eligibility for the Neighbors or ACM waivers typically requires completion of admission, scholarship, and/or state application processes.

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships

UAPB awards most of its scholarships automatically when students apply for admission. Awards are based on high school GPA and ACT/SAT scores, and funds are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. No separate application is required—just apply to the university before the priority deadline.

Note: Award amounts are per year and renewable up to 4 years. GPA and test score cutoffs are based on the university’s most recent scholarship grid. UAPB superscores ACT/SAT (subscore composite) for all awards. Meet the March 1 deadline for best consideration; Chancellor’s Scholarship has a Jan 1 priority window.

FAQ about Automatic Scholarships

Do I need a separate application? No. Your admissions application is also your scholarship application. Meeting the priority deadline (March 1) is essential, and the Chancellor’s tier requires admission by January 1.

Does UAPB superscore the ACT or SAT? Yes. UAPB uses your highest subscores across dates to calculate a new composite. Submit all ACT/SAT results for the highest possible award.

Are UAPB scholarships renewable? Yes, all awards are renewable up to 4 years if you meet required GPA/credit standards (see Financial Aid for specifics).

Can scholarships be combined with waivers? Sometimes; stacking rules may vary—always consult Financial Aid to clarify what can be combined.

🏆 Competitive Scholarships

Unlike the automatic scholarships that come with admission, competitive awards at UAPB require extra steps such as essays, recommendations, or interviews. These are usually limited in number and go to students who stand out beyond GPA and test scores. At this time, UAPB does not publish any central, university-wide competitive scholarships outside of the automatic merit tiers.

FAQ about Competitive Scholarships

Does UAPB have competitive, full-ride programs? Not at this time. The major scholarships at UAPB are automatic merit awards tied to GPA and test scores.

Where should students look instead? Departmental scholarships and Honors Program awards are handled separately and will be covered in their own sections of this guide.

Is it still worth applying early? Yes. Even though there are no extra competitive programs, automatic merit funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

Beyond the main merit awards, UAPB has several lesser-known opportunities that can significantly cut costs. These are not automatic with admission—you’ll need to apply through the right office, audition, or commit to a program.

Disclaimer: Deadlines listed are based on the most recent publishing cycle. For best results, apply and audition by March 1. Some scholarships (like the institutional 1890s) have an additional May 15 window. Confirm with departments, as some auditions or applications may be scheduled earlier or later each year.

🎖️ Honors College

UAPB’s Carolyn F. Blakely Honors Program is designed for motivated students who want a more personalized academic experience. It offers smaller seminars, close faculty mentorship, and enrichment opportunities that go beyond the standard curriculum. Admission is selective, but it’s accessible to strong students who demonstrate both academic readiness and commitment.

Scholarship Connection: The Carolyn F. Blakely Honors Program does not have a separate scholarship application. Instead, the same high-achieving students who qualify for the program also qualify for UAPB’s top merit awards:

• Chancellor’s Scholarship: $16,500 per year ($66,000 total) for students with a 3.75 GPA and a 28 ACT or 1310 SAT. Many recipients are also admitted into Honors.
• University Scholarship: $12,000 per year ($48,000 total) for students with a 3.5 GPA and ACT/SAT scores in the mid-20s range. Strong candidates often overlap with Honors admission.

In short, there isn’t a separate “Honors College Scholarship.” Instead, the academic bar for Honors lines up with UAPB’s most generous awards, making the program an added value on top of those scholarships.

FAQ about the Honors Program

Is admission automatic? No. Students must apply to the program and meet GPA requirements; current UAPB students can also apply after enrollment.

Does it add time to a degree? No. Honors is designed as an enrichment program and does not add extra semesters.

How do scholarships work with Honors? Honors students are usually the same students who receive UAPB’s top merit awards, like the Chancellor’s and University Scholarships.

When should students apply? The program encourages early application, ideally before or at the time of enrollment, since spaces are limited.

⭐ College Specialty

If you’ve heard of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, chances are it’s because of its deep roots in agriculture and aquaculture. As Arkansas’s only public HBCU and a federally designated 1890 land-grant institution, UAPB has carved out a niche in programs that directly support the state’s industries and communities. Families looking for a school where academics connect closely to real-world careers will find those ties here.

• Agriculture & Human Sciences: As an 1890 land-grant university, UAPB plays a key role in agricultural research, extension, and human sciences education in Arkansas.
• STEM & Cybersecurity: Offers a B.S. in Cybersecurity and expanding computing programs to meet national workforce needs in information security.
• Music & Performing Arts: The Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South (band) is regionally famous and a source of scholarships and visibility for the university.
• Teacher Education: Longstanding School of Education programs prepare K-12 teachers, especially for underserved Arkansas communities.

📎 Official Links

• University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Homepage
• Carolyn F. Blakely Honors Program
• Scholarships & Financial Aid

Final Thoughts

For families looking at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the numbers tell a clear story: strong automatic scholarships, generous hidden gems like ROTC and band, and an Honors Program that lines up with the school’s top awards. If your student is motivated and willing to take advantage of auditions, applications, or enrichment opportunities, UAPB can be an affordable path with plenty of support built in. It’s a place where effort really does translate into savings.

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