Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Arkansas Department of Higher Education

The Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship is the most academically rigorous scholarship program offered for those graduating high school seniors scoring either a minimum composite or superscore of 32 on the ACT or 1410 on the SAT and a 3.5 unweighted, cumulative grade point average. Those named National Merit Finalists or National Achievement Scholars may qualify without meeting the GPA requirement but must still meet the ACT/SAT requirement. FAFSA is required. The scholarship pays tuition, mandatory fees, and room and board up to $10,000 per year.

Requirements

At least a composite or superscore of 32 on the ACT (1410 SAT) and a 3.5 unweighted, cumulative GPA to apply. FAFSA is required.

Award Amount

Up to $10,000 per academic year for 4 years

Who May Apply:

High school seniors who possess a 32 ACT composite or superscore or 1410 on the SAT while maintaining a 3.5 unweighted, cumulative GPA or the standing of National Merit and National Achievement Finalist.

Note: Non-U.S. Citizens with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or have a parent who has an EAD may apply for the Governor’s Scholars Program (FAFSA will not be required for these students).  Please contact our office at 501-371-1064 if this is your situation.

Detailed Description

Basic Eligibility Criteria

An applicant must:

• Be a bona fide resident of Arkansas
• Be a United States citizen or a permanent resident alien
• Be a graduating high school senior
• Have a composite score or superscore of 32 on the ACT OR a combined math and critical reasoning score of 1410 on a single SAT; AND
• Have a 3.5 unweighted, cumulative grade point average OR selection as a National Achievement Finalist or National Merit Finalist
• Complete the FAFSA
• Begin attendance in at least 15 credit hours each semester at college/university (only 12 credit hours is required your first semester)

Continuing Eligibility Criteria

• Student must maintain a minimum 3.25 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale at the end of each academic year
• Student must complete 27 semester credit hours during the first academic year and 30 semester credit hours per year thereafter.

Award Amounts

• The Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship will pay up to $10,000 per year for tuition, mandatory fees, room and board. Students are eligible to accept both the Academic Challenge and the Governor’s Distinguished Scholars.  If a student receives both, the award amounts are listed below for each year they are receiving the scholarships.  
  • Student receiving both Governor's Distinguished and Academic Challenge per Academic Year at a 4-Year institution: