💰 University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Merit Scholarships

Total Scholarships

17

Automatic

9

In-State Awards

$1,000-$10,000/yr

Out-of-State Awards

$1,000-$6,000/yr

Multi-Year Awards

$3,000-$34,000 total

Typical Requirements for Automatic Merit

2.0 GPA / 19 ACT

What you'd actually pay at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

Tuition & fees

$9,600

−

Largest annual award

$6,000

=

Students receiving it pay about

$3,600/yr

Tuition and fees only — housing (about $10,082), books and travel are extra. Awards must still be won and may carry renewal conditions. Need-based aid is separate and may reduce this further.

Official Scholarship Information

View complete details on University of Arkansas-Fort Smith's website

Visit School Website →

Automatic merit scholarships at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith — no separate application

9 awards granted on your admission application, based on GPA and test scores.

Helping Hands Transfer Scholarship

Award

$3,000 total in-state

$3,000 total out-of-state

In-State Requirements

GPA 2.0+

Helping Hands Transfer Scholarship: Up to $3,000 over three years or until degree completion Up to $1,000 for tuition and fees each year. Transfer Achievement Scholarship: Up to $9,000 over three years Up to $3,000 for tuition and fees each year. Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Scholarship: Up to $8,000 over two years Up to $4,000 for tuition and fees each year.

Eligibility: Helping Hands: Minimum 12 transferrable credit hours College GPA: 2.0 or higher. Transfer Achievement: 48-90 transferrable credit hours College GPA: 3.0 or higher. Phi Theta Kappa: 48-90 transferrable credit hours College GPA: 3.0 or higher Member of Phi Theta Kappa

How to apply: ["no separate scholarship application required for transfer awards (considered with Application for Admission)", "be accepted for admission and classified as transfer student by priority admission deadline"]

Source ↗

Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Scholarship

Award

$8,000 total in-state

$8,000 total out-of-state

In-State Requirements

GPA 3.0+

Helping Hands Transfer Scholarship: Up to $3,000 over three years or until degree completion Up to $1,000 for tuition and fees each year. Transfer Achievement Scholarship: Up to $9,000 over three years Up to $3,000 for tuition and fees each year. Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Scholarship: Up to $8,000 over two years Up to $4,000 for tuition and fees each year.

Eligibility: Helping Hands: Minimum 12 transferrable credit hours College GPA: 2.0 or higher. Transfer Achievement: 48-90 transferrable credit hours College GPA: 3.0 or higher. Phi Theta Kappa: 48-90 transferrable credit hours College GPA: 3.0 or higher Member of Phi Theta Kappa

How to apply: ["no separate scholarship application required for transfer awards (considered with Application for Admission)", "be accepted for admission and classified as transfer student by priority admission deadline", "proof of Phi Theta Kappa membership for PTK scholarship (submit to Admissions)"]

Source ↗

Transfer Achievement Scholarship

Award

$9,000 total in-state

$9,000 total out-of-state

In-State Requirements

GPA 3.0+

Helping Hands Transfer Scholarship: Up to $3,000 over three years or until degree completion Up to $1,000 for tuition and fees each year. Transfer Achievement Scholarship: Up to $9,000 over three years Up to $3,000 for tuition and fees each year. Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Scholarship: Up to $8,000 over two years Up to $4,000 for tuition and fees each year.

Eligibility: Helping Hands: Minimum 12 transferrable credit hours College GPA: 2.0 or higher. Transfer Achievement: 48-90 transferrable credit hours College GPA: 3.0 or higher. Phi Theta Kappa: 48-90 transferrable credit hours College GPA: 3.0 or higher Member of Phi Theta Kappa

How to apply: ["no separate scholarship application required for transfer awards (considered with Application for Admission)", "be accepted for admission and classified as transfer student by priority admission deadline"]

Source ↗

Tuition and Mandatory Fee Guarantee

With the UAFS Tuition and Mandatory Fee Guarantee, we’ll cover any remaining tuition and mandatory fee costs after grants and scholarships are applied.

Eligibility: To qualify you must be an Arkansas resident, a high school graduate or GED recipient, apply to UAFS as an undergraduate or be a current degree-seeking student, and receive both a Federal Pell Grant and the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship.

How to apply: ["be an Arkansas resident and high school graduate or GED recipient", "apply to UAFS as a degree-seeking undergraduate or be a current degree-seeking student", "receive a Federal Pell Grant", "receive the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship", "complete FAFSA and ADHE SAMS application; no additional application required for the program"]

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UAFS Bronze Scholarship

Award

$2,000/yr in-state

$2,000/yr out-of-state

In-State Requirements

GPA 3.2+ • ACT 21+

UAFS Platinum Scholarship ... Up to $6,000 Up to $1,500 Housing Stipend; UAFS Gold Scholarship ... Up to $4,000 Up to $1,500 Housing Stipend; UAFS Silver Scholarship ... Up to $3,000 Up to $1,500 Housing Stipend; UAFS Bronze Scholarship ... Up to $2,000 Up to $1,500 Housing Stipend; UAFS Lion Pride Scholarship ... Up to $1,000 Up to $1,500 Housing Stipend

Eligibility: 30 ACT and 4.0 GPA OR Valedictorian | 27 ACT OR 3.8 GPA | 25 ACT OR 3.6 GPA | 21 ACT OR 3.25 GPA | 19 ACT OR 3.0 GPA

How to apply: ["admission application acts as application for merit scholarships", "enroll in 12 credit hours each semester"]

📋 renewal based on earning 24 hours per academic year Source ↗

UAFS Gold Scholarship

Award

$4,000/yr in-state

$4,000/yr out-of-state

In-State Requirements

GPA 3.8+ • ACT 27+

UAFS Platinum Scholarship ... Up to $6,000 Up to $1,500 Housing Stipend; UAFS Gold Scholarship ... Up to $4,000 Up to $1,500 Housing Stipend; UAFS Silver Scholarship ... Up to $3,000 Up to $1,500 Housing Stipend; UAFS Bronze Scholarship ... Up to $2,000 Up to $1,500 Housing Stipend; UAFS Lion Pride Scholarship ... Up to $1,000 Up to $1,500 Housing Stipend

Eligibility: 30 ACT and 4.0 GPA OR Valedictorian | 27 ACT OR 3.8 GPA | 25 ACT OR 3.6 GPA | 21 ACT OR 3.25 GPA | 19 ACT OR 3.0 GPA

How to apply: ["admission application acts as application for merit scholarships", "enroll in 12 credit hours each semester"]

📋 renewal based on earning 24 hours per academic year Source ↗

UAFS Lion Pride Scholarship

Award

$1,000/yr in-state

$1,000/yr out-of-state

In-State Requirements

GPA 3.0+ • ACT 19+

UAFS Platinum Scholarship ... Up to $6,000 Up to $1,500 Housing Stipend; UAFS Gold Scholarship ... Up to $4,000 Up to $1,500 Housing Stipend; UAFS Silver Scholarship ... Up to $3,000 Up to $1,500 Housing Stipend; UAFS Bronze Scholarship ... Up to $2,000 Up to $1,500 Housing Stipend; UAFS Lion Pride Scholarship ... Up to $1,000 Up to $1,500 Housing Stipend

Eligibility: 30 ACT and 4.0 GPA OR Valedictorian | 27 ACT OR 3.8 GPA | 25 ACT OR 3.6 GPA | 21 ACT OR 3.25 GPA | 19 ACT OR 3.0 GPA

How to apply: ["admission application acts as application for merit scholarships", "enroll in 12 credit hours each semester"]

📋 renewal based on earning 24 hours per academic year Source ↗

UAFS Platinum Scholarship

Award

$6,000/yr in-state

$6,000/yr out-of-state

In-State Requirements

GPA 4.0+ • ACT 30+

UAFS Platinum Scholarship ... Up to $6,000 Up to $1,500 Housing Stipend; UAFS Gold Scholarship ... Up to $4,000 Up to $1,500 Housing Stipend; UAFS Silver Scholarship ... Up to $3,000 Up to $1,500 Housing Stipend; UAFS Bronze Scholarship ... Up to $2,000 Up to $1,500 Housing Stipend; UAFS Lion Pride Scholarship ... Up to $1,000 Up to $1,500 Housing Stipend

Eligibility: 30 ACT and 4.0 GPA OR Valedictorian | 27 ACT OR 3.8 GPA | 25 ACT OR 3.6 GPA | 21 ACT OR 3.25 GPA | 19 ACT OR 3.0 GPA

How to apply: ["admission application acts as application for merit scholarships", "enroll in 12 credit hours each semester"]

📋 renewal based on earning 24 hours per academic year Source ↗

UAFS Silver Scholarship

Award

$3,000/yr in-state

$3,000/yr out-of-state

In-State Requirements

GPA 3.6+ • ACT 25+

UAFS Platinum Scholarship ... Up to $6,000 Up to $1,500 Housing Stipend; UAFS Gold Scholarship ... Up to $4,000 Up to $1,500 Housing Stipend; UAFS Silver Scholarship ... Up to $3,000 Up to $1,500 Housing Stipend; UAFS Bronze Scholarship ... Up to $2,000 Up to $1,500 Housing Stipend; UAFS Lion Pride Scholarship ... Up to $1,000 Up to $1,500 Housing Stipend

Eligibility: 30 ACT and 4.0 GPA OR Valedictorian | 27 ACT OR 3.8 GPA | 25 ACT OR 3.6 GPA | 21 ACT OR 3.25 GPA | 19 ACT OR 3.0 GPA

How to apply: ["admission application acts as application for merit scholarships", "enroll in 12 credit hours each semester"]

📋 renewal based on earning 24 hours per academic year Source ↗

Other scholarships at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith (8)

These require a separate application, or the school does not publish their eligibility criteria.

Arkansas Academic Challenge - Four-Year College Awards

$1,000-$5,000/yr

Year 1 - $1,000; Year 2 - $4,000; Year 3 - $4,000; Year 4 - $5,000 (prorated based on enrollment for Year 4)

Eligibility: Any Arkansas high school graduate with a final GPA of 2.5 or higher OR Arkansas resident with an ACT score of 19 or higher OR who has earned at least 12 college credit hours and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher

How to apply: ["apply via ADHE SAMS portal", "submit FAFSA"]

Source ↗

First Bank Corp. Business Scholarship

Examples: First Bank Corp. Business Scholarship: Full tuition and fees over four years or until degree completion; Optional $2,500 housing for two years. Myles Friedman Honors Program: Up to $34,000 over four years ... Full in-state tuition and mandatory fees (approximately $7,338.50 per year) Optional $2,500 housing for two years. STEM Scholarship: Up to $27,000 over four years ... $5,500 for tuition and fees each year Optional $2,500 housing for two years. Boreham Engineering Scholarship: Full tuition and fees over four years ... Optional $2,000 for on-campus housing each year.

Eligibility: First Bank: ACT Score: 27 High School GPA: 3.5; Myles Friedman: ACT Score: 27 OR High School GPA: 3.5; STEM: Preferred ACT Score: 26 High School GPA: 3.5; Boreham: Preferred ACT Score: 27 High School GPA: 3.5

How to apply: ["complete separate Prestigious Scholarship Application (through Admissions Application Status Portal)", "essays, recommendation letters, resume (as requested)", "interview (for some programs, e.g., Myles Friedman Honors Program)", "complete Application for Admission"]

Source ↗

Governor’s

$5,000/yr

The Arkansas Governor’s Distinguished Award pays tuition, mandatory fees, room, and board up to $10,000 per year. The Arkansas Governor’s Award pays tuition, mandatory fees, room, and board up to $5,000 per year.

Eligibility: ACT score of 32 or higher OR SAT score of at least 1410 AND Final High School 3.5 GPA OR Be selected as a finalist in either the National Merit Scholarship competition, the National Hispanic Recognition Program, or the National Achievement Scholarship competition.

How to apply: ["ADHE application and supporting documentation must be received by deadline", "scores must be earned by Dec. 31 prior to the application deadline to be considered"]

Source ↗

Governor’s Distinguished

$10,000/yr

The Arkansas Governor’s Distinguished Award pays tuition, mandatory fees, room, and board up to $10,000 per year. The Arkansas Governor’s Award pays tuition, mandatory fees, room, and board up to $5,000 per year.

Eligibility: ACT score of 32 or higher OR SAT score of at least 1410 AND Final High School 3.5 GPA OR Be selected as a finalist in either the National Merit Scholarship competition, the National Hispanic Recognition Program, or the National Achievement Scholarship competition.

How to apply: ["ADHE application and supporting documentation must be received by deadline", "scores must be earned by Dec. 31 prior to the application deadline to be considered"]

Source ↗

Lion's Share (UAFS Foundation Scholarships / Lion's Share Portal)

Lion’s Share connects UAFS students with scholarships funded through the generosity of private donors. By completing a simple scholarship profile, students gain access to additional financial resources to help cover the cost of their education.

Eligibility: Lion's Share is exclusively for UAFS Foundation scholarships. Separate applications are required for university-awarded scholarships such as merit-based or prestigious awards.

How to apply: ["complete Lion's Share scholarship profile", "separate applications are required for university-awarded scholarships (merit or prestigious)", "continuing students complete profile starting October 2025"]

Source ↗

Myles Friedman Honors Program Scholarship

$34,000 total

Examples: First Bank Corp. Business Scholarship: Full tuition and fees over four years or until degree completion; Optional $2,500 housing for two years. Myles Friedman Honors Program: Up to $34,000 over four years ... Full in-state tuition and mandatory fees (approximately $7,338.50 per year) Optional $2,500 housing for two years. STEM Scholarship: Up to $27,000 over four years ... $5,500 for tuition and fees each year Optional $2,500 housing for two years. Boreham Engineering Scholarship: Full tuition and fees over four years ... Optional $2,000 for on-campus housing each year.

Eligibility: First Bank: ACT Score: 27 High School GPA: 3.5; Myles Friedman: ACT Score: 27 OR High School GPA: 3.5; STEM: Preferred ACT Score: 26 High School GPA: 3.5; Boreham: Preferred ACT Score: 27 High School GPA: 3.5

How to apply: ["complete separate Prestigious Scholarship Application (through Admissions Application Status Portal)", "essays, recommendation letters, resume (as requested)", "interview (for some programs, e.g., Myles Friedman Honors Program)", "complete Application for Admission"]

Source ↗

Roland S. Boreham Jr. Engineering Scholarship

Examples: First Bank Corp. Business Scholarship: Full tuition and fees over four years or until degree completion; Optional $2,500 housing for two years. Myles Friedman Honors Program: Up to $34,000 over four years ... Full in-state tuition and mandatory fees (approximately $7,338.50 per year) Optional $2,500 housing for two years. STEM Scholarship: Up to $27,000 over four years ... $5,500 for tuition and fees each year Optional $2,500 housing for two years. Boreham Engineering Scholarship: Full tuition and fees over four years ... Optional $2,000 for on-campus housing each year.

Eligibility: First Bank: ACT Score: 27 High School GPA: 3.5; Myles Friedman: ACT Score: 27 OR High School GPA: 3.5; STEM: Preferred ACT Score: 26 High School GPA: 3.5; Boreham: Preferred ACT Score: 27 High School GPA: 3.5

How to apply: ["complete separate Prestigious Scholarship Application (through Admissions Application Status Portal)", "essays, recommendation letters, resume (as requested)", "interview (for some programs, e.g., Myles Friedman Honors Program)", "complete Application for Admission"]

Source ↗

STEM Scholarship

$27,000 total

Examples: First Bank Corp. Business Scholarship: Full tuition and fees over four years or until degree completion; Optional $2,500 housing for two years. Myles Friedman Honors Program: Up to $34,000 over four years ... Full in-state tuition and mandatory fees (approximately $7,338.50 per year) Optional $2,500 housing for two years. STEM Scholarship: Up to $27,000 over four years ... $5,500 for tuition and fees each year Optional $2,500 housing for two years. Boreham Engineering Scholarship: Full tuition and fees over four years ... Optional $2,000 for on-campus housing each year.

Eligibility: First Bank: ACT Score: 27 High School GPA: 3.5; Myles Friedman: ACT Score: 27 OR High School GPA: 3.5; STEM: Preferred ACT Score: 26 High School GPA: 3.5; Boreham: Preferred ACT Score: 27 High School GPA: 3.5

How to apply: ["complete separate Prestigious Scholarship Application (through Admissions Application Status Portal)", "essays, recommendation letters, resume (as requested)", "interview (for some programs, e.g., Myles Friedman Honors Program)", "complete Application for Admission"]

Source ↗

Common questions about University of Arkansas-Fort Smith scholarships

How much merit aid does University of Arkansas-Fort Smith give?

Published awards range $1,000-$6,000/yr. University of Arkansas-Fort Smith lists 17 merit scholarships in total.

What GPA or test scores do you need for a scholarship at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith?

The lowest published threshold across automatic awards is 2.0 GPA / 19 ACT. Individual scholarships set their own cutoffs.

Does University of Arkansas-Fort Smith give merit scholarships to out-of-state students?

Yes. Awards for out-of-state students run $1,000-$6,000/yr.

Is there a full-ride scholarship at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith?

Not a full ride. The largest published award covers about 62% of tuition.

Do you have to apply separately for merit scholarships at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith?

8 of the published awards are granted automatically on your admission application, with no separate scholarship application.

More on University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

Admissions, cost & outcomes → 🏈 Athletics & sports 📍 All schools in AR 💰 Schools with automatic merit

Other AR schools with automatic merit scholarships

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