Freshman Merit Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by University of Arkansas - Fort Smith

Overview

Scholarships are awarded for the lesser of four years or the time required to complete an undergraduate degree. Recipients must maintain full-time enrollment to remain eligible, and renewal depends on meeting annual academic progress standards. The university uses the admission application to consider students for merit and many foundation-based scholarships. All award amounts are calculated on an academic-year basis.

Description: These merit-based awards support students throughout their undergraduate program when renewal criteria are satisfied. Some foundation scholarships require an additional, optional application with supporting materials such as a resume, essay, or references.

• Maximum duration: four years or degree completion
• Admission application also serves as a merit-scholarship application
• Award amounts are quoted per academic year

Eligibility & Renewal

Renewal of merit scholarships requires sustained academic progress and full-time enrollment each semester. Students must complete 24 credit hours over the academic year to be eligible for renewal, with a summer semester available to meet deficient requirements after spring. Different scholarship tiers have distinct GPA renewal thresholds that must be met each year.

Eligibility: Students must enroll in at least 12 credit hours each semester. Renewal GPA requirements are 3.0 for Platinum, Gold, and Silver scholarships, and 2.5 for Bronze and Lion Pride scholarships.

• Minimum enrollment: 12 credit hours per semester
• Annual credit requirement: 24 hours (summer may be used to catch up)
• Tiered GPA standards applied for renewal

Application & Deadlines

The primary admissions application doubles as the application for merit scholarships and many foundation awards, streamlining the process for applicants. Some foundation-based scholarships require a separate optional application and additional documentation. Applicants must ensure all required admissions materials are submitted by the published deadline to be considered for merit awards.

Application Timeline: For Fall 2027 consideration, the admissions application, official high school transcript, and official test scores must be submitted by the May due date. Missing materials or deadlines may affect scholarship consideration.

• Admissions application = merit scholarship consideration
• Additional foundation applications may request essays, resumes, or references
• Submit transcripts and test scores by the stated May deadline for Fall consideration

Housing Stipend

Certain merit scholarships include a housing stipend that supports on-campus living for eligible students. The stipend applies specifically to Lion's Den housing and is administered alongside the scholarship award. Housing support aligns with the scholarship's maximum duration and renewal conditions.

Description: Merit scholarship housing stipends are valid for Lion's Den housing for up to four years, subject to the same renewal requirements as the scholarship itself.

• Stipend applies only to Lion's Den housing
• Valid for up to four years, matching scholarship duration
• Continues only while renewal criteria are met