Parent & Guardian Information
At Arkansas Tech University, we know finances play a major role in a student’s college decision. And with several universities claiming free Tuition & Fees in the form of a last-dollar scholarship, it can be difficult to cut through the fluff.
Last-dollar scholarships usually cover the cost of only Tuition & Fees after applying federal, state, and institutional financial aid to a student’s account balance. Not every student is eligible, and these universities will likely contribute a negligible amount to meet the remaining Tuition & Fees balance once Pell Grant, Arkansas Academic Challenge, and other scholarship funds are applied. We encourage you to compare the costs of meal plans, housing, and books at other universities, in addition to Tuition & Fees, to determine the big picture. Because the full cost of college extends beyond Tuition & Fees, your student may end up paying more, even with a last-dollar scholarship.
It’s free to apply for admission at ATU and our academic scholarships are among the most generous in the state. Compared to most AR four-year universities, our housing and meal plans are more affordable too. Encourage your student to apply today!
Let's Get Into It
THEM |
US |
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Be an Arkansas Resident |
No Residency Requirement |
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Earn At or Below a Specific Income |
No Income Level Specified |
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Pell-eligible per a Completed FAFSA |
No Eligibility Requirement |
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Must Apply for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship through ADHE |
No Application Required (though it is encouraged) |
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Work-Study Requirements |
No Requirements for Work-Study |
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Required Service Hours or Volunteer Work |
No Required Service Hours or Volunteer Work |
KATV Channel 7 Spotlight
Watch our Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs & Enrollment Management, Brittny
Daubenheyer, answer questions on KATV Channel 7.
FAQS
What is a Last-Dollar Scholarship?
Q: What is a last-dollar scholarship?
A: A last-dollar scholarship is just that…institutions apply every “last dollar” of your financial aid and scholarship package before they will pay off the remaining balance of your tuition and fees.
Will Arkansas Tech be Adopting a Similar System?
Q: I've noticed quite a few colleges are adopting scholarships that provide free tuition to students from families that make under $100,000 a year. Will arkansas tech be adopting a similar system?
A: Arkansas Tech University understands that cost-savings is vital for our prospective students and their families. While our institution does not offer a last-dollar scholarship, we encourage you to submit an application for admission to learn what scholarships you may qualify for. From there, you can compare financial aid packages as well as the cost of attendance (to include not only tuition and fees but also housing, meal plan, books, etc.) to determine the best deal.
The full cost of attending college extends beyond tuition and fees.
q: the full cost of attending college extends beyond tuition and fees. What are the limitations to a last-dollar scholarship?
A: A last-dollar scholarship usually covers the cost of tuition and fees only after applying federal, state, and institutional financial aid to your account balance. This method may leave you responsible for housing, meals, books, and other out-of-pocket expenses that might have been covered by other forms of aid. Plus, there are typically many requirements you must meet in order to even qualify for a last-dollar scholarship.
How does Arkansas Tech apply aid to a student's balance?
Q: HOW DOES ARKANSAS TECH APPLY AID TO A STUDENT’S BALANCE?
A: At Arkansas Tech University, we believe in giving you the financial flexibility to make the most of your college experience. That’s why we apply institutional scholarship funds you’ve earned towards tuition and fees first, before applying state and federal aid, potentially leaving you with money to pay for things like housing, meals, and books. No Strings Attached.
What are the requirements to receive a last-dollar scholarship?
Q: What are the requirements to receive a last-dollar scholarship?
A: While some institutions are advertising free tuition in the form of a last-dollar scholarship, we encourage prospective students to read the fine print. Additional requirements at these institutions to receive and keep that scholarship may include but are not limited to:
- Filling out the FAFSA
- Pell-eligibility
- Being an Arkansas resident
- Applying for/ receiving the AR Academic Challenge Scholarship
- Meeting all admission requirements
- Being a first-time entering undergraduate
- Service hours or volunteer work
is filling out the fafsa required at ATU for scholarship purposes?
Q: is filling out the fafsa required at atu for scholarship purposes?
A: No, you are not required to fill out the FAFSA to be eligible to receive an Academic Scholarship from ATU, but you really should fill it out. The FAFSA is the application for grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. With the changes for the 2024-25 school year, we anticipate many more students will be eligible for Pell Grants and need-based aid like work-study and/or loans, which means the Department of Education will pay the interest while you are in school!
If you need help completing the FAFSA, you can email the Arkansas Tech University Financial Aid Office at fa.help@atu.edu, or give us a call at (479) 968-0399.
How do i apply for academic scholarships at Arkanssas Tech University and what are the requirements?
Q: How do i apply for academic scholarships at arkansas tech university and what are the requirements?
A:It’s easy to apply for Academic Scholarships at ATU, because your application for admission also serves as your scholarship application. ATU Academic Scholarships are a flat-rate amount and are awarded based on your high-school GPA. There is no application fee and no essay to complete. Simply fill out the online undergraduate application for admission and send the ATU Office of Admissions a current copy of your high school transcript by the March 1 scholarship deadline.
How many credit hours does an ATU Academic Scholarship Cover?
Q: How many credit hours does an ATu academic scholarship cover?
A: There is no tuition hour cap for these scholarships. Your scholarship will be combined with any other aid for which you’ve applied and are eligible. Your total aid package will be applied to all your charges, not only tuition and fees. You must enroll in at least 15 hours each term to get your scholarship.
Can I stack my ATU academic scholarship with other scholarships
Q: Can i stack my atu academic scholarship with other scholarships?
A: Yes, you can stack your ATU Academic Scholarship with other scholarships…up to the cost of attendance. So be sure to apply for the Arkansas Academic Challenge (Lottery) Scholarship and any other private scholarships you might be eligible to receive. Ask your high school counselor about any community scholarships available to students at your school. And don’t forget to complete the ATU Foundation Scholarship application by the March 1 deadline. You can find additional information and a link to the application on our website at
It sounds like ATU really puts students (and their money) first! How do I earn scholarships from Arkansas Tech University?
Q: It sounds like atu really puts students (and their money) first! How do I earn scholarships from arkansas Tech university?
A: We’re so glad you asked! Below are 5 quick and easy steps to stretch your dollar at ATU.
STEP 1:
Submit ATU’s free application for admission.
STEP 2:
Send a current copy of your high school transcript to the ATU Office of Admissions by the March 1 scholarship deadline.
STEP 3:
Accept your ATU Academic Scholarship (on or before the deadline) using the link in your offer email or the QR code in the offer letter.
STEP 4:
Complete the ATU Foundation Scholarship application by the March 1 deadline.
STEP 5:
Explore other scholarship opportunities through the ATU Office of Financial Aid.