How To Apply For Arkansas Lottery Scholarship

To apply for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship (also known as the Arkansas Lottery Scholarship), follow these steps:

1. Meet the Eligibility Requirements

• Be an Arkansas resident.
• Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
• Have a minimum high school GPA or meet alternative requirements for nontraditional students (based on ACT or Accuplacer scores).
• Enroll in an approved Arkansas higher education institution.
• Not have earned a bachelor’s degree.

2. Create an Account on the ADHE YOUniversal Scholarship Portal

• Go to the YOUniversal application portal from the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE).
• Create an account and fill out your profile.

3. Complete the YOUniversal Scholarship Application

• Log in to the YOUniversal account, complete the scholarship application, and upload required documents, such as your transcript and test scores (if applicable).
• This single application can qualify you for multiple state scholarships.

4. Submit FAFSA

• Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at FAFSA.ed.gov by the deadline to maximize eligibility for federal and state aid.

5. Meet the Deadlines

• Apply by July 1 for the fall semester or January 10 for the spring semester. Start early to ensure you meet the deadlines.

6. Track Your Application Status

• Log in to the YOUniversal portal to monitor the progress of your application, check for additional requirements, or confirm your award status.

7. Renewal Requirements

• The scholarship is renewable each year if you maintain a minimum GPA (usually 2.5) and complete a certain number of credit hours each semester (typically 27 credit hours per academic year).

For specific questions, contact the ADHE at (501) 371-2050 or email info@adhe.edu.

Here’s more in-depth information on the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship and how to apply:

1. Eligibility Requirements

• High School Graduates: Typically, you need a minimum high school GPA of 2.5 or an ACT score of 19 (or equivalent on other standardized tests like the SAT).
• Nontraditional Students: There are two groups:
  • Current College Students: Must have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.5 after completing at least 12 college credit hours.
  • Returning Students or Adults (no recent high school): Must meet specific scores on standardized tests such as the ACT, Accuplacer, or Compass.
• Enrollment Status: Full-time enrollment is typically required to receive the scholarship. However, some part-time students may be eligible depending on their circumstances.

2. The Application Process on the YOUniversal Portal

• Create an Account: Start by creating an account on the ADHE YOUniversal Scholarship Portal.
• Scholarship Application: Once logged in, you can complete one application that applies for multiple state-funded scholarships, including the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship.
• Documents: Make sure to upload any required documents like transcripts, ACT/SAT scores, and proof of residency if requested.

3. Required Documents

• High School Transcript or GED Certificate: This helps verify your GPA.
• Standardized Test Scores: If you are applying as a traditional student, you may need ACT, SAT, Accuplacer, or other standardized test scores.
• College Transcript (for nontraditional students): If you’re a current college student, submit your college transcript to demonstrate your GPA and completed credit hours.

4. FAFSA Requirement

• Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required for Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship applicants. This helps ADHE determine financial need, though the scholarship is not entirely need-based.
• Submit the FAFSA each year to remain eligible for the scholarship, as it provides your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) and financial aid status.

5. Deadlines

• July 1: For the fall semester.
• January 10: For the spring semester (if you missed the fall deadline).
• Applying early ensures you have time to correct any issues with your application or meet additional requirements.

6. Award Amounts and Distribution

• The scholarship award varies based on your academic year. As of recent years, the approximate amounts are:
  • First Year: Up to $1,000
  • Second Year: Up to $4,000
  • Third Year: Up to $4,000
  • Fourth Year: Up to $5,000
  • Two-Year Colleges: Up to $2,000 per year
• Funds are distributed directly to your school, typically credited to your tuition and fees balance.

7. Renewal Criteria

• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5.
• Complete at least 27 credit hours per academic year, or as specified by ADHE.
• Continue full-time enrollment, though part-time students may have additional options based on their eligibility.

8. Additional Scholarship Options Through YOUniversal

• The ADHE YOUniversal application portal provides access to other Arkansas scholarships, such as:
  • Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship
  • Go Grant for Nontraditional Students
  • Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship
• You can explore these options on the portal, as some students may qualify for multiple scholarships.

9. Helpful Contacts and Resources

• Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) Contact Information:
  • Phone: (501) 371-2050
  • Email: info@adhe.edu
• Website for ADHE and YOUniversal Portal: ADHE YOUniversal Portal

Keeping track of deadlines and renewal requirements is crucial for maintaining your scholarship across all years of eligibility.