# Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship

> Amount varies from Arkansas Division of Higher Education. Deadline Jul 1, 2027.

- Edition: Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition
- Page: https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/arkansas-academic-challenge-scholarship
- Provider: Arkansas Division of Higher Education (State)
- Award: Amount varies (Varies by college type and class level; senior level is $2,500 per semester), renewable
- Deadline: Deadline Jul 1, 2027
- State list: https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/state/ar
- Official page: https://sams.adhe.edu/Scholarship/details/ACST
- Last verified by CollegesRef: Nov 6, 2026

## About this 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.

## Who can apply

- Residents of: AR
- Education level: High school student, Undergraduate
- Citizenship: U.S. citizen, Eligible noncitizen
- Traditional students qualify with a Diploma of Merit, a 19 ACT (or equivalent) with a GPA under 3.0, or a 3.0 GPA with a test score on record. Must enroll in 12 hours the first fall and 15 hours each later semester, earn 27 then 30 hours per year and keep a 2.5 GPA. Nontraditional students may attend part time. 12 months of Arkansas residency; citizen or lawful permanent resident.

## How to apply

Apply through ADHE's online scholarship system (SAMS) by July 1 and file the FAFSA. Renewal is automatic after each spring if you keep meeting the requirements.

## Related scholarships

- [MOUNTAIN HOME ELKS LODGE #1714 SCHOLARSHIP](https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/mountain-home-elks-lodge-1714-scholarship): Up to $1,000
- [BERNICE GOTAAS SCHOLARSHIP](https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/bernice-gotaas-scholarship): Amount varies
- [HORNLEIN SCHOLARSHIP](https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/hornlein-scholarship): Amount varies
- [FRIENDS OF THE BAXTER COUNTY LIBRARY SCHOLARSHIP](https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/friends-of-the-baxter-county-library-scholarship): $800 to $1,500

## Explore Arkansas

- [Colleges in Arkansas](https://www.collegesref.com/state/arkansas)
- [Arkansas scholarships and grants](https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/state/ar)

Always confirm amounts, rules and deadlines on the official page before applying.