Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship

The Academic Challenge Scholarship is Arkansas' lottery-funded scholarship for residents attending approved colleges in the state. It is open to graduating seniors, current college students and adults. Traditional applicants straight from high school qualify by earning a Diploma of Merit, by scoring at least 19 on the ACT or an equivalent test, or by holding a 3.0 GPA with any standardized test score on record. Award amounts vary by type of college and the student's class level; the senior level pays $2,500 per semester. Traditional recipients must take at least 12 hours in their first fall and 15 hours each term after, earn 27 hours in year one and 30 hours each later year, and keep a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Nontraditional students can enroll part time for a prorated award. Applicants must have lived in Arkansas for 12 months, be citizens or permanent residents, file the FAFSA (income does not matter) and not hold a bachelor's degree. The scholarship renews each year without a new application.