The Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship is a cornerstone financial aid program designed to help Arkansas residents achieve their higher education goals. Often simply called the “AR Challenge Scholarship” or the “Lottery Scholarship” because it’s largely funded by the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery, this merit-based program provides essential financial support to students at all stages of their educational journey. Whether you are a graduating high school senior, a student currently enrolled in college, or a non-traditional adult returning to finish a degree, this scholarship aims to make college more accessible and affordable.
The core purpose of the Academic Challenge Scholarship is to promote academic excellence and degree attainment across the state. The funding is available to qualified applicants pursuing a bachelor’s degree, associate degree, qualified certificate, or a nursing school diploma at approved public and private institutions within Arkansas. Importantly, the scholarship amount often increases each year of attendance for full-time students who meet the renewal requirements, incentivizing sustained commitment to their studies. The program is a significant resource for over 30,000 students annually, reflecting its broad impact on the state’s educational landscape.
To access this valuable scholarships funding, prospective students must be prepared to meet specific initial and continuing eligibility criteria, which revolve around Arkansas residency, academic achievement (such as minimum ACT/GPA scores), and enrollment status. Applying involves completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submitting the state’s central scholarship application through the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) Scholarship Application Management System (SAMS). With strict application deadlines, understanding the requirements and gathering the necessary materials is the critical first step toward securing this significant aid.
Available Programs and Host Institutions in Detail
The Academic Challenge Scholarship is widely applicable across institutions and fields of study within Arkansas.
- Approved Programs: The scholarship supports students enrolled in programs that lead to a baccalaureate degree (four-year), an associate degree (two-year), a qualified certificate, or a nursing school diploma. It is not limited by major, making it flexible for students in the arts, humanities, STEM, and professional fields.
- Host Institutions: The funding can be utilized at most ADHE-approved colleges and universities within the state. This includes:
- All Arkansas public four-year universities (e.g., University of Arkansas, Arkansas State University, UCA).
- All Arkansas public two-year colleges (community colleges).
- Approved private, non-profit four-year and two-year institutions with primary headquarters in Arkansas.
- Approved nursing schools and certain branch campuses.
AR Scholarship Coverage
The scholarship’s value is structured to reward continued academic progress, with the annual award increasing substantially after the freshman year. The funds are disbursed per semester.
| Institution Type | Year of Study | Annual Award Amount | Per Semester Amount |
| Four-Year | Year 1 (Freshman) | $2,000 | $1,000 |
| Four-Year | Year 2 & 3 (Sophomore/Junior) | $4,000 | $2,000 |
| Four-Year | Year 4 (Senior) | $5,000 | $2,500 |
| Two-Year | Year 1 | $2,000 | $1,000 |
| Two-Year | Year 2 | $3,000 | $1,500 |
- Academic Challenge PLUS: Starting in the 2024-2025 academic year, additional funding is available based on the student’s Student Aid Index (SAI) from the FAFSA, providing up to an extra $1,500 per semester for students demonstrating the highest financial need.
- Use of Funds: The scholarship must be used for educational expenses at the approved institution.
AR Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility is divided into two main categories: Traditional (newly graduated high school students) and Non-Traditional (currently enrolled or returning students).
Initial Eligibility (Traditional Students)
- Residency: Must be an Arkansas resident for at least 12 months prior to enrollment and a U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident.
- Academics (Meet ONE of the following):
- ACT composite or superscore of 19 or higher.
- High School GPA of 3.00 or higher.
- Accuplacer score of 246+ or a Classic Learning Test score of 58+.
- Obtain a Diploma of Merit.
- Enrollment: Accepted for admission and enroll as a full-time, first-time freshman (minimum 12 credit hours in the first Fall semester).
- Other: Cannot have previously earned a baccalaureate degree.
Continuing Eligibility (All Recipients)
- GPA: Maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA by the end of each Spring semester.
- Credit Hours:
- Earn 27 semester hours in the first academic year.
- Earn 30 semester hours each academic year thereafter (typically 15 hours per Fall and Spring semester).
- Enrollment Status: Must remain continuously enrolled in the Fall and Spring semesters.
Key Application Materials
Applicants must complete the two core steps below to be considered:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): The FAFSA is required to be submitted annually, even though the Academic Challenge Scholarship is not need-based. ADHE uses this form to receive necessary student and financial information.
- SAMS Application: The state’s unified application through the Scholarship Application Management System (SAMS).
Deadline
The annual deadline to apply for the Academic Challenge Scholarship is typically:
July 1 (for the following academic year)
Note: It is strongly recommended to apply as soon as possible, as state-level scholarship processing can take time.
