State and Federal Grants for ATU Students

Federal Grants

These types of grants are awarded based on your eligibility, as determined by FAFSA.

Federal Pell Grants

Federal Pell Grants are given to students with financial need according to FAFSA results. The award amounts vary from $740 to $7,395 and are based on the student's enrollment each semester.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are intended to assist students with exceptional financial need. Priority is given to early applicants who have been determined to have a zero expected family contribution. The award amount depends on when the student applies, the students level of need, and the funding level at Arkansas Tech University.


Arkansas DIVISION of Higher Education Programs

The programs listed below are awarded and administered by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education. Further information may be obtained online at at https://sams.adhe.edu/, emailing finaid@adhe.edu, writing to: Arkansas Division of Higher Education, Attn: Financial Aid, 101 E Capitol Ave, Suite 300, Little Rock, AR 72201, or by calling (501) 371-2000. The application for all programs is available on-line.

Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program
The Academic Challenge Program provides scholarships to Arkansas residents pursuing a higher education. Funded in large part by the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery, the Academic Challenge Scholarship is available to students regardless of their academic status, whether just graduating from high school, currently enrolled in college, enrolling in college for the first time, or re-enrolling after a period of time out of college. The application deadline is July 1. There are no income restrictions but students still must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The scholarship award amount will be determined annually in early Spring.

Arkansas Future Grant (ArFuture)
Arkansas Future (ArFuture), is the newest state grant program. The purpose of this grant is to increase the education and skills of Arkansas’s workforce in an affordable manner.  The grant applies to students enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) or regional high demand areas of study.  The grant will cover tuition and fees for qualifying certificate and Associate degree programs at Arkansas’ public institutions for eligible students.  The grant is available on a first come, first serve basis.  Deadline to apply is July 1 for fall enrollment and January 10 for spring enrollment.

Arkansas National Guard Tuition Waiver Program
The Arkansas National Guard Tuition Waiver Program provides a up to tuition to Arkansas residents who are active members of the Arkansas Army/Air National Guard. Applications may be obtained from the unit commander.

Arkansas Teacher Academy Scholarship
The Arkansas Teacher Academy Scholarship is a program that offers aspiring teachers up to $6,000 for tuition and program fees each semester for undergraduate studies.  For every year a student receives funding, the student is required to teach in an Arkansas public school.  Graduate programs may also be covered with the same work requirement.  Requirements: Within one year of completion, Academy attendees must teach in an Arkansas public school for each year of funding received. Deadlines can be found on the ADHE website: sams.adhe.edu
 

Arkansas Workforce Challenge
The Workforce Challenge Scholarship was created in the 2017 legislative session and is funded by lottery revenue.  The purpose of the scholarship is for workforce training in high demand areas of healthcare, information technology, and industry.  Classes are not limited to credit-bearing programs. 

Governor’s Distinguished Scholars
The Governor’s Distinguished Scholars Program provides a tuition, mandatory fees, and room and board not to exceed $10,000 per year to students who achieve 32 or above on the ACT or 1410 on the SAT, have a 3.50 academic grade point average or are a National Merit Finalist attending an approved Arkansas public or private college or university. The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years provided the student meets the continuing eligibility standards. Application deadline is March 1 of high school graduation year.

Law Enforcement Officer’s Dependents Scholarship (LEO)
The Law Enforcement Officers' Dependents Scholarship provides a waiver of tuition, fees, and room at any public college, university, or technical institute in Arkansas for dependents and spouses of Arkansas law enforcement officers, some Highway and Transportation Department employees, and other public employees, who were killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. Application deadline is July 1.

Military Dependent’s Scholarship (MDS)
The Military Dependent’s Scholarship Program provides a waiver of tuition, fees, and on-campus room and board minus the DEA reduction to full-time students at any public college, university, or technical institute in Arkansas for dependents and spouses of Arkansans who were killed or missing in action or who were prisoners of war or who are totally and permanently disabled. All applicants must also apply for and show acceptance or denial of the Federal dependent's Educational Assistance Program. Application deadline is July 1.

State Teacher Education Program (STEP)
The State Teacher Education Program provides federal student loan repayment grants to Arkansas residents who earned a teaching degree after 4/1/2004 and are teaching in a public school in a geographical and/or subject shortage area. Application deadline is July 1.

Teacher Opportunity Program (TOP)
TOP offers reimbursement grants to current Arkansas teachers and administrators seeking to further their education. Teachers and administrators may apply for reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses paid for up to six (6) college credit hours completed for an academic year, not to exceed $3000. Application deadline is July 1.

 


Other Sources of Assistance

Arkansas National Guard
Act 82 of 2005 provides a tuition and waiver assistance program for soldiers and airmen of the Arkansas National Guard. Members of the Arkansas National Guard should contact the Student Accounts Office for information.

Military Activation
Students who cease attendance at Arkansas Tech University without completing and receiving a grade in one or more courses due to military activation or deployment may receive compensation for the resulting monetary loss as provided by Act 85 of 2005. Please contact the Registrar’s Office for information.

Over 60 Tuition Waiver
Arkansas residents who are sixty or older on the first day of class may have tuition and fees waived upon completion of certification of eligibility. Students must notify the Financial Aid Office each semester of the number of enrolled hours which need to be waived. Applications are available in the Financial Aid Office or online here.

Mr. Tommy Memorial Student Loan Fund
Arkansas Tech has a special loan fund known as the “Mr. Tommy Memorial Student Loan Fund.” This fund was established by Arkansas Tech alumni as a memorial to the late E.S. Tomlinson, for many years head of the biology department. Supplementing lesser contributions by hundreds of former students is the Margaret McFadden Lykes, Jr., contribution. Loans from this fund are limited in amount and intended primarily for emergency aid to students. One semester of successful residence is required of all students applying for these loans. Information relative to this fund may be obtained from the Student Services Office.

Veterans Benefits
Arkansas Tech University is approved by the State Approving Agency (SAA) as a school whereby eligible veterans and veterans’ beneficiaries may use educational benefits while working toward a degree. Eligible students should contact the Office of Veteran Services to obtain information regarding school attendance under the following programs: Title 38, Chapter 33, Post-9/11 GI Bill®; Title 38, Chapter 30, Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty; Title 38, Chapter 32, Veterans Educational Assistance Program; Title 38, Chapter 35, Survivors and Dependents Education; Title 10, Chapter 1606, Montgomery GI Bill® for Selective Reserves; and Title 10, Chapter 1607, Reserve Educational Assistance Program.

All students must be working toward a degree and should follow the curriculum outline for their objectives, since only specific courses may be applied toward VA certification and graduation. Enrollment certification will not be sent to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs until the person applying for veteran’s benefits has been admitted to the University and prior credit evaluated. Students must request certification for each term to be certified and are responsible for notifying the certifying official of any changes in enrollment status or eligibility.  Veterans may be given placement credit for prior military training by providing an official military transcript or DD-214.

All active duty military service persons and veterans eligible under the GI Bill® as determined by the VA who are classified as "out-of-state" for tuition purposes shall receive a waiver of out-of-state tuition charges. Arkansas Tech University complies with Section 702 of the Veterans Choice Act. For additional information, please contact the Office of Veteran Services. See also "In-State Tuition for Military Personnel, Veterans and Dependents" in the Fees and Expenses section of thecatalog.

Students may stop by the Office of Veteran Services or call (479) 968-0445 if they have questions or need assistance in applying for their benefits.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Vocational Rehabilitation Assistance
Persons who have substantial handicap to employment as a result of a permanent disability may receive, at no cost to themselves, vocational counseling and some financial assistance toward the cost of their college training when the vocational objective of the disabled person is approved by the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. These services are available through the Division of Rehabilitation Services, 1401 Brookwood Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas 72203. Application for assistance or request for information about the program may be made to that address or to a local rehabilitation counselor.

Workforce Investment Act
The Workforce Investment Act is a federal program which provides financial assistance to individuals in need. The program’s primary targets are individuals with barriers to employment and dislocated workers. Candidates who meet eligibility requirements will receive tuition and book scholarships for two years to complete an associate degree at Arkansas Tech University. WIA is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Requests for information about eligibility may be made through the WIA office,104 S. Rochester, Russellville, AR 72801; telephone 968-4919; TDD/ARS: 1-800-285-1131.