Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship

Arkansas residents - traditional high school graduates, non-traditional students and current college students - who meet ADHE's academic requirements, apply through SAMS by Jul 1, file the FAFSA, and enroll at an approved Arkansas institution.

The Academic Challenge Scholarship is Arkansas's flagship state award, funded largely by the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery and administered by ADHE. It pays up to $5,000 per year at four-year institutions and up to $3,000 per year at two-year institutions. The four-year award is back-loaded by class standing: $2,000 as a freshman, $4,000 as a sophomore and junior, and $5,000 as a senior - a structure worth planning around, since the first year is the leanest. The program is open to traditional high school graduates, non-traditional students and current college students alike. Applications are filed through ADHE's Scholarship Application Management System (SAMS) by Jul 1.

Renewal terms: Renewable with a 2.5 cumulative GPA and 27 earned credit hours in the first year, 30 per year thereafter, up to 8 semesters at a four-year institution.