University of Arkansas–Fort Smith 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 can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re the first in your family to navigate the process. At the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith, families can tap into in-state tuition discounts, automatic merit tiers, and even competitive scholarships that cover full tuition. This guide breaks it down in plain English—so you know what’s actually realistic for your student. Be sure to also check the Arkansas State Aid Guide for state-level scholarships that can stack with UAFS awards.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Arkansas–Fort Smith
| Category | In-State / Border State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees (30 credits) | $9,826 | $15,226 |
| Housing & Meals | $11,054 (on-campus) | $11,054 (on-campus) |
| Books & Supplies | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Transportation | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| Personal Expenses | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Total (before aid) | $24,580 | $29,980 |
Example: Instead of paying $15,226 out-of-state, a Texas student pays $9,826 in-state — saving about $5,400 per year.
Academic Common Market (ACM): UAFS is a participating institution. Students in eligible majors from nearby states may qualify for in-state tuition through ACM as well.
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 shown on the UAFS scholarship page.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platinum | Up to $6,000/yr + up to $1,500 housing | ACT 30 & 4.0 GPA, or Valedictorian | No | Yes (per UAFS scholarship renewal policy) | Top academics (ACT 30+ / 4.0 or #1 rank) |
| Gold | Up to $4,000/yr + up to $1,500 housing | 27 ACT or 3.8 GPA | No | Yes | Typically 27–29 ACT or ~3.8+ GPA |
| Silver | Up to $3,000/yr + up to $1,500 housing | 25 ACT or 3.6 GPA | No | Yes | Often 25–26 ACT or ~3.6–3.79 GPA |
| Bronze | Up to $2,000/yr + up to $1,500 housing | 21 ACT or 3.25 GPA | No | Yes | 21–24 ACT or ~3.25–3.59 GPA |
| Lion Pride | Up to $1,000/yr + up to $1,500 housing | 19 ACT or 3.0 GPA | No | Yes | 19–20 ACT or ~3.0–3.24 GPA |
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. Your admissions application is used to award these merit tiers. Check the UAFS scholarship page for the current priority date.
Do they accept SAT instead of ACT? Yes. UAFS considers equivalent SAT scores in place of ACT for scholarship eligibility.
Do they superscore? UAFS does not publish a superscore policy for institutional merit awards; send all test dates so they can consider your best official scores. Note: some Arkansas state scholarships administered by ADHE reference ACT superscore in their criteria; that is separate from UAFS awards.
Can these stack with other aid? UAFS tuition scholarships generally do not stack with other UAFS tuition scholarships (the highest eligible award is applied). State aid like the Arkansas Academic Challenge can typically stack; always confirm on your award letter.
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Awards)
These are UAFS’s most selective, university-level competitive scholarships. They require extra steps beyond admission and are awarded to a small number of top applicants each year.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Bank Corp. Business Scholarship | Full tuition & fees (4 yrs) + up to $2,500 housing (2 yrs) | ACT 27; 3.5 GPA; major in Business/Industry; leadership/service profile | Yes (Prestigious Scholarship application; typical window Oct–Jan) | Yes (e.g., 3.0 GPA; 15 credits/term, 30/yr) | Top business-intended students with strong academics and impact |
| Roland S. Boreham Jr. Engineering Scholarship | Full tuition & fees (4 yrs) + required books & $2,000 housing/yr | Preferred ACT 27; 3.5 GPA; engineering; rigorous math/science prep | Yes (Prestigious Scholarship application; competitive review) | Yes (e.g., 3.0 GPA; 15 credits/term, 30/yr) | Top engineering prospects with leadership and STEM achievements |
Flagship Scholarship FAQ
Why are these considered competitive? They have limited slots, require a separate UAFS Prestigious Scholarship application, and may include essays and interviews.
What are the usual timelines? The Prestigious portal typically opens around Oct 1 and closes in mid-January (e.g., Jan 12 in recent cycles). Always confirm the current-year deadline on the UAFS scholarships page.
Can these stack with automatic merit? No. Flagship/Prestigious awards replace admission-based merit, though state aid (like Arkansas Academic Challenge) can often still apply.
Any major restrictions? Yes—Business is required for First Bank Corp.; Engineering is required for Boreham. Major-specific awards that aren’t university-level flagships will be listed in Hidden Gems.
⭐ 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.
🎖️ 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.
GPA 3.5+ in high school, ACT 27+ (or SAT equivalent), AP/IB or concurrent credits, leadership roles, and curiosity for global and civic engagement.
- Priority class registration
- Smaller, discussion-based honors seminars
- Funded domestic and international study trips (students cover course tuition only)
- Dedicated honors housing options
- Recognition at graduation (cum honore)
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Myles Friedman Honors Program Scholarship | Generous institutional award; often covers a large portion of tuition (exact amount varies by year) | Admitted to Myles Friedman Honors Program; GPA 3.5+ and ACT 27+ are typical benchmarks | Yes (part of Honors Program application; priority deadline mid-November) | Yes (maintain GPA and honors course load) | Students admitted into the Honors Program with strong academics and leadership |
Disclaimer: UAFS lists this scholarship as “generous” without a fixed dollar figure. Parents should confirm current-year 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 usually November 15, with final decisions in January. Always verify the current year’s timeline.
Does every Honors student receive the scholarship? Most admitted students are offered generous funding, but amounts vary. Admission is the gateway to being considered.
📎 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.
✅ Last updated: September 24, 2025