Frequently Asked Scholarship Questions

Should I wait until I raise my GPA to apply?

No. Do not wait to apply. If you already meet the minimum requirement for an Arkansas Tech University First-time Student Academic Scholarship and wish to be considered, apply now. Scholarships are awarded as funds remain available.

How do I apply for a First-time Student Academic Scholarship?

The application for undergraduate admission serves as the scholarship application. There is not a separate scholarship application to complete; however, an early admission status is required. An early admission file includes an application for undergraduate admission and current high school transcript with a qualifying GPA. The application for undergraduate admission and all supporting documentation must be on file by December 1 to receive priority scholarship consideration and February 1 for final scholarship consideration. For scholarships that have an ACT/SAT requirement, test scores must be on file for consideration.

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How will I know if I have been offered a scholarship?

You will receive both a letter in snail mail and an email correspondence. Therefore, it is important to check your email on a regular basis.

I am traditional-aged, but opted to take the GED. Am I still eligible for a First-time Student Academic Scholarship?

Traditional–aged students who have a GED score with the equivalent to the GPA requirement may be considered for First-time Student Academic Scholarships. Request for scholarship consideration should be made to the Office of Admissions via email at scholarships@atu.edu or by phone at 479-968-0343.

What if I complete my file and then raise my GPA or ACT/SAT?

Send us a transcript with your new GPA and/or copies of your new test scores! Raised scholarship awards will be made as funds are available. (You must accept your original scholarship offer before a raised award can be considered.)

Are there other sources of university assistance if I do not qualify for a First-time Student Academic Scholarship?

Yes. You may also apply for Foundation/Private scholarship awards too! All universities have alumni or donors who specify scholarship funds for certain majors or students from certain geographical areas. The priority deadline for our Foundation/Private awards is December 1, with a final deadline of February 1. Apply now.

My parents are alumni. Do you have a special award program for me?

Yes, for more information, visit our Alumni website.

I am from out-of-state. In all that is listed, what applies to me?

Out-of-state students are eligible for First-time Student Academic Scholarship consideration. They are also eligible for Foundation/Private and Alumni Scholarship awards.

If I applied for the regular First-time Student Academic Scholarship, will the University Honors Program automatically have my information?

No. The University Honors application process is completely autonomous. If you have a minimum of a 27 ACT or equivalent SAT or are in the top 10% of your graduating class and have a 3.50 minimum high school GPA, you should investigate the benefits of being selected into Honors. The University Honors application deadline is noon on December 15.

Find out more information at www.atu.edu/honors.

How much is my scholarship?

Go to https://www.atu.edu/scholarships to determine the maximum award for current Tech First-time Student Academic Scholarships. Students who received scholarship awards prior to fall 2022 should refer to their original scholarship offer letter or the Undergraduate Catalog for their award year at https://catalog.atu.edu/.

Do I have to be enrolled in 15 hours for my scholarship to credit to my account?

Yes, you must be enrolled in 15 hours every semester for your scholarship to credit to your account. If you are not enrolled in 15 hours, the scholarship will not credit to your account and will be canceled for future terms. Your enrollment is reported as of the 11th class day of each term. This date varies with each term, so be sure to check with the Financial Aid Office to determine what this date is before you change your schedule.

Do I have to live on campus for my scholarship to credit to my account?

No, you do not have to live on campus for your scholarship to credit to your account. But if you do not live on campus, you must have an exemption to the housing policy posted to your account. Review ATU’s housing policy. However, to receive the full award amount for scholarships with a housing allowance, you must live on campus.

Am I required to have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file for my scholarship to credit to my account?

While a FAFSA is not required for your scholarship to credit to your account, it is highly recommended that you complete the application to determine eligibility for federal aid such as grants, loans, and work study. The FAFSA may be required to determine eligibility for other funds, such as the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship and Arkansas Tech Foundation Scholarships. Additional information about the FAFSA can be found online.

What is the last day to update my schedule for the hours to qualify for my scholarships minimum enrollment?

For either the Tech scholarships or the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) awards, your enrollment is reported as of the 11th class day of each term. This date varies with each term, so be sure to check with the Financial Aid Office to determine what this date is before you change your schedule. Any additions after the 11th class day to meet the minimum required enrollment will not be considered.

When will I get my refund?

Refund dates and other important dates are posted on the Student Accounts website at https://www.atu.edu/stuaccts.

Why has my scholarship not credited to my account?

Ask yourself the following questions. Have you:

Been officially admitted to Arkansas Tech University's Russellville campus?
Registered for the correct number of hours? (15 hours for all Tech academic scholarships)
Signed up for on-campus housing, if required?

Why did my scholarship credit for the fall term, but not the spring term?

Ask yourself the following questions. Did you:

Meet the renewal requirements for the scholarship? Refer to your original scholarship award letter or the Undergraduate Catalog for your award year at https://catalog.atu.edu/ for Tech scholarships.
Register for the correct number of hours? (15 hours for all Tech academic scholarships)

Where can I find information about the renewal requirements for my scholarship?

Information about renewal requirements can be found on the Renewal Requirements webpage or in the Academic Catalog for the year of your enrollment.

If I don't meet the renewal requirements, is there a way to get my scholarship back?

Yes, you can attempt to earn your scholarship back using the Summer Earn Back Program.

What if I have to withdraw from my classes? Is there any way to keep my scholarship?

Students who lose their scholarships due to extreme extenuating circumstances can request a reinstatement. For consideration, students must send a letter or email that details the reasons for the loss of the scholarship and include any supporting documentation that is available. Emails should be sent to scholarships@atu.edu. Letters should be sent to Alisa Waniewski, ATU Office of Admissions, Brown Hall, Suite 104, Russellville AR 72801. Appeal decisions are made by the Scholarship Appeals Committee.

What if I'm in the military and have to miss a semester due to training? Is there any way to defer my scholarship?

Students who must miss a semester/year because of military training can request a deferment. For consideration, students must send a letter or email requesting the deferment and include a copy of their orders or official reservation form. Emails should be sent to scholarships@atu.edu. Letters should be sent to Alisa Waniewski, ATU Office of Admissions, Brown Hall, Suite 104, Russellville AR 72801. Deferments must be approved by the Scholarship Appeals Committee.

How do I appeal for a scholarship reinstatement or deferment?

Requests for scholarship reinstatements/deferments are considered by the Scholarship Appeals Committee. Students who wish to appeal for a reinstatement or deferment should put their request in writing and sent it via email to scholarships@atu.edu or by mail to Alisa Waniewski, ATU Office of Admissions, Brown Hall, Suite 104, Russellville AR 72801. Any supporting documentation that is available should be included. Appeal decisions are made by the Scholarship Appeals Committee.

Do I have to enroll in 15 hours during my last semester of scholarship eligibility?

No, you don’t have to enroll in 15 hours during your last semester of scholarship eligibility. However, if you enroll in less than 12 hours, your scholarship award will be prorated based on the number of hours in which you are enrolled. The Financial Aid Office should be notified if you plan to enrolled in less than 15 hours during your final semester of scholarship eligibility.