Higher education costs are rising, but for students in Arkansas, the path to a degree is significantly more affordable thanks to the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery.
The Arkansas Challenge Scholarship (officially the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship) is the state’s premier financial aid program.
What is the Arkansas Challenge Scholarship?
The Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship is a program funded by the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery.
It provides financial assistance to Arkansas residents pursuing higher education at approved two-year and four-year colleges within the state.
The program is unique because it supports a wide range of students, not just graduating high school seniors.
Eligibility extends to Traditional Students (incoming freshmen) and Non-Traditional Students (adult learners or current students who didn’t previously qualify).
2026 Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, you must be an Arkansas resident for at least 12 months prior to enrollment, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and accepted into an approved program.
However, academic requirements differ based on your student status.
Traditional Students (Incoming Freshmen)
If you are graduating high school in 2026, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- ACT Score: Composite or superscore of 19+.
- GPA: High school GPA of 3.00.
- Accuplacer: Score of 246 average across all three sections.
- Classic Learning Test: Score of 58+.
- Diploma: Earn an Arkansas Diploma of Merit.
Non-Traditional Students
If you are currently in college or returning to school:
- With College Credit: Cumulative college GPA of at least 2.5.
- No College Credit: ACT composite or superscore of 19 (or equivalent).
Scholarship Award Amounts
The amount you receive depends on your institution type and your year in school. Awards increase as you progress toward your degree to encourage retention and graduation.
Standard Award Rates
| Year of Study | 4-Year Institution Award | 2-Year Institution Award |
| Year 1 | $1,000 per semester ($2,000 total) | $1,000 per semester ($2,000 total) |
| Year 2 | $2,000 per semester ($4,000 total) | $1,500 per semester ($3,000 total) |
| Year 3 | $2,000 per semester ($4,000 total) | N/A |
| Year 4 | $2,500 per semester ($5,000 total) | N/A |
The “Academic Challenge PLUS” (Need-Based Boost)
Many guides overlook the Academic Challenge PLUS. If you demonstrate financial need based on your FAFSA Student Aid Index (SAI), you may receive additional funding on top of the standard award.
- SAI 8,000 or higher: No additional funding.
- SAI 7,999 or lower: You may qualify for an extra $500 to $1,500 per semester depending on your specific index score and year of study.
2026 Application Timeline
Missing a deadline is the most common reason eligible students lose out on funding. Keep this timeline handy for the 2026–2027 academic year.
| Milestone | Date | Notes |
| Application Opens | October 1, 2025 | Application available via the SAMS portal. |
| Summer Opt-In Deadline | June 1, 2026 | If you plan to take summer classes and want funding. |
| Final Application Deadline | July 1, 2026 | The hard deadline for all applications. |
| Documents Deadline | July 15, 2026 | Deadline to submit ACT scores or transcripts if requested. |
| Hold/Transfer (Fall) | October 1, 2026 | Deadline to request a hold or transfer schools for the Fall semester. |
Important Updates for 2026
The Arkansas Division of Higher Education (ADHE) has implemented specific rules that applicants should be aware of:
4th Year Proration Change
Starting with the 2025-2026 academic year, students receiving their 4th year of funding (Senior level) at $2,500 per semester are no longer promoted if they take fewer than 15 hours.
You must still take at least 6 hours, but you can receive the full amount even if you have a lighter course load to finish your degree.
Forfeiture Option
If you enter college with 27+ concurrent credit hours, you can choose to “forfeit” the Freshman award level ($2,000) and start immediately at the Sophomore award level ($4,000). You must submit a specific form by July 1 to do this.
How to Apply for the Arkansas Challenge Scholarship
Follow these steps to ensure your funding is secured for Fall 2026.
File the FAFSA
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at studentaid.gov. This is required to determine your eligibility and your “PLUS” funding level.
Create a SAMS Account
Visit the ADHE Scholarship Application Management System (SAMS) at sams.adhe.edu.
Complete the YOUniversal Application
This single application checks your eligibility for the Academic Challenge and other state grants (like the Arkansas Future Grant).
Upload Documents
If SAMS requests your high school transcript or ACT scores, upload them immediately.
Check Status
Log in weekly to ensure no “To-Do” items remain on your account.
Next Steps
The Arkansas Challenge Scholarship is a powerful tool to lower your student debt. Don’t leave money on the table.
- Mark your calendar: July 1 is the final deadline.
- Check your SAI: See if you qualify for the PLUS funds.
- Aim High: If you have a high ACT score, investigate the Stamps Scholarship at your chosen university.
Visit the ADHE SAMS portal today to start your application.
Emily Carter is an academic writer with 7+ years of experience in education research, specializing in scholarships, admissions, and student calculators. She creates clear, reliable and helpful content to support students in making informed academic decisions.
