University of Arkansas–Fort Smith Scholarships (2025–2026)

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The University of Arkansas–Fort Smith offers affordable tuition and a straightforward merit grid for incoming freshmen. Automatic awards can reach $6,000 per year plus housing, while departmental scholarships—like the Roland S. Boreham Jr. Engineering Scholarship—can fully cover in-state tuition for exceptional students.

Business majors can compete for donor-funded options like the First Bank Corp. Scholarship, and the Lion’s Share portal connects students to hundreds of smaller awards. UAFS’s combination of low tuition, housing stipends, and Arkansas state aid makes it one of the most cost-effective four-year universities in the region.

💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Arkansas–Fort Smith

Note: The table includes only direct costs paid to UAFS (tuition, mandatory fees, standard on-campus housing, and meal plan). Other expenses—books and supplies, transportation, and personal costs—are not included because they vary by student and are not billed directly by the university.

Reciprocity & Waiver FAQ

Who qualifies? Students from the six border states automatically qualify; ACM adds select majors for students across the South.

How much can we save? Border state students save about $5,400/year; ACM savings depend on your home state and major.

Do we have to apply? Border-state pricing is automatic with residency proof. ACM requires a state-level application and approval in your home state.

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships

These admission-based awards are determined from your GPA and/or ACT (SAT equivalents accepted). No separate application is required for the standard merit tiers; just apply for admission by the priority date listed on the UAFS scholarship page.

Why the ranges? UAFS lists “up to” amounts; final award depends on meeting published GPA/ACT thresholds and available funds. SAT equivalents are accepted in place of ACT. UAFS tuition scholarships do not stack with other UAFS tuition scholarships.

Automatic Merit FAQ

Do I need a separate application? No for standard merit; Yes for honors college-specific scholarships. Admissions application suffices for automatic merit tiers, but Honors requires the dedicated application.

Do they accept SAT instead of ACT? Yes. UAFS accepts SAT equivalents for merit and honors scholarship eligibility.

Do they superscore? UAFS does not publish a superscore policy for merit awards; submit all test dates so the best scores can be considered.

Can these stack with other aid? UAFS tuition scholarships generally do not stack with other UAFS tuition scholarships. State scholarships like Arkansas Academic Challenge usually stack; confirm on your award notice.

🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Awards)

UAFS does not advertise a university-wide “Presidential,” “Chancellor’s,” or full-ride flagship scholarship covering full tuition/cost of attendance. Instead, UAFS offers a limited set of competitive scholarships—most commonly called Prestigious Scholarships—for new incoming freshmen. Departmental “flagship” awards are included only when they are featured as top-level, competitive scholarships. Only university-promoted institutional flagship awards are shown here; for major-specific options see the Hidden Gems section.

Flagship Scholarship FAQ

Why are these considered competitive? They have limited slots, require a separate UAFS Prestigious Scholarship application, and often include interviews and essays.

What are the usual timelines? The Prestigious portal opens around Oct. 1 and closes Jan. 12. Always confirm the exact current deadline on UAFS scholarships page.

Can these awards stack with automatic merit? No. Prestigious awards replace merit-based admission scholarships, but Arkansas state aid (such as Academic Challenge) can usually still apply.

Any major restrictions? Yes—Business is required for First Bank Corp.; Engineering is required for Boreham. Major-specific awards that are not university-flagship will appear in Hidden Gems section.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

Beyond the big automatic and flagship awards, UAFS offers niche scholarships that can really add up. These often come from the state, departments, ROTC programs, or special initiatives that don’t always get as much publicity.

Disclaimer: Award ranges are based on published or donor descriptions. Where only “varies” was listed, typical amounts from UAFS or peer awards were used for clarity. Families should confirm current-year amounts in the Lion’s Share portal and departmental pages.

• Departmental and program-specific scholarships across colleges (apply via Lion’s Share)
• First-generation student support programs (scholarships vary by donor funding)
• Clubs, Greek organizations, and campus groups may sponsor small awards (amounts not published)

Hidden Gem FAQ

Do these stack with UAFS merit? Yes. State aid like Academic Challenge and ROTC scholarships can stack with UAFS automatic or flagship awards, though tuition scholarships from UAFS don’t stack with each other.

Are the applications harder? Most require separate forms—state awards through the ADHE SAMS portal, ROTC through military channels, and STEM via the Prestigious Scholarship app.

What kind of student should look here? Arkansas residents, STEM majors, and students considering military service can all find extra funding beyond main scholarships.

🎖️ Honors College

The Myles Friedman Honors Program at UAFS gives high-achieving students access to small seminars, faculty mentorship, and unique travel opportunities. Admission is competitive and requires a separate application, but students who are accepted often receive significant financial and academic benefits.

Disclaimer: UAFS lists this scholarship as “generous” without a fixed dollar figure. Parents should confirm current award amounts with the Honors Program office.

Honors FAQ

Is admission automatic? No. Students must apply separately with essays, recommendations, and sometimes an interview.

Does Honors add time to my degree? No. Requirements add no more than 7 credits beyond the bachelor’s plan.

What’s the deadline? Priority deadline is November 15, with final decisions typically in January. Always verify the current timeline with Honors staff.

Does every Honors student receive the scholarship? Most admitted students are offered generous funding, but amounts vary. Admission is the gateway to being considered.

⭐ College Specialty

UAFS may not carry the “flagship” name of Fayetteville, but in the River Valley it’s a powerhouse for applied programs that connect directly to careers. Parents often hear about the affordable cost, but what stands out academically are its high-performing health programs and hands-on technical degrees that meet regional workforce demand.

• Engineering: Backed by the Roland S. Boreham Jr. Foundation, UAFS invests heavily in undergraduate engineering, with scholarships that cover full tuition and books.
• Business: The College of Business & Industry maintains strong regional ties, with competitive scholarships like the First Bank Corp. award signaling its statewide prominence.
• Health Sciences: Beyond nursing, UAFS’s allied health programs (dental hygiene, imaging sciences) are recognized in Arkansas for strong licensure outcomes and clinical placement rates.
• Music & Performing Arts: The Department of Music and Theatre offers funded ensemble opportunities, including competitive jazz and marching band scholarships that build statewide visibility.

📎 Official Links

• University of Arkansas–Fort Smith (Homepage)
• Myles Friedman Honors Program
• Tuition, Financial Aid & Scholarships

Final Thoughts

Sorting through college costs can feel like another full-time job, but UAFS keeps things straightforward. With automatic merit tiers, Arkansas lottery scholarships, and even “last-dollar” programs that guarantee tuition and fees are covered, families have real pathways to make a four-year degree affordable. Add in high-performing programs like nursing and engineering, and UAFS can be a strong option for students who want both value and opportunity.

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