Arkansas State University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
Paying for college doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. At Arkansas State University, families can take advantage of in-state pricing, automatic scholarships, and special programs that really add up. This guide walks you through the costs, awards, and perks step by step—whether you live in Arkansas or across state lines. For more help, check out our Arkansas state aid guide alongside the full College Scholarships Hub.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Arkansas State University
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $10,430 | $18,740 |
| Housing & Meals (Residence Hall) | $11,950 | $11,950 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,250 | $1,250 |
| Transportation | $3,570 | $3,570 |
| Personal/Misc. | $2,790 | $2,790 |
| Total (before aid) | $29,990 | $38,300 |
- Out-of-State Scholarship: ACT 24+ (1160 SAT) and 3.0 GPA → waives the $8,310 non-resident fee.
- Mileage Waiver: Automatic for residents of LA, MS, MO, OK, TN, TX → in-state tuition rate.
- Academic Common Market: For certain majors if not offered in your state → in-state tuition rate.For more information, check out our plain english guide to ACM
Example: An out-of-state student normally pays $38,300. With the Out-of-State Scholarship, tuition drops to the in-state level, lowering the total to about $29,990 — a savings of $8,310 per year.
Cost & Waiver FAQs
Who qualifies for in-state tuition if I live out of state?
Students from border states (LA, MS, MO, OK, TN, TX) automatically qualify. Others can qualify with a 24 ACT/1160 SAT and 3.0 GPA, or through the Academic Common Market for certain majors.
How much can my family really save?
Roughly $8,000+ per year in tuition and fees. Over four years, that’s more than $30,000 in savings.
Do we need a separate application?
The Out-of-State Scholarship and Mileage Waiver apply automatically once your student meets the criteria. The Academic Common Market requires an application through your state’s coordinator.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Arkansas State University offers several admission-based scholarships that are automatically awarded to eligible students. No extra essays or applications are required—if your student meets the GPA and test score cutoffs, they’re considered. These awards are renewable for up to 8 semesters as long as GPA and credit requirements are met.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inspire | $5,500/yr | ACT 25+ (1210 SAT) and 3.5 GPA | No | Yes (3.0 GPA, 15 hrs/term) | Students with a solid B+/A- average and strong ACT/SAT scores |
| Enrichment | $4,000/yr | ACT 21–24 (1060–1209 SAT) and 3.0 GPA | No | Yes (3.0 GPA, 15 hrs/term) | Students with a B average and mid-20s ACT scores |
| Endeavor | $4,000/yr | ACT 19–20 (990–1050 SAT) and 3.5 GPA | No | Yes (3.0 GPA, 15 hrs/term) | Students who may be stronger in the classroom than on tests |
| Out-of-State Scholarship | Covers out-of-state fee ($8,310) | Non-resident; ACT 24+ (1160 SAT) and 3.0 GPA | No | Yes (full-time enrollment) | Out-of-state students with mid-20s ACT or higher |
| Mileage Waiver | Covers out-of-state fee ($8,310) | Residents of LA, MS, MO, OK, TN, TX | No | Yes | Border-state students admitted to A-State |
Note: GPA and test cutoffs are based on A-State’s published 2025–26 award descriptions. Cutoffs may shift slightly depending on the applicant pool and funding.
Automatic Merit FAQs
Do I need to apply separately for these scholarships?
No. Once your student applies for admission, A-State automatically reviews eligibility for these awards.
Does A-State superscore the ACT?
Yes. A-State considers the highest ACT section scores across test dates (superscore) when determining eligibility.
Can my student stack automatic scholarships with waivers?
The Inspire, Enrichment, and Endeavor awards cannot be stacked with other institutional scholarships. However, the Out-of-State Scholarship and Mileage Waiver can often be combined with other aid.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
While most A-State awards are automatic, a few selective scholarships provide much larger benefits for top applicants. These awards require extra steps such as essays, recommendations, or interviews—and because the number of slots is limited, they’re highly competitive.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-State Scholar | Up to $14,000/yr ($8,000 tuition + $3,000 housing + $3,000 meals) |
ACT 31+ (1400 SAT) and 3.5 GPA; 2025 HS grad; U.S. citizen; admitted | Yes — resume, essay, 2 rec letters; deadline Feb 1, 2025 | Yes (3.5 GPA, 30 hrs/yr, 1 Honors course/term) | High-achieving Honors-track students with rigorous coursework, leadership, and strong service/essay profiles |
Note: The A-State Scholar significantly reduces tuition, housing, and meal costs but does not fully cover the entire bill. For example, the $8,000 tuition portion falls short of the full $10,430 in-state tuition, so families should expect a remaining balance.
Competitive Scholarship FAQs
Why is the A-State Scholar so selective?
It’s designed for the very top of the applicant pool. Only a small number of students receive it each year, and it includes large offsets for tuition, housing, and meals.
Does the A-State Scholar cover all costs?
No. It covers $8,000 toward tuition and $6,000 total for housing and meals. Families are still responsible for the gap between that and the full cost of attendance.
Can my student combine the A-State Scholar with other merit awards?
No. The A-State Scholar cannot be stacked with Inspire, Enrichment, or other institutional scholarships.
What makes a student stand out?
Beyond GPA and test scores, winners usually have AP/IB or dual credit coursework, significant leadership roles, strong essays, and active community or service involvement.
When do we apply?
The deadline is February 1, 2025, with application materials submitted through the A-State Scholar portal. Finalists are notified in spring.
⭐ College Specialty
Arkansas State University may not be as large as some flagship schools, but it has carved out a reputation for practical, career-focused programs that serve both Arkansas and the wider region. Parents often find that A-State offers strong pipelines into health care, emergency management, and bioscience fields—areas where employers are actively hiring. It’s also a teaching-focused public university (not R1), which means undergraduates often get more faculty interaction and hands-on opportunities earlier in their studies.
- Biosciences Research: Home to the Arkansas Biosciences Institute, a statewide agricultural and medical research hub that provides undergraduates with hands-on lab access.
- Emergency Management: Among the first universities nationwide to offer a bachelor’s degree in Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management, with alumni working in FEMA and state agencies.
- Engineering & Robotics: A growing College of Engineering & Computer Science with labs in robotics and advanced manufacturing, connecting students to regional industry pipelines.
- Business & Agriculture: Well-established programs in Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship that support Arkansas’s largest economic sectors.
🎖️ Honors College
For high-achieving students, the Honors College at Arkansas State University offers a smaller community within the larger campus. It’s designed to give undergraduates more challenge, closer faculty mentorship, and the kinds of experiences—like research and thesis projects—that prepare them for graduate school or competitive careers.
ACT 28+ (1300 SAT*) and a 3.5+ GPA, with a transcript full of rigorous coursework, leadership roles in clubs or service, and a genuine curiosity for research or creative projects.
*Estimate based on published admission markers
- Priority class registration each semester
- Access to small, discussion-based Honors seminars
- Dedicated Honors housing in the Living-Learning Community
- Funding opportunities for research, travel, and study abroad
- Thesis option that helps with grad school or professional prep
Honors-Specific Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University Honors Scholarship | $1,000–$2,000/yr | High-achieving incoming freshmen with ACT/SAT and GPA similar to Scholar-level requirements; must enroll and stay in Honors College | Yes (Honors application) | Yes (must remain in Honors and complete requirements) | Students admitted to Honors who meet top academic thresholds but don’t receive the full A-State Scholar award |
| Honors Experience Grants (HEG) | Up to $1,000/yr | All Honors College students; supports research, study abroad, internships, or conferences | Yes (proposal required) | No (one-time activity-based) | Engaged Honors students pursuing experiences beyond the classroom |
| Hoeper Family Honors Scholarship | $1,000–$2,000 | Honors student; preference for out-of-state students with high ACT scores; financial need considered | Yes (Honors donor scholarship application) | Varies | Out-of-state Honors students with strong academics and demonstrated need |
| Shelby Rhodes Honors Scholarship | $1,000 (one-time) | Junior or senior Honors students with leadership, campus involvement, and strong academics | Yes (Honors donor scholarship application) | No | Upper-division Honors students recognized for service and leadership |
| Honors Donor Scholarships | $500–$2,000 | Active Honors students; criteria vary by donor (major, GPA, service) | Yes (Honors application; deadline often Feb 1) | Some renewable | Honors students who match donor requirements and stay engaged in the program |
Note: Award amounts are based on recent A-State Honors listings; they may vary year to year depending on donor funding and applicant pool.
Honors College FAQs
Is Honors admission automatic?
No. While high-achieving students are flagged during admission review, you must confirm interest and meet GPA/test benchmarks.
Does Honors add time to my degree?
Not if planned correctly. The senior thesis is built to be completed within your major, so Honors does not extend graduation.
When should my student apply?
As early as possible after admission. For top scholarships, most applications are due by February 1 each year.
Is there extra funding for Honors students?
Yes. Experience Grants and donor scholarships provide additional support for research, travel, and enrichment beyond the classroom.
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
Sorting through scholarships and costs can feel like a full-time job, but Arkansas State makes the process a little easier with clear automatic awards, meaningful competitive options, and a strong Honors College for students who want extra challenge. Add in hidden gems like Promise Plus, ROTC, and departmental aid, and families have more ways than you might expect to make A-State affordable. The key is knowing which programs your student qualifies for early—so you can stack the right pieces together.
✅ Last updated: September 3, 2025