Arkansas State University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on May 21, 2026
What This Page Covers:- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~79%
- Middle 50% ACT: 25.5
- Middle 50% SAT: 1120
- Average GPA: 3.78
Comparing multiple schools?
Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Arkansas State University at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (Promise Plus (Off-Campus) & Promise Plus (On-Campus))
Average Net Price
$13,500/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
$2,000–$10,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
21 opportunities
6 automatic · 1 competitive · 10 hidden gem · 4 honors
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3+; ACT 19+ / SAT 990+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Nov 15 • FAFSA: Feb 1
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Promise Plus (Off-Campus) & Promise Plus (On-Campus)
Honors College
Honors Program Available
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at Arkansas State University (Read This First)
- A-State requires ACT or SAT scores for admission—this is not a test-optional school, even though many families assume it is.
- The automatic scholarships are helpful but modest; the big money (full tuition + housing) is tied to competitive awards like the Chancellor’s Scholarship.
- The Border State Waiver is a major value—but only applies to specific neighboring states, so double-check eligibility before assuming in-state pricing.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Arkansas State University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 25.5; SAT: 1120.
Average net price? About $13,500/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes — participates in ACM.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Arkansas State University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$10,430 |
$18,740 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$14,968 |
$14,968 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$25,398 |
$33,708 |
Average Federal Net Price: $13,500 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Good news for non-residents: A-State has programs that let many students pay
in-state tuition:
- 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’s billed total is about $30,690.
With the Out-of-State Scholarship waiving the $8,310 non-resident fee,
the billed total drops to approximately $22,380 — the same as the in-state amount.
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 $8,310 per year in tuition and fees if you receive the Out-of-State Scholarship.
Additional savings may apply via the Mileage Waiver or ACM, depending on eligibility.
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.
Sources:
https://www.astate.edu/a/finaid/tuition-fees/_cost-of-attendance/
https://www.astate.edu/a/finaid/tuition-fees/
https://www.asusystem.edu/headlines/asu-system-board-of-trustees-approves-budgets-tuition-for-fy2026
https://www.astate.edu/dA/ee462af28f/University%20Housing%20Rate%20Sheet%202025-26.pdf
https://www.astate.edu/a/finaid/types-of-finaid/scholarships/
https://www.astate.edu/a/registrar/students/residency/
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?106458-Arkansas-State-University-Main-Campus=
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Arkansas State University offers both automatic scholarships and a limited set of competitive awards based on GPA and ACT/SAT superscores. There’s no extra scholarship application for most—students are automatically reviewed upon admission and submission of all required academic records. All scholarships are renewable for 8 semesters with ongoing GPA and credit completion.
Automatic
A-State Trailblazer
📅 Deadline: February 1
✓ Renews (3.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~28 ACT✎ ~1300 SAT👥 ~Limited cohort based on institutional funding. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Cannot be combined with other A-State academic scholarships; A-State allows Trailblazer to stack with state, federal, and private aid up to cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Beginning fall 2026, the Trailblazer Scholarship awards $10,000 annually for up to four years or eight semesters to on-campus students who maintain at least 15 hours per semester and a 3.5 GPA.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: High-achieving freshmen with at least a 3.5 GPA and ACT 28+ (or SAT around 1300+) who meet admission and acceptance deadlines.
Automatic
A-State Inspire
📅 Deadline: July 1
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~25 ACT✎ ~1210 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Cannot be combined with A-State Enrichment or Endeavor; cannot stack with A-State Scholar or Trailblazer.
💡
Strategic Detail
Guidelines for 2025–26 indicate the Inspire award of about $6,000 per academic year for in-state students meeting minimum ACT/SAT and GPA criteria; renewal requires 30 credit hours per year and a 3.0 GPA.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Arkansas residents with strong 3.5+ GPAs and at least ACT 25 (or SAT 1210+) who enroll full-time.
Automatic
A-State Enrichment
📅 Deadline: July 1
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~21 ACT✎ ~1060 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Cannot be combined with Inspire or Endeavor or with higher-value institutional academic scholarships.
💡
Strategic Detail
University scholarship grid shows the Enrichment award at $4,000 per year for 2025–26 for qualifying in-state freshmen with 21–24 ACT superscores and 3.0+ GPAs.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Arkansas residents with ACT 21–24 (or SAT 1060–1209) and a solid 3.0 GPA who enroll full-time.
Automatic
A-State Endeavor
📅 Deadline: July 1
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~19 ACT✎ ~990 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
May not be combined with Inspire or Enrichment or with competitive A-State Scholar/Trailblazer scholarships.
💡
Strategic Detail
Guidelines specify $2,000 per academic year with renewal based on 30 credit hours per year and 3.0 GPA on the A-State campus.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Arkansas residents whose coursework and GPA (3.0+) are stronger than their modest ACT/SAT scores (19–20 ACT or 990–1050 SAT).
Automatic
Mileage Waiver
📅 Deadline: July 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Waives the nonresident portion of tuition—about $8,310 per year—for eligible border-state residents; can stack with institutional scholarships, but total institutional aid cannot exceed tuition and fees.
💡
Strategic Detail
Functions as a regional tuition waiver, letting certain nonresidents pay an effective in-state rate by waiving the out-of-state fee of roughly $8,310.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Residents of specified nearby states who enroll full-time at A-State’s Jonesboro campus.
Automatic
Out-of-State Scholarship
📅 Deadline: July 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~24 ACT✎ ~1160 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Waives approximately $8,310 in nonresident fees; may be combined with other aid as long as total does not exceed cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Award replaces the out-of-state fee line item—about $8,310 per year—so recipients pay in-state tuition rates.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Nonresident students with ACT 24+ (or SAT 1160+) and 3.0+ GPA who enroll full-time on campus.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
A-STATE uses ACT/SAT superscores for scholarship eligibility. The A-State Scholar and Trailblazer have additional deadlines and/or application components—see their pages for details. Some awards cannot be stacked with others; read the scholarship guide for rules.
Sources:
https://www.astate.edu/a/finaid/scholarships/
https://astate.academicworks.com/
https://astate.edu/info/admissions/scholarships/
https://astate.edu/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
While many Arkansas State scholarships are automatic, a few highly selective programs offer much larger benefits for top applicants. These require essays, recommendations, and additional applications—and are only offered to a limited number of students each year.
App Required
A-State Scholar
📅 Deadline: February 1
✓ Renews (3.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
$14,000–$18,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~31 ACT✎ ~1400 SAT👥 ~Roughly 10–20 students per entering class, depending on funding and applicant pool. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Cannot be stacked with Trailblazer or any other institutional academic scholarship; recipients receive this award in place of automatic awards.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission, then submit the separate A-State Scholar application with essay, resume, and two letters of recommendation by February 1; if selected, accept the offer by March 1.
Selection criteria: Holistic committee review of academic record, test scores, leadership, service, rigor of coursework, and quality of essays and recommendations.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Provides up to about $18,000 per year, combining tuition, fees, and substantial support for on-campus housing and meals for highly competitive students who maintain a 3.5 GPA, complete at least 30 credit hours per year, and take one Honors course each term.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: A small group of top scholars—generally ACT 31+ or SAT 1400+ with 3.5+ GPAs—who also have significant leadership, service, and rigorous coursework and submit very strong applications.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Note: These competitive awards cannot be stacked with other institutional scholarships. Recipients are typically among the most academically accomplished, with significant leadership, AP/IB coursework, and service.
Competitive Scholarship FAQs
Who gets these? The very top ~10–20 students in each incoming class for A-State Scholar, and a larger group for Trailblazer are selected based on a holistic review of leadership, rigor, and service.
Is everything covered? No—award values get close to full cost of attendance but may not cover every expense.
Can they be stacked? No—they replace other institutional merit awards.
When to apply? Complete admissions (and Scholar application) by Feb 1. Trailblazer candidates must “accept” in their MyDen portal after award notification in March.
Sources:
https://www.astate.edu/a/finaid/scholarships/
https://astate.edu/info/admissions/scholarships/
https://astate.edu/
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
Beyond automatic and competitive awards, Arkansas State offers several lesser-known programs that can make a real difference for the right student. These include need-based tuition guarantees, ROTC options, donor-funded awards, and opportunities tied to research or study abroad.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
C. Calvin Smith African-American Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies
Non-Renewable
$500–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Limited; depends on annual donor funding. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with institutional and external awards subject to cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the History Department or A-State scholarship portal according to posted instructions for the C. Calvin Smith scholarship.
Selection criteria: Departmental committee review emphasizing academic performance and commitment to teaching social sciences.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table lists this scholarship for African-American students majoring in Social Science Education (B.S.Ed.) with typical awards between $500 and $2,000 per year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
African-American students preparing to teach social sciences at the secondary level who demonstrate academic promise.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Departmental & Club Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Typically around February 1, though exact dates vary by fund.
Non-Renewable
$500–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Varies widely by department and club fund. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Generally stackable with institutional and external awards, provided total aid does not exceed cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Follow each college or club’s procedures—typically applying through AcademicWorks or departmental forms and maintaining active participation in organizations like Agriculture clubs, FFA, or other student groups.
Selection criteria: Departmental or club-based selection prioritizing GPA, involvement, and alignment with donor or organization priorities.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table summarizes common departmental and club scholarship ranges of $500–$2,000 across areas such as Agriculture, Education, and student organizations.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students actively engaged in departmental activities or student organizations who meet specific academic and involvement criteria.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Jon A. Linder/Douglas Jon Seitz Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies
Non-Renewable
$500–$2,500/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Limited; dependent on endowed fund earnings. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Can be combined with other scholarships and aid subject to cost-of-attendance caps.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the A-State Foundation or relevant college using the designated application form, documenting Arkansas residency, single-parent status, and completed undergraduate credits.
Selection criteria: Holistic evaluation of financial need, academic progress, and single-parent responsibilities.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Typical awards cited in CRP table range from $500–$2,500, depending on funding and applicant pool.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Single-parent Arkansas residents who have completed a minimum number of undergraduate hours and demonstrate financial and family responsibilities.
Full TuitionAutomaticgeographicneed_based
Promise Plus (Off-Campus)
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
last-dollar tuition and meal support grant
✔ Stackable
⚠ Arkansas‑resident, income‑limited last‑dollar award fully covering tuition and fees for off‑campus students.
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~19 ACT✎ ~990 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with Pell, lottery, and institutional awards to fill remaining tuition and fee gaps plus about $1,000 meal plan and $500 express dollars per semester; cannot exceed cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table describes Promise Plus Off-Campus as covering tuition and fees plus a $1,000 meal plan and $500 express dollars per term for qualifying Arkansas residents with ACT 19+ and 3.0 GPA and family income under about $70,000.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Need-based Arkansas students who live off campus but qualify for Promise Plus and want built-in meal and express funds.
Full TuitionAutomaticgeographicneed_based
Promise Plus (On-Campus)
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
last-dollar tuition, fee, and housing grant
✔ Stackable
⚠ Arkansas‑resident, income‑capped last‑dollar program filling tuition and fee gaps and also covering on‑campus housing
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~19 ACT✎ ~990 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Last-dollar program that stacks on top of Pell, state lottery, and institutional awards to cover remaining tuition, mandatory fees, and on-campus housing; cannot exceed cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table summarizes on-campus Promise Plus as covering full tuition and fees plus remaining housing gap for eligible Arkansas residents with ACT 19+ (or SAT 990–1010) and 3.0 GPA and family income under roughly $70,000.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Arkansas residents with financial need who qualify for substantial Pell and lottery aid, meet ACT/SAT and GPA minimums, and enroll full-time on campus.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Study Abroad Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Program-specific; typically well before the departure term.
Non-Renewable
👥 ~Depends on available donor and institutional funds each year. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Intended to supplement federal, state, and institutional aid for overseas study; stackable up to the cost of attendance for the study-abroad term.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the Study Abroad Office for A-State and partner-funded scholarships after acceptance into an approved study abroad program.
Selection criteria: Committee review focused on academic preparation, program fit, and quality of goals statement.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table lists typical awards of $500–$2,000 per term for eligible students participating in A-State-approved programs.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students in good academic standing who demonstrate clear educational goals for study abroad and submit strong applications.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Undergraduate Research Awards
📅 Deadline: Set by the Undergraduate Research Office for each application cycle.
Non-Renewable
👥 ~Limited by annual research funding; multiple awards across colleges. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Funds can be used for stipends, supplies, or travel and generally stack with other scholarships and aid.
📄
How to Apply
Work with a faculty mentor to submit an Undergraduate Research Award application through the research office, including a project description and budget.
Selection criteria: Research office review emphasizing project quality, feasibility, and student development.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table cites typical Undergraduate Research Awards in the $500–$1,500 range per project, varying by discipline and funding.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students in any major who secure a faculty mentor and present a feasible and meaningful research or creative project.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Army ROTC (Red Wolves Battalion)
📅 Deadline: National and campus ROTC deadlines, often in senior year of high school or early in college.
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
ROTC tuition/room-board coverage plus stipend
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Determined by Army allocations to the Red Wolves Battalion. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Students may choose tuition and fee coverage or room and board options; scholarships include a monthly living stipend and book allowance and may stack with some institutional aid within Army rules.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through national Army ROTC boards or campus-based ROTC competitions; complete medical, academic, and fitness screening and sign a service commitment.
Selection criteria: Army evaluation of academic performance, leadership potential, and physical fitness.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table summarizes typical Army ROTC benefits at A-State, including full tuition or room and board plus a $420/month stipend and book allowance.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: U.S. citizens who meet Army academic and fitness standards and are committed to commissioning as Army officers after graduation.
App Required
ASTATE Leadership Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews
$1,000–$4,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Limited cohort of student leaders per year. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
May stack with some institutional, donor, and external awards within cost-of-attendance limits; stacking with large academic awards may be restricted.
📄
How to Apply
Submit a competitive Leadership Scholarship application through A-State’s scholarship portal with evidence of leadership involvement, resume, and references.
Selection criteria: Holistic review prioritizing sustained leadership, service, and academic readiness.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table summarizes this leadership-based program as offering $1,000–$4,000 per year plus potential housing allowance, awarded via a competitive application process.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Incoming freshmen who pair high ACT/SAT and GPA with strong leadership records, service, and campus engagement potential.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
A-State Merit Scholarship (holistic)
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews
$1,000–$3,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Varies; multiple awards funded by different donors and institutional sources. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Often stackable with automatic awards and departmental scholarships up to cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the A-State scholarship portal, providing academic information, activities, service, and essays as requested.
Selection criteria: Holistic scoring based on academics, involvement, leadership, and service.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table aggregates several small holistic merit awards into this umbrella category with typical ranges of $1,000–$3,000 per year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with balanced academic and extracurricular profiles—good grades and test scores plus leadership and community involvement.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Band Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews
$500–$3,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Varies annually according to band budget and instrumentation needs. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Band awards stack with academic and other scholarships up to cost-of-attendance; continuation depends on ensemble participation and musical performance.
📄
How to Apply
Audition with A-State Bands and commit to marching band in fall and a concert ensemble in spring following program procedures.
Selection criteria: Band directors assess musical ability, reliability, and ensemble contribution.
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table lists band scholarship ranges of roughly $500–$3,000 per year depending on instrument, talent, and ensemble needs.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Music majors and non-majors who successfully audition and consistently participate in A-State Bands.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Disclaimer: Award ranges are based on past A-State departmental and donor scholarship listings. Actual amounts can change year to year depending on funding and applicant pool. Always confirm current values on A-State’s scholarship portal.
Hidden Gems FAQs
Does Promise Plus make A-State tuition-free?
For qualifying Arkansas families, yes—it fills in the tuition and housing/meal gaps left after Pell and state aid. Students may still owe smaller fees or personal expenses.
Can ROTC stack with other aid?
Often yes, but it depends on the specific Army ROTC scholarship type. Some cover tuition, others cover room and board, so families should confirm with the ROTC office.
Are leadership and band scholarships only for certain majors?
No. Leadership and Merit scholarships look at academics and involvement, while Band scholarships are open to all majors (with audition and participation requirements).
When are deadlines for donor and departmental scholarships?
Most Honors and departmental donor scholarships close around February 1 each year, but dates vary by fund. Always check the A-State Foundation and department pages.
🎖️ 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.
What a Typical A-State Honors Student Looks Like:
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
Honors Perks that Matter:
- 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
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Hoeper Family Honors Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Often around February 1; exact date set in Honors donor cycle.
✓ Renews
$1,000–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Limited; based on endowed Hoeper family fund earnings. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with institutional merit and regional waivers within cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Honors students submit a donor scholarship application through Honors/AcademicWorks, indicating out-of-state status, academic record, and financial circumstances.
Selection criteria: Honors and donor criteria emphasizing out-of-state status, academic quality, and financial need.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table lists this award at roughly $1,000–$2,000 for Honors students, with preference given to non-Arkansas residents.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Out-of-state Honors students with strong academics, higher ACT scores, and demonstrated financial need.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Honors Experience Grants (HEG)
📅 Deadline: Varies by cycle; generally prior to the planned activity.
Non-Renewable
$100–$1,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Dependent on annual Honors enrichment funding. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
One-time, activity-based support that can stack with all other aid, as it usually covers specific experience costs rather than tuition.
📄
How to Apply
Current Honors students submit a brief proposal outlining a research, study abroad, internship, or conference experience and how funds will be used.
Selection criteria: Honors review focusing on educational value, feasibility, and alignment with Honors goals.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table notes Honors Experience Grants of up to about $1,000 per year to fund research, study abroad, internships, or conferences.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Engaged Honors College students who propose well-planned projects beyond the classroom and secure faculty or program support.
App Required⚠ Upperclassmen Only
Shelby Rhodes Honors Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Typically around February 1 each year.
Non-Renewable
🏫 3.3+ GPA👥 ~Small number of recipients each cycle, depending on donor funding. winners/yr🎓 Upperclassmen
✚
Stacking & Combining
One-time recognition that can be added to other scholarships.
📄
How to Apply
Junior and senior Honors students apply through the Honors donor scholarship process, documenting leadership, campus involvement, and academic performance.
Selection criteria: Honors committee review heavily weighted toward leadership and service within Honors and the broader campus.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table states a $1,000 one-time award recognizing leadership and campus involvement among junior and senior Honors students.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Upper-division Honors students with strong academics and notable leadership and service within the campus community.
App Required
University Honors Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Typically around February 1 each year.
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
$1,000–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~28 ACT✎ ~1300 SAT👥 ~Limited; dependent on Honors and donor funding. winners/yr
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Stacking & Combining
May stack with some institutional and donor awards but not with the full A-State Scholar package; follows Honors renewal and participation rules.
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How to Apply
Submit an Honors College application and required materials; students with ACT/SAT and GPA comparable to A-State Scholar-level thresholds are considered for this smaller Honors award if they enroll and remain in Honors.
Selection criteria: Honors review emphasizing academic record, test scores, and fit with Honors in addition to baseline eligibility.
✎ Essays
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Strategic Detail
CRP table reports typical University Honors Scholarship awards of $1,000–$2,000 per year for high-achieving first-year Honors students; exact amounts vary with funding.
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Who Actually Wins
Incoming Honors students who meet high academic thresholds but are not selected for the full A-State Scholar award and who commit to Honors coursework and activities.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
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.
⭐ 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.
Nursing & Health Professions: A-State’s College of Nursing & Health Professions is one of the largest and most respected in Arkansas, preparing students for critical shortage fields like nursing, physical therapy, and clinical lab sciences. Its graduates have some of the highest NCLEX pass rates in the state.
- 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.
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.
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