University of Arkansas–Fort Smith Scholarships (2026–2027)
← Back to college scholarships hub • See Arkansas aid & Grants
Last Updated on June 9, 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: ~81%
- Middle 50% ACT: 22
- Middle 50% SAT: N/A
- Average GPA: 3.39
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📌 University of Arkansas–Fort Smith at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (UAFS Prestigious Scholarship & Roland S. Boreham Jr. Engineering Scholarship)
Average Net Price
$10,097/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
Up to $6,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
19 opportunities
5 automatic · 3 competitive · 10 hidden gem · 1 honors
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3+; ACT 19+ / SAT 1060+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: May 1 • FAFSA: Jul 1
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
UAFS Prestigious Scholarship & Roland S. Boreham Jr. Engineering Scholarship
Honors College
Honors Program Available
The University of Arkansas–Fort Smith is one of those schools that doesn’t try to overcomplicate things. Most of the merit aid is automatic, tied directly to GPA and test scores, and easy to understand upfront. If your student is in that solid B to low-A range, there’s a good chance they’ll qualify for something without jumping through extra hoops—and for many families, that predictability matters more than chasing long-shot full rides.
This is a practical, value-focused option—especially for in-state students or those nearby. You’re not coming here for flashy, ultra-competitive scholarships—you’re coming for a clear path to an affordable degree. If your student wants smaller class sizes, a more hands-on environment, and less admissions stress, this is the kind of school where that combination actually lines up with the money.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — University of Arkansas–Fort Smith is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 22; SAT: N/A.
Average net price? About $10,097/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes — participates in ACM.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Arkansas–Fort Smith 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) |
$9,826 |
$15,226 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$10,543 |
$10,543 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$20,369 |
$25,769 |
Average Federal Net Price: $10,097 — 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.
Border-State Waiver: Residents of Oklahoma, Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas qualify for the in-state tuition rate.
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 participates in ACM. Students in eligible majors from participating Southern states may qualify for in-state tuition through ACM.
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.
Automatic
Platinum
📅 Deadline: February 15 (priority)
✓ Renews (3 GPA)
🏫 4.0+ GPA✎ ~30 ACT✎ ~1370 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
UAFS tuition scholarships generally do not stack with other UAFS tuition scholarships; state aid such as Arkansas Academic Challenge usually stacks.
💡
Strategic Detail
Award is listed as up to $6,000 per year plus $1,500 housing; final amount depends on meeting UAFS GPA/ACT thresholds and available funds. Housing award is for on-campus housing such as Lion's Den.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top academic freshmen with ACT 30+ and 4.0 GPA or valedictorian ranking.
Automatic
Gold
📅 Deadline: February 15
✓ Renews (3 GPA)
🏫 3.8+ GPA✎ ~27 ACT✎ ~1280 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
UAFS tuition scholarships generally do not stack with other UAFS tuition scholarships; state aid such as Arkansas Academic Challenge usually stacks.
💡
Strategic Detail
Award is listed as up to $4,000 per year plus $1,500 housing; final amount depends on meeting UAFS GPA/ACT thresholds and available funds.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: High-achieving freshmen typically with 27–29 ACT or about a 3.8 or higher high school GPA.
Automatic
Silver
📅 Deadline: February 15
✓ Renews (3 GPA)
🏫 3.6+ GPA✎ ~25 ACT✎ ~1200 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
UAFS tuition scholarships generally do not stack with other UAFS tuition scholarships; state aid such as Arkansas Academic Challenge usually stacks.
💡
Strategic Detail
Award is listed as up to $3,000 per year plus $1,500 housing; final amount depends on meeting UAFS GPA/ACT thresholds and available funds.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Freshmen often in the 25–26 ACT range or with about a 3.6–3.79 high school GPA.
Automatic
Bronze
📅 Deadline: February 15
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA)
🏫 3.3+ GPA✎ ~21 ACT✎ ~1060 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
UAFS tuition scholarships generally do not stack with other UAFS tuition scholarships; state aid such as Arkansas Academic Challenge usually stacks.
💡
Strategic Detail
Award is listed as up to $2,000 per year plus $1,500 housing; final amount depends on meeting UAFS GPA/ACT thresholds and available funds.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Freshmen with ACT scores around 21–24 or high school GPAs around 3.25–3.59.
Automatic
Lion Pride
📅 Deadline: February 15
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA)
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~19 ACT
✚
Stacking & Combining
UAFS tuition scholarships generally do not stack with other UAFS tuition scholarships; state aid such as Arkansas Academic Challenge usually stacks.
💡
Strategic Detail
Award is listed as up to $1,000 per year plus $1,500 housing; final amount depends on meeting UAFS GPA/ACT thresholds and available funds.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Freshmen with ACT scores around 19–20 or high school GPAs around 3.0–3.24.
* 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.
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.
Sources:
UAFS Freshman Merit Scholarships – https://uafs.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/freshman-scholarships.php
UAFS Lion’s Share Scholarship Portal – https://uafs.academicworks.com/
UAFS Myles Friedman Honors Program – https://catalog.uafs.edu/content.php?catoid=9&navoid=356#Honors_Program
UAFS Scholarships Main – https://uafs.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/index.php
Arkansas Next College Scholarships – https://arkansasnext.com/college-guide/512/uafs-scholarships
CollegeRaptor UAFS Awards – https://www.collegeraptor.com/colleges/details/1061050/University-of-Arkansas-Fort-Smith
🏆 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.
Full TuitionApp Requiredmajor_specificpipelinehonors
UAFS Prestigious Scholarship
📅 Deadline: January 12 (Prestigious application deadline; confirm current date on UAFS site)
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Competitive awards for top-tier students. Only the Boreham (Engineering) and First Bank (Business) scholarships guarantee full tuition and fees. The Myles Friedman (Honors) award is substantial but may not cover 100% for every student. Action Required: Apply to UAFS first, then apply via the 'Prestigious Scholarship' portal by January 12
🏫 3.8+ GPA👥 ~Limited number of awards each year winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Prestigious awards replace automatic merit scholarships but can usually stack with Arkansas state aid such as Academic Challenge.
📄
How to Apply
Submit UAFS Prestigious Scholarship application through the Admissions Application Status Portal with essays, recommendation letters, and resume by the published Prestigious deadline after being admitted as an incoming freshman.
Selection criteria: Holistic review emphasizing academic excellence, leadership, service, and quality of essays and recommendations.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Freshman Prestigious Scholarships require a separate application in addition to admission; awards are limited and amounts are not published annually but are described as up to full UAFS tuition.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: High-achieving freshmen with around 3.8+ GPA, strong leadership and service, excellent essays, and standout applications; only a small cohort of new winners is selected each year.
App Required
Boreham Jr. Engineering Scholarship
📅 Deadline: January 12 (typical UAFS Prestigious/Lion's Share scholarship deadline; confirm current year deadline)
✓ Renews
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~27 ACT✎ ~1280 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Listed as an institutional engineering scholarship; stacking with other institutional tuition awards may be limited and should be confirmed in the financial aid package.
📄
How to Apply
Apply and be admitted as a mechanical or electrical engineering major, then submit the Boreham Engineering Scholarship application through UAFS scholarship systems or Lion's Share by the stated deadline.
Selection criteria: Selection emphasizes academic excellence in STEM and commitment to mechanical or electrical engineering.
💡
Strategic Detail
Competitive institutional engineering scholarship for first-time freshmen in mechanical or electrical engineering; information is corroborated across external listings and UAFS materials but exact internal award structure may vary by year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top engineering admits who major in mechanical or electrical engineering with at least a 27 ACT and 3.5 GPA.
App Required
First Bank Corp. Scholarship
📅 Deadline: January 12 (typical UAFS competitive scholarship deadline; confirm current year deadline)
✓ Renews
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Institutional business scholarship; may interact with other institutional awards and should be confirmed in the student's award package.
📄
How to Apply
Apply as an incoming business major and complete the UAFS or Lion's Share application for the First Bank Corp. Scholarship by the posted deadline.
Selection criteria: Selection emphasizes academic strength and potential in business along with overall application quality.
💡
Strategic Detail
Referenced in UAFS advising and scholarship materials as a flagship business scholarship; detailed dollar disbursement and renewal terms are not fully published.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Outstanding incoming business majors who are among the top applicants in the business program.
* 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.
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.
Sources:
UAFS Prestigious Scholarships – https://uafs.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/freshman-scholarships.php
UAFS Catalog – https://catalog.uafs.edu/content.php?catoid=9&navoid=356#Honors_Program
UAFS Boreham Scholarship – https://www.collegeraptor.com/colleges/details/1061050/University-of-Arkansas-Fort-Smith
ADHE Scholarship Programs – https://sams.adhe.edu/
UAFS Lion’s Share Portal – https://uafs.academicworks.com/
UAFS Financial Aid Main – https://uafs.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/index.php
💎 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.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Jazz Band Scholarship Fund
📅 Deadline: December 5, January 16, February 13, April 10, April 24 (music audition dates)
✓ Renews
$500–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Jazz Band awards stack with most other aid as talent-based ensemble scholarships, within overall financial aid limits.
📄
How to Apply
Audition for the UAFS Jazz Band and complete any required music scholarship forms by the posted audition dates.
Selection criteria: Selection is based on jazz performance skill, ensemble needs, and commitment to Jazz Band.
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP ranges for Jazz Band awards reflect typical ensemble scholarship sizes and should be confirmed with the music department for the current year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Full-time students who successfully audition for Jazz Band and commit to ensemble participation.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
UAFS Foundation Scholarships (Lion’s Share)
📅 Deadline: February 27
Non-Renewable
$500–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Foundation awards can typically stack with institutional merit and external aid, subject to individual fund rules and cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the Lion’s Share general scholarship application online and any supplemental questions for specific funds.
Selection criteria: Selection is based on donor-defined criteria such as merit, need, major, and involvement.
💡
Strategic Detail
Lion’s Share is the UAFS Foundation portal with more than 250 scholarship opportunities totaling roughly $2 million; one application is used to match students to many funds.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Admitted or current UAFS students across majors who match donor criteria such as need, merit, major, or activities.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Music & Band Scholarships
📅 Deadline: December 5, January 16, February 13, April 10, April 24 (audition dates)
✓ Renews
$500–$3,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Music scholarships can typically stack with other institutional and foundation awards subject to departmental and aid rules.
📄
How to Apply
Register for and complete a music audition with the UAFS Department of Music and Theatre by one of the published audition dates.
Selection criteria: Awards are based on audition performance, ensemble needs, and musical potential.
💡
Strategic Detail
UAFS notes that music scholarships are talent-based and available to both majors and non-majors; CRP ranges reflect typical amounts rather than guaranteed levels.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who successfully audition and participate in UAFS ensembles, including both music majors and non-majors.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Patricia Mings Endowed Scholarship
📅 Deadline: June 1
✓ Renews
$1,000–$3,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Endowed music scholarship that can be combined with other awards, subject to donor and aid rules.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through Lion’s Share for the Patricia Mings Music Endowed Scholarship and meet full-time music enrollment and ensemble participation requirements.
Selection criteria: Selection focuses on dedication to music study and ensemble involvement.
💡
Strategic Detail
Official Lion’s Share listing shows a variable award amount and a June 1 deadline; CRP amount range reflects narrative description rather than a fixed cap.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Dedicated full-time music majors who participate in sanctioned UAFS music ensembles.
Full TuitionApp Requiredmajor_specific
Roland S. Boreham Jr. Engineering Scholarship
📅 Deadline: January 12
✓ Renews (3 GPA)
Full Tuition
tuition, fees, books, and housing
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Flagship engineering scholarship at UAFS that pays full in‑state tuition+mandatory fees and books, plus a modest housing stipend; limited to top engineering majors.
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~27 ACT✎ ~1280 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers full UAFS tuition and fees plus required books and housing support for engineering students; generally does not stack with other UAFS tuition scholarships, though outside aid can often be applied.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission as an engineering major and complete the Prestigious Scholarship application, indicating interest in the Boreham Engineering Scholarship.
Selection criteria: Selection emphasizes academic strength in STEM coursework plus leadership and service within engineering-related activities.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table indicates full tuition, fees, books, and a housing stipend for engineering majors; official year-specific details should be verified in Lion’s Share and any current UAFS engineering scholarship materials.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top incoming engineering admits with at least a 27 ACT, 3.5 GPA, and strong STEM performance and leadership.
App Required
STEM Scholarship
📅 Deadline: January 12
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 2 yrs)
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~26 ACT✎ ~1240 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Intended as a substantial institutional STEM award tied to Prestigious review; other UAFS tuition scholarships typically will not stack, though external and state awards may still apply.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission, declare a STEM major, and submit the Prestigious Scholarship application by the January deadline.
Selection criteria: Holistic review focused on STEM academic achievement and readiness for rigorous coursework.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Award is described in CRP content as up to $27,000 plus housing for two years; exact packaging and number of awards may vary and should be confirmed in Lion’s Share for the target year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: STEM majors with ACT 26+ and GPA around 3.5 or higher plus strong STEM coursework.
Full TuitionAutomatic⚠ All Undergrad Onlygeographicneed_based
UAFS Tuition and Mandatory Fee Guarantee
📅 Deadline: FAFSA and Arkansas Academic Challenge deadlines; UAFS suggests completing aid applications by early spring for the upcoming fall.
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition and mandatory fees gap coverage
✔ Stackable
⚠ For Arkansas residents who get both Pell and the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship, UAFS guarantees any remaining tuition and mandatory fees are covered, but not housing or meals
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers remaining tuition and mandatory fees after Pell Grant, Arkansas Academic Challenge, and other grants/scholarships are applied; does not create a refund beyond billed tuition and mandatory fees.
💡
Strategic Detail
Program is structured as a last-dollar guarantee; amount varies by student based on Pell, state aid, and other scholarships. Families should confirm annual eligibility rules and any credit progression or SAP requirements with financial aid.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Arkansas resident undergraduates who qualify for both Pell and the Arkansas Academic Challenge and enroll full-time at UAFS.
App Required⚠ Upperclassmen Only
Washington Center Scholarship
📅 Deadline: July 1 (state scholarship priority; semester-specific internal dates may vary)
Non-Renewable
🏫 2.8+ GPA👥 ~Varies by state funding and number of applicants winners/yr🎓 Upperclassmen
✚
Stacking & Combining
One-time state-funded scholarship that can be combined with institutional and other aid, subject to ADHE and campus rules.
📄
How to Apply
Apply and be accepted to The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars, then submit the Arkansas Washington Center Scholarship application via ADHE SAMS.
Selection criteria: Awards are made by ADHE based on eligibility and available funding, often on a first-come, first-served basis.
💡
Strategic Detail
ADHE describes this as a state scholarship of up to $6,000 for one-term participation at The Washington Center; UAFS lists it among scholarship opportunities.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Arkansas students accepted to The Washington Center who meet GPA and enrollment criteria.
App Required
Chancellor’s Leadership Council Scholarship
📅 Deadline: February 27
✓ Renews
$1,000–$2,500/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Leadership scholarship that can often be combined with other institutional and foundation awards, subject to fund and aid limits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through Lion’s Share or specified leadership application process; selection is made by the Chancellor’s Leadership Council.
Selection criteria: Selection emphasizes leadership involvement and continued participation in council activities.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Award amounts and selection processes may vary by year; CRP ranges are based on typical donor descriptions and should be confirmed in Lion’s Share for the current cycle.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Incoming students with documented leadership experience and solid academics.
Full TuitionApp Requiredmajor_specific
First Bank Corp. Business Scholarship
📅 Deadline: January 12
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 2 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition, fees, and housing
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Competitive business‑major scholarship at UAFS that pays full in‑state tuition+mandatory fees for four years, with an optional two‑year housing stipend.
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~27 ACT✎ ~1280 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Award is described as a full-tuition and fee scholarship with housing support and is tied to Prestigious review; it generally replaces automatic merit scholarships from UAFS while state aid may still apply.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the UAFS Prestigious Scholarship application during the October–January window and indicate a qualifying business or industry major.
Selection criteria: Holistic review that considers academic metrics alongside leadership, service, and overall impact.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP description indicates coverage of full tuition and fees plus housing support for two years for high-achieving business or industry majors; exact packaging for 2025–2026 should be confirmed in Lion’s Share and UAFS scholarship pages.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Top incoming business-intended students with ACT 27 or higher, at least a 3.5 GPA, and strong leadership and service records.
* 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 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.
Sources:
UAFS Lion’s Share Foundation Scholarships – https://uafs.academicworks.com/
UAFS Scholarships Main – https://uafs.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/index.php
UAFS Music Auditions and Awards – https://uafs.edu/music-auditions
Army ROTC Scholarships – https://armyrotc.army.mil/scholarships
UAFS Army ROTC Dept – https://uafs.edu/rotc
UAFS Air Force ROTC – https://uafs.edu/air-force-rotc
Arkansas Academic Challenge – https://sams.adhe.edu/
Choctaw Nation Higher Ed Program – https://www.choctawnation.com/services/education/higher-education-scholarships
Washington Center Scholarship – https://uafs.edu/news/news-detail/2024/02/19/washington-center-scholarship
🎖️ 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.
What a Typical UAFS Honors Student Looks Like:
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.
Perks That Matter:
- 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)
App Required
Myles Friedman Honors Program Scholarship
📅 Deadline: November 15 · 📢 Results: January (typical honors decision timeline)
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~27 ACT✎ ~1280 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Honors scholarship is awarded in addition to other institutional scholarships in many cases, but families should confirm stacking rules with UAFS financial aid.
📄
How to Apply
Apply separately to the Myles Friedman Honors Program with required essays, recommendations, and materials by the stated honors deadline.
Selection criteria: Holistic review emphasizing academic strength, leadership, and fit for the honors curriculum.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
UAFS describes the scholarship as a generous institutional award that often covers a large portion of tuition; exact dollar amounts are not published and can vary by year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students admitted into the Myles Friedman Honors Program with strong academics, leadership, and engagement.
* 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: 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.
Sources:
UAFS Honors Program – https://uafs.edu/academics/honors
UAFS Honors Scholarship Deadlines – https://uafs.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/freshman-scholarships.php
Myles Friedman Honors – https://catalog.uafs.edu/content.php?catoid=9&navoid=356#Honors_Program
⭐ 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.
Nursing: UAFS consistently reports one of the highest NCLEX-RN pass rates in Arkansas, making it a top choice statewide for students pursuing nursing careers.
- 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.
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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