University of Arkansas–Fort Smith Scholarships (2026–2027)
← Back to college scholarships hub • See Arkansas aid & Grants
Last Updated on June 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: ~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 (Myles Friedman Honors Program Scholarship & UAFS Tuition and Mandatory Fee Guarantee)
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
16 opportunities
5 automatic · 3 competitive · 7 hidden gem · 1 honors
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3+; ACT 19+ / SAT TBD+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: May 1 • FAFSA: Jul 1
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Myles Friedman Honors Program Scholarship & UAFS Tuition and Mandatory Fee Guarantee
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/year after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes — participates in ACM.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Arkansas–Fort Smith 2026-2027
📅 2027–2028 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2026–2027). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2027–2028 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: May 1
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 4.0+ GPA✎ ~30 ACTOpen to first-time high school seniors graduating in spring and entering UAFS the following fall as a full-time freshman; submitting the admission application by the Fall merit deadline handles both acceptance and scholarship review in one step.
✚
Stacking & Combining
UAFS keeps this clean: the Platinum tuition award generally does not double up with other UAFS tuition scholarships, but Arkansas state aid like the Academic Challenge Scholarship layers on top comfortably for extra help.
💡
Strategic Detail
The Platinum tier is UAFS's top automatic merit award, folded right into your admission application so there's no separate form to hunt down. If your student lands a 30 ACT with a 4.0 GPA, or wears the valedictorian sash, the university layers up to $6,000 per year in tuition support with an additional $1,500 housing stipend for a bed in the Lion's Den residence hall. It's a four-year commitment as long as they keep pace with 24 credit hours annually and a 3.0 UAFS GPA.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Top-of-the-class seniors landing a 30 ACT alongside a 4.0 GPA, or students earning valedictorian status — that alternate route in is easy to miss on a first read of the criteria.
Automatic
Gold
📅 Deadline: May 1
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.8+ GPA✎ ~27 ACTOpen to first-time high school seniors graduating in spring and entering UAFS the following fall as a full-time freshman; the admission application submitted by the Fall merit deadline covers both acceptance and scholarship review.
✚
Stacking & Combining
This tier generally does not stack with other UAFS tuition awards, but Arkansas state aid such as the Academic Challenge Scholarship layers on top and can meaningfully close the gap on room, board, and books.
💡
Strategic Detail
The Gold tier delivers $4,000 per year plus the $1,500 Lion's Den housing stipend, unlocked with either a 27 ACT or a 3.8 GPA. Like the other tiers, it renews for four years so long as your student holds a 3.0 UAFS GPA and clears 24 credit hours annually.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Solid B-plus to A students who hit either a 27 ACT or a 3.8 high school GPA — the 'or' matters here, hitting one or the other is enough.
Automatic
Silver
📅 Deadline: May 1
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.6+ GPA✎ ~25 ACTOpen to first-time high school seniors graduating in spring and entering UAFS the following fall as a full-time freshman; the admission application submitted by the Fall merit deadline handles both acceptance and scholarship review.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Does not typically double up with other UAFS tuition awards, but Arkansas state aid layers on top and can add significant help.
💡
Strategic Detail
Silver runs $3,000 per year plus the $1,500 Lion's Den housing stipend, and it opens up with a 25 ACT or a 3.6 GPA. Renewable across four years with a 3.0 UAFS GPA and 24 completed credits annually.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Freshmen with either a 25 ACT or a 3.6 GPA — either path independently qualifies.
Automatic
Bronze
📅 Deadline: May 1
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.3+ GPA✎ ~21 ACTOpen to first-time high school seniors graduating in spring and entering UAFS the following fall as a full-time freshman; the admission application submitted by the Fall merit deadline covers both acceptance and scholarship review.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Does not typically stack with other UAFS tuition awards, but Arkansas state aid such as the Academic Challenge Scholarship layers on top and can meaningfully add to the package.
💡
Strategic Detail
Bronze delivers $2,000 per year plus the $1,500 Lion's Den housing stipend for a 21 ACT or a 3.25 GPA. Renewal loosens up here — a 2.5 UAFS GPA holds it, and the 24-credit-per-year pace stays the same.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Freshmen who cross either a 21 ACT or a 3.25 GPA — a genuinely accessible entry point.
Automatic
Lion Pride
📅 Deadline: May 1
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~19 ACTOpen to first-time high school seniors graduating in spring and entering UAFS the following fall as a full-time freshman; the admission application submitted by the Fall merit deadline covers both acceptance and scholarship review.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Does not typically stack with other UAFS tuition awards, but Arkansas state aid such as the Academic Challenge Scholarship layers on top comfortably.
💡
Strategic Detail
Lion Pride is the entry point at $1,000 per year plus the $1,500 Lion's Den housing stipend, opening the door with a 19 ACT or a 3.0 GPA. Same 2.5 renewal GPA and 24-credit-per-year rhythm as Bronze — a good option for students building momentum in their college years.
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Who Actually Wins
Freshmen who reach either a 19 ACT or a 3.0 GPA — a broadly accessible tier that welcomes solid, steady students.
* 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.
App Requiredmajor
STEM Scholarship
📅 Deadline: January 12 (annual Prestigious Scholarship application deadline)
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
⚠ Prestigious STEM award providing $5,500 per year toward tuition and fees plus an optional two-year housing stipend for eligible STEM majors.
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~26 ACTOpen to first-time freshmen pursuing biology, biology with teacher licensure, chemistry, computer science, geoscience, mathematics, mathematics with teacher licensure, or engineering. Requires the Prestigious/STEM Scholarship application through the Lion's Share portal.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Because it's a fixed dollar amount rather than full tuition, it typically replaces the automatic merit tier but leaves room for Arkansas state aid to layer on for indirect costs.
📄
How to Apply
First, apply for admission to UAFS and declare an eligible STEM major. Then complete the Prestigious/STEM Scholarship application through the Admissions Application Status Portal, including essays and required materials, by the Prestigious deadline.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
The STEM Scholarship packages up to $27,000 over four years — $5,500 per year for tuition and fees plus an optional $2,500 housing stipend across two years. Renewal requires a 3.0 UAFS GPA and 30 credits per year. There's a fine-print catch for engineering majors: this award applies only while completing the Associate of Science in electrical or mechanical engineering with UAFS as home institution.
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Who Actually Wins
Most winners: STEM-bound freshmen with a 26 ACT and 3.5 GPA declaring biology, chemistry, computer science, geoscience, math (with or without teacher licensure), or engineering.
Full TuitionApp Requiredmajor
Boreham Jr. Engineering Scholarship
📅 Deadline: January 12 (annual Prestigious Scholarship application deadline)
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition plus fees plus books plus housing stipend
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Flagship engineering award covering full UAFS tuition and fees plus books and an optional housing stipend for engineering majors.
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~27 ACTApplies only while the student remains enrolled in a UAFS engineering program. Switching majors out of engineering may end the award.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Because this covers full tuition and fees on its own, it generally replaces the automatic merit tiers rather than stacking with them. Arkansas state aid layers on for indirect costs like living expenses.
📄
How to Apply
First, apply for admission to UAFS and declare an eligible engineering major. Then complete the Prestigious Scholarship application in the Admissions Application Status Portal, including essays and required materials, by the Prestigious deadline.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
The Boreham Jr. Engineering Scholarship is UAFS's flagship award for future engineers. It covers full tuition and mandatory fees, all required books and supplies for engineering courses, and includes an optional $2,000 per year on-campus housing stipend — worth flagging that this housing amount runs annually and is structured differently than the two-year stipends on the other Prestigious awards. Renewal requires a 3.0 UAFS GPA and 30 credits per year (15 per semester), and housing must be requested by March 15 and used consecutively.
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Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top engineering-bound admits with a 27 ACT and 3.5 GPA who commit to a UAFS engineering program from day one and can write a compelling application essay.
Full TuitionApp Requiredmajor
First Bank Corp. Business Scholarship
📅 Deadline: January 12 (annual Prestigious Scholarship application deadline)
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition plus fees plus housing stipend
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Flagship business award covering full UAFS tuition and fees plus an optional two-year housing stipend for College of Business and Industry majors.
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~27 ACTFor first-time freshmen entering fall as a full-time student pursuing a degree in the College of Business and Industry. The Prestigious Scholarship application through the Admissions Application Status Portal is required. Changing majors out of business may result in loss of the scholarship.
✚
Stacking & Combining
This full-tuition Prestigious award generally replaces the automatic merit tiers rather than stacking. Arkansas state aid like the Academic Challenge Scholarship can still layer on for other costs.
📄
How to Apply
First, apply for admission to UAFS and declare a major in the College of Business and Industry. Then complete the Prestigious Scholarship application in the Admissions Application Status Portal, including essays and required materials, by the Prestigious deadline.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
First Bank Corp. Business Scholarship is the College of Business and Industry's flagship award. It provides full tuition and mandatory fees over four years plus an optional $2,500 housing stipend for two years. Recipients hold a 3.0 UAFS GPA and complete 30 credits per year to renew. Switching out of a business major mid-degree can put the award at risk, so this one is designed for students who arrive knowing business is the plan.
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Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Outstanding incoming business majors with a 27 ACT and 3.5 GPA who bring leadership presence and want to represent the College of Business and Industry.
* 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
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.
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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 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.
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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.
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.
* 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)
Full TuitionApp Requiredhonors
Myles Friedman Honors Program Scholarship
📅 Deadline: November 15
✓ Renews (3.2 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition plus fees plus housing stipend
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Full in-state tuition and fees plus a two-year housing stipend for students admitted to the Myles Friedman Honors Program.
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~27 ACTFor freshmen admitted to the Myles Friedman Honors Program. Honors admission is competitive and reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to applicants who submit by the November 15 preferred deadline.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Because it covers full in-state tuition and mandatory fees, this Honors award generally replaces the automatic merit tiers. Arkansas state aid stacks on for room, board, and other costs.
📄
How to Apply
First, apply for admission to UAFS. Then submit the Myles Friedman Honors Program application with required essays and materials by the priority Honors deadline. Selected applicants are invited to an interview and finalist review.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
The Myles Friedman Honors Program Scholarship totals up to $34,000 over four years — full in-state tuition and mandatory fees (roughly $7,338.50 annually, or about $3,669.25 each fall and spring semester) plus an optional $2,500 housing stipend for two years. Renewal is a step tougher than the base merit tiers: a 3.2 UAFS GPA and 30 credits per year (27 in year one, with at least 12 in the first semester). Priority Honors application is November 15, with the final Prestigious deadline of January 12.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Freshmen admitted to the Myles Friedman Honors Program with a 27 ACT or a 3.5 GPA who bring strong writing and clear interview presence to the honors review.
* 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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