University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 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 go. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offers clear paths to bring the cost down—through automatic merit aid, out-of-state tuition discounts, and programs unique to Arkansas students. This guide walks you through UAPB’s scholarships step by step, with links to our Arkansas state aid guide and the full College Scholarships Hub.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $9,412 | $17,992 |
| Housing & Meals | $9,194 | $9,194 |
| Books, Travel, Personal | ≈$5,280 | ≈$5,280 |
| Total (before aid) | ≈$23,960 | ≈$32,540 |
UAPB also grants a Shelby County (TN) Waiver for qualifying freshmen who live in nearby communities and commit to full-time study and on-campus housing.
Arkansas participates in the Academic Common Market (ACM), which may let students pay in-state tuition for approved majors if their home state doesn’t offer the program.
FAQ about Discounts & Waivers
Who qualifies? Out-of-state students with the right GPA/test scores or who live in designated areas like Shelby County, TN. Students in ACM-approved majors from partner states may also qualify.
How much can you save? The Neighbors of Arkansas program can cut out-of-state tuition by as much as 90%, and ACM waivers reduce costs to the in-state rate for specific majors.
Do you need to apply? The Neighbors and Shelby County waivers are tied to admission and scholarship applications. ACM requires a separate application through your state higher education office.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
UAPB awards most of its scholarships automatically when students apply for admission. Awards are based on high school GPA and ACT/SAT scores, and funds are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. No separate application is required—just apply to the university before the priority deadline.
| Scholarship | Award Amount (per year) | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chancellor’s Scholarship | $16,500 per year | 3.75 GPA + 28 ACT / 1310 SAT; admission by Jan 1 | No | Yes (up to 4 years) | Students with 3.8+ GPAs, rigorous coursework, and high test scores who apply early |
| University Scholarship | $12,000 per year | 3.5 GPA + 23–27 ACT / 1130–1260 SAT | No | Yes (up to 4 years) | Strong students with 3.6+ GPAs and test scores in the listed range |
| Dean’s Scholarship | $5,000 per year | 3.5 GPA + 21–22 ACT / 1060–1100 SAT | No | Yes (up to 4 years) | Students with steady academic records and mid-range test scores |
| Leadership Scholarship | $2,000 per year | 3.0 GPA + 19–20 ACT / 980–1030 SAT | No | Yes (up to 4 years) | Applicants with 3.0+ GPAs and test scores just under the Dean’s tier |
| Black & Gold Scholarship | $1,500 per year | 2.75 GPA + 18 ACT / 960 SAT | No | Yes (up to 4 years) | Students who meet the baseline admission scores and GPA |
| Golden Lion Scholarship | $1,000 per year | 2.75 GPA + 17 ACT / 900 SAT | No | Yes (up to 4 years) | Students who meet the minimum criteria for scholarship entry |
Note: Award amounts are per year and renewable up to 4 years. GPA and test score cutoffs are based on the university’s most recent published scholarship grid (2025 cycle). Actual cutoffs may shift slightly depending on the year’s applicant pool and available funds.
FAQ about Automatic Scholarships
Do I need a separate application? No. Your admissions application is also your scholarship application. Meeting the priority deadline (March 1) is essential, and the Chancellor’s tier requires admission by January 1.
Does UAPB superscore the ACT or SAT? Yes. UAPB uses your highest subscores across multiple test dates to calculate a new composite. Be sure to submit all of your ACT or SAT scores so the university can use your best section results for admission and scholarship consideration.
Can these awards be combined with waivers? Stacking rules aren’t clearly published. Some students may combine merit with need-based aid or special waivers, but check with the Financial Aid Office before assuming they stack.
Are scholarships renewable? Yes, all automatic awards are renewable for up to 4 years if students maintain full-time enrollment and meet academic standards (renewal GPA and credit load not posted publicly).
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Unlike the automatic scholarships that come with admission, competitive awards at UAPB require extra steps such as essays, recommendations, or interviews. These are usually limited in number and go to students who stand out beyond GPA and test scores. At this time, UAPB does not publish any central, university-wide competitive scholarships outside of the automatic merit tiers.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No university-wide competitive scholarships are currently listed. | |||||
FAQ about Competitive Scholarships
Does UAPB have competitive, full-ride programs? Not at this time. The major scholarships at UAPB are automatic merit awards tied to GPA and test scores.
Where should students look instead? Departmental scholarships and Honors Program awards are handled separately and will be covered in their own sections of this guide.
Is it still worth applying early? Yes. Even though there are no extra competitive programs, automatic merit funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
⭐ College Specialty
If you’ve heard of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, chances are it’s because of its deep roots in agriculture and aquaculture. As Arkansas’s only public HBCU and a federally designated 1890 land-grant institution, UAPB has carved out a niche in programs that directly support the state’s industries and communities. Families looking for a school where academics connect closely to real-world careers will find those ties here.
Aquaculture & Fisheries — UAPB hosts the state’s only comprehensive program in this field, with a nationally recognized Center of Excellence supporting Arkansas’s $60+ million aquaculture industry.
- Agriculture & Human Sciences: As an 1890 land-grant university, UAPB plays a key role in agricultural research, extension, and human sciences education in Arkansas.
- STEM & Cybersecurity: Offers a B.S. in Cybersecurity and expanding computing programs to meet national workforce needs in information security.
- Music & Performing Arts: The Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South (band) is regionally famous and a source of scholarships and visibility for the university.
- Teacher Education: Longstanding School of Education programs prepare K-12 teachers, especially for underserved Arkansas communities.
🎖️ Honors College
UAPB’s Carolyn F. Blakely Honors Program is designed for motivated students who want a more personalized academic experience. It offers smaller seminars, close faculty mentorship, and enrichment opportunities that go beyond the standard curriculum. Admission is selective, but it’s accessible to strong students who demonstrate both academic readiness and commitment.
GPA of 3.25 or higher, solid academic preparation, willingness to engage in seminars and colloquia, and leadership potential.
- Priority registration for classes
- Access to honors-only seminars and colloquia
- Book loan program to offset costs
- Opportunities for cultural events, professional meetings, and study abroad
Scholarship Connection: The Carolyn F. Blakely Honors Program does not have a separate scholarship application. Instead, the same high-achieving students who qualify for the program also qualify for UAPB’s top merit awards:
- Chancellor’s Scholarship: $16,500 per year ($66,000 total) for students with a 3.75 GPA and a 28 ACT or 1310 SAT. Many recipients are also admitted into Honors.
- University Scholarship: $12,000 per year ($48,000 total) for students with a 3.5 GPA and ACT/SAT scores in the mid-20s range. Strong candidates often overlap with Honors admission.
In short, there isn’t a separate “Honors College Scholarship.” Instead, the academic bar for Honors lines up with UAPB’s most generous awards, making the program an added value on top of those scholarships.
FAQ about the Honors Program
Is admission automatic? No. Students must apply to the program and meet GPA requirements; current UAPB students can also apply after enrollment.
Does it add time to a degree? No. Honors is designed as an enrichment program and does not add extra semesters.
How do scholarships work with Honors? Honors students are usually the same students who receive UAPB’s top merit awards, like the Chancellor’s and University Scholarships.
When should students apply? The program encourages early application, ideally before or at the time of enrollment, since spaces are limited.
📎 Official Links
- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Homepage
- Carolyn F. Blakely Honors Program
- Scholarships & Financial Aid
Final Thoughts
For families looking at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the numbers tell a clear story: strong automatic scholarships, generous hidden gems like ROTC and band, and an Honors Program that lines up with the school’s top awards. If your student is motivated and willing to take advantage of auditions, applications, or enrichment opportunities, UAPB can be an affordable path with plenty of support built in. It’s a place where effort really does translate into savings.
✅ Last updated: September 17, 2025