Have you heard of Wal-Mart? Just kidding. Of course you have. Did you know the founder, Sam Walton, is an Arkansas native? Arkansas is known for its beautiful parkland and is the Quartz Crystal Capital of the world. Arkansas became the 25th state of the United States of America and was also the birthplace of Johnny Cash. If you’re graduating from a high school in Arkansas, be sure to check scholarships these out!
Arkansas Chambers Singers Vocal/Choral Scholarship
Amount: $1,000, $500
Deadline: TBD for 2021
Music is a unifying power used across the world. Arkansas recognizes this force (this is Johnny Cash’s birthplace after all) and rewards students who wish to pursue vocal or choral craftsmanship. To be eligible, the student must be involved in their Arkansas high school’s music program, have a 3.0 GPA, and pursue a degree in vocal or choral performance at an accredited four-year program. You must submit an application form, three letters of recommendation (one from your high school choral music teacher, one from another of your high school teachers and one from a community leader), an essay, and a sealed high school transcript. Finalists will then be invited to audition before selection.
Academic Challenge Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline: July 1, 2020
Funded primarily by the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery, the Academic Challenge Scholarship supports any Arkansas graduating seniors, undergraduates, or students returning to school. To this end, the scholarship awards various amounts of scholarship funds to those who want to continue their higher education.
Bird Dog Foundation Essay Competition Scholarship
Amount: $1,500
Deadline: April 15, annually
This essay contest is to promote the interest in wildlife and wildlife conservation by rewarding passionate students with financial aid. To be eligible, students must be a graduating high school senior looking to pursue a degree at an accredited institution, be a U.S. citizen, reside in Arkansas, Mississippi, or Tennessee, and not be related to a Bird Dog Foundation board member.
Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship
Amount: Up to $10,000
Deadline: TBD for 2021
The Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship awards high school students with amazing academic standing. To qualify, high school students need at least a 3.5 GPA and either a minimum score of 32 on the ACT or 1410 on the SAT. Students named as a National Merit Scholar or Finalist don’t have to meet the GPA requirement, but still have to meet the standardized test score requirements.
Cornerstone Scholarship Charitable Trust
Amount: Varies
Deadline: March 30
This scholarship fund aims to provide opportunities for Arkansas high school seniors or post-high school graduates who are economically disadvantaged and under 25. Their hope is to provide financial resources so these students can earn their degree. To apply, complete an application form, submit a copy of your driver’s license, social security card, the parent’s or student’s tax returns, copy of their most recent transcript, and an essay of 250 words or less regarding yourself, your achievements, and your career goals. The terms of eligibility are completing a high school degree, have an economic disadvantage, plan to attend or enrolled in an accredited institution, have roots in Arkansas, be a U.S. Citizen, National, or Permanent Resident, and be 17 to 25 years old.
And remember, Arkansas colleges/universities always offer scholarships to their own students, so be sure to check those out as well!
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
6.97%-15.03%* Variable
5.99%-14.00%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
6.37% - 16.70% Variable
4.50% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.98% - 16.70% Variable
4.07% - 15.66% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
|
|
6.07% - 11.31% Variable
4.39% - 10.39% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
6.22% - 16.08% Variable
4.09% - 15.66% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
6.54% - 11.08% Variable
3.95% - 8.01% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 18.26% Variable
4.11% - 15.90% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
4.98% - 12.79% Variable
8.42% - 13.01% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
