Federal and State Grants
Grants are free money that does not have to be repaid. Some of the available grants include:
Pell Grant
This program is the federal government's largest gift-aid program and provides funds to eligible undergraduate students who have not yet obtained a bachelors or professional degree. Applications must show financial need to be eligible. The maximum amount awarded depends on financial need, cost of attendance and enrollment status. For more information, visit the Federal Pell Grant web page.
Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
The federal SEOG is given to undergraduate students with significant financial need and priority given to Pell Grant recipients. Amounts range from $100 to $4,000. These grants are awarded by the school. The amount you receive may depend on the timing of your application, and the school's available funding for the program.
Academic Competivenes Grant (ACG)
ACG is awarded to students who meet recognized rigorous secondary school programs of study such as state established honors or advanced programs. These programs are also recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. Students must be Pell recipients, enrolled in at least half-time and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. For details and all eligibility requirements visit Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG).
National Science & Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National SMART Grant)
The National SMART Grant is available to Pell Grant eligible third & fourth year undergraduate students (including fifth year students in five year programs) attending at least half-time and majoring in sciences, mathematics, technology, critical foreign language or non-major single liberal arts program. A cumulative average of at 3.0 must be maintained for the required major course work. The student must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen. For details, eligibility and program requirements, visit The National SMART Grant.
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
Effective the 2010-2011 award year, any non-eligible Pell Grant student whose parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and died while serving in Iraq or Afghanistant after September 11, 2001 may be eligible for the Iraq & Afghanistan Service Grant. For details and requirements, visit Iraq & Afghanistan Service Grant.
Arkansas Student Assistance Grant
The Arkansas SAG is a need-based program that is funded by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE). ADHE receives an allotment from the U.S. Department of Education and matches this with state funds. Click here to access the ADHE site.
Work Study
The work-study program provides jobs to students with financial need to earn money to pay for educational expenses. The program allows students to work either on or off campus, acquiring work skills and contacts for future job references. The work hours and pay are determined by the school and the pay is at least minimum wage.