Arkansas Military Book Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by University of Arkansas

If you’re a current or former member of the U.S. armed forces—or a spouse or child of someone who served—the University of Arkansas offers a straightforward way to get help with books and supplies. Below I’ve laid out the important facts and the steps you’ll need to take, in plain language and checklist form so nothing gets missed.

Quick overview

• Military Book Scholarship: About 10 one-year awards, up to $1,000 each. Open to students in any major, but only to currently enrolled University of Arkansas students.

Important dates

• Submission window: January 1 – February 15 each year (deadline: 11:59 p.m. CST).

Who is eligible (check all that apply)

• You must be either:
  • a current or former member of the U.S. armed forces, OR
  • a dependent (spouse or child) of a current or former service member.
• You must have documentation of military affiliation on file with the Veteran and Military-Affiliated Student Center.
• You must have a current FAFSA on file or submit a new/updated FAFSA. (Note: having a FAFSA does not affect VA or other military educational benefits.)
• Enrollment requirements:
  • Undergraduates: planning to enroll full time (12 credit hours) and be degree-seeking for the upcoming academic year.
  • Graduate students: planning to enroll as degree-seeking with at least 6 credit hours for the upcoming academic year.
• ROTC cadets are not eligible unless they are prior-service members and can verify their service with VRIC.

How recipients are chosen

• A Military Scholarship Committee reviews applications and weighs:
  • academic achievement and potential,
  • résumé and essay,
  • financial need,
  • campus and community involvement,
  • lack of other educational benefits,
  • time remaining to degree completion.
• In short: the committee looks at both merit and financial circumstances.

Step-by-step application instructions

1. Complete the Academic Scholarship Office’s General Application in the AcademicWorks system. This is the required application form—don’t send paper copies to the Academic Scholarship Office.
2. Make sure all military-affiliation documentation is on file with the Veteran and Military-Affiliated Student Center (Garland Center, Suites 115–116, 640 N. Garland Avenue). Phone: 479-575-8742.
3. Sign in to AcademicWorks with your UARK ID and password to submit materials, save and return to your application, check status, and accept awards.
   • If you’re an incoming student (undergrad or grad), you must first apply for admission and receive your UA username, password, and @uark.edu email before accessing AcademicWorks.

Tips from a teacher

• Start early—gather your military documentation and FAFSA before the application window opens.
• Treat the résumé and essay carefully. They matter in the committee’s decision.
• If you’re unsure whether your documentation is sufficient, call the Veteran and Military-Affiliated Student Center well before the deadline.

If you want, I can help you turn your résumé or essay into a cleaner, stronger submission.