Looking for academic funding to support your educational journey? The Academic Challenge Scholarship is there to provide the financial assistance you need. As a merit-based scholarship program, it recognizes and rewards students in the United States who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement.
With the Academic Challenge Scholarship, you can receive the financial support necessary to pursue your dreams without the burden of overwhelming student loans. Designed to help students succeed, this scholarship program offers a range of award amounts depending on the institution you attend.
4-year institutions provide $1,000 in the freshman year, $4,000 in the sophomore and junior years, and $5,000 in the senior year. On the other hand, 2-year institutions offer $1,000 in the freshman year and $3,000 in the sophomore year. Whatever path you choose, the Academic Challenge Scholarship is here to assist you in your educational journey.
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must meet certain criteria. Traditional students are required to have a minimum ACT composite score of 19 or equivalent, maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5, and enroll in at least 12 credit hours in their first Fall semester following high school graduation. Non-traditional students can qualify with either some college credit or an ACT score of 19 or higher. It’s an opportunity for both traditional and non-traditional students to unleash their potential and achieve their academic goals.
Applying for the Academic Challenge Scholarship is simple, with an annual deadline on July 1st. Students are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is not income-based for this scholarship. Once awarded, there’s no need to reapply each semester or year. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements and maintain your academic performance, the scholarship is renewed on a yearly basis.
Don’t let financial constraints hinder your education. The Academic Challenge Scholarship is here to provide the financial assistance you need to unlock your potential. Apply today and set yourself on the path to success!
Requirements and Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Academic Challenge Scholarship, students must meet certain requirements and eligibility criteria. The scholarship is available to both traditional and non-traditional students in the United States who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement.
Traditional students: Traditional students applying for the scholarship must be planning to attend an approved college or university in the academic year following their high school graduation. They must have a minimum ACT composite score of 19 or equivalent, enroll in at least 12 credit hours in their first Fall semester, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5.
Non-traditional students: Non-traditional students can also qualify for the scholarship. They must be Arkansas residents, accepted for admission at an approved institution of higher education, and not have previously earned a baccalaureate degree or a total of 120 or more semester credit hours. Non-traditional students can qualify with either some college credit and a minimum GPA of 2.5 or an ACT score of 19 or higher.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be a resident of Arkansas
- Accepted for admission at an approved institution
- Minimum ACT composite score of 19 or equivalent
- Enroll in at least 12 credit hours in the first Fall semester
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Not have previously earned a baccalaureate degree or 120 or more semester credit hours
In order to be considered for the scholarship, students must meet all of the eligibility requirements listed above. Meeting these criteria ensures that the scholarship is awarded to deserving students who have demonstrated their commitment to academic excellence.
| 4-year Institutions | 2-year Institutions | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Freshman | Sophomore/Junior | Freshman | Sophomore |
| Award Amount | $1,000 | $4,000 | $1,000 | $3,000 |
The Academic Challenge Scholarship provides financial assistance to students pursuing their education at both 4-year and 2-year institutions. The award amounts vary depending on the type of institution, with 4-year institutions offering $1,000 in the freshman year, $4,000 in the sophomore and junior years, and $5,000 in the senior year. Meanwhile, 2-year institutions offer $1,000 in the freshman year and $3,000 in the sophomore year. It’s important to note that if a student is awarded more than their Federal Cost of Attendance Budget at their institution, their scholarship may be reduced. Scholarships are reduced in a specific order, as outlined in the Arkansas Scholarship Stacking Law.
Application Process and Deadlines
Applying for the Academic Challenge Scholarship is a straightforward process that requires careful attention to deadlines and the completion of necessary documents. The application deadline for this scholarship is July 1st each year, so it’s important for students to plan accordingly and submit their materials on time.
To apply, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Unlike some other scholarships, the Academic Challenge Scholarship is not income-based, meaning that all eligible students have an equal opportunity to receive this financial assistance.
One important thing to note is that students do not have to reapply each semester or year to continue receiving the scholarship. As long as they meet the eligibility requirements, the scholarship is automatically renewed on a yearly basis. This allows students to focus on their studies without the added stress of reapplying for funding.
For students who have not yet achieved the qualifying ACT score, there are opportunities to retake the test or substitute it with the Accuplacer test. It’s crucial for students to be aware of these options and take advantage of them if needed.
| Application Process | Deadlines |
|---|---|
| Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) | July 1st annually |
| No need to reapply each semester or year | N/A |
| Retake ACT or substitute with Accuplacer test | N/A |
Funding and Award Amounts
The Academic Challenge Scholarship not only recognizes exceptional academic achievement but also provides valuable financial assistance to students pursuing their education. The scholarship offers varying award amounts depending on whether students are enrolled in a 4-year or 2-year institution.
4-Year Institutions:
| Year | Award Amount |
|---|---|
| Freshman | $1,000 |
| Sophomore and Junior | $4,000 |
| Senior | $5,000 |
2-Year Institutions:
| Year | Award Amount |
|---|---|
| Freshman | $1,000 |
| Sophomore | $3,000 |
It’s important to note that if a student is awarded more than their Federal Cost of Attendance Budget at their institution, their scholarship may be reduced. Scholarships are reduced in a specific order, as outlined in the Arkansas Scholarship Stacking Law. However, the Academic Challenge Scholarship remains a significant source of college funding and financial assistance for students in Arkansas.
By providing these award amounts, the scholarship program aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with pursuing higher education. This enables students to focus on their academic pursuits and maximize their potential.
Additional Scholarship Programs
Aside from the Academic Challenge Scholarship, students in Arkansas have access to several other scholarship programs that aim to provide comprehensive educational support. These additional scholarships include the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery, Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship, Arkansas Concurrent Challenge Scholarship, and the Arkansas Challenge Plus Scholarship.
Arkansas Scholarship Lottery
The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery has raised over $1.3 billion in proceeds, with the majority of the funds going towards scholarships for Arkansas college students. This program offers financial assistance to help students pursue their higher education goals.
Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship
The Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship is designed to support residents who are applying for certificate programs in high-demand occupations. By providing financial assistance, this scholarship helps individuals gain the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in their chosen careers.
Arkansas Concurrent Challenge Scholarship
The Arkansas Concurrent Challenge Scholarship aims to incentivize high school students who wish to take college courses early. This program offers financial assistance to help these students get a head start on their college education, giving them an advantage as they pursue their desired degrees.
Arkansas Challenge Plus Scholarship
The Arkansas Challenge Plus Scholarship provides additional financial support to students who have been awarded the Academic Challenge Scholarship and demonstrate financial need. This program ensures that deserving students receive the necessary funds to pursue their education without financial burdens.
These additional scholarship programs in Arkansas are valuable resources that enable students to unlock their potential and achieve their academic goals. By providing financial assistance and support, these scholarships empower individuals to pursue higher education and build a brighter future.