Freshman Merit Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by University of Arkansas - Fort Smith

Overview

Scholarships support undergraduate study for up to four years or until completion of the degree, whichever occurs first. They include institution merit awards and many foundation-based awards administered through the admissions process. The admissions application serves as the application for merit scholarships and for many foundation scholarships; some foundation awards require an optional, separate scholarship application with additional materials. Award amounts and stipends are reported on an academic-year basis.

Description: Merit and foundation-based scholarships provide multi-year support tied to enrollment and academic performance. Some foundation awards require supplemental materials such as a resume, essay, or references submitted via a separate scholarship application.

• Support covers up to four years or until degree completion.
• Admissions application is the primary scholarship application.
• Award amounts are presented per academic year.

Eligibility & Renewal

Eligibility for initial award and renewal is based on enrollment, earned credit hours, and GPA thresholds. Recipients must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each semester, and renewal requires earning 24 credit hours per academic year. GPA standards differ by award level and are enforced annually to maintain eligibility.

Eligibility: Renewal requires 24 earned hours per academic year and continuous enrollment at a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester. Specific GPA thresholds apply by tier: a 3.0 GPA is required for Platinum, Gold, and Silver renewals; a 2.5 GPA is required for Bronze and Lion Pride renewals.

Renewal: Students who have not met renewal requirements by the end of the spring semester may use the subsequent summer semester to achieve the necessary credits or GPA for continued eligibility.

• Maintain 12 credit hours each semester to remain enrolled.
• Earn 24 hours per academic year for scholarship renewal.
• GPA requirements: 3.0 for higher tiers; 2.5 for Bronze and Lion Pride.

Application & Deadlines

The admissions application functions as the primary pathway to consideration for both merit and many foundation scholarships. Applicants for certain foundation-based awards must submit an optional, separate scholarship application with requested materials such as a resume, essay, or references. Timely submission of application materials and official records is required to be considered for merit awards for a given term.

Application Timeline: To be considered for merit scholarships for Fall 2027, submit the admissions application, your official high school transcript, and official test scores by the May deadline for that admission cycle. Check institutional deadlines and submission requirements for foundation scholarships that use separate applications.

• Admissions application typically serves as the scholarship application.
• Some foundation scholarships require additional materials via an optional application.
• Meet published deadlines (e.g., May deadline for Fall 2027 consideration).

Housing Stipend

Selected merit scholarships include a housing stipend to help offset on-campus living costs. The housing stipend applies specifically to Lion's Den housing and is available for up to four years, consistent with the overall scholarship duration. Students should confirm stipend eligibility and allocation with the scholarship office prior to housing selection.

Housing Stipend: Merit scholarship housing stipends are valid for Lion's Den housing for up to four years and are administered alongside the scholarship award.

• Stipend applies to Lion's Den on-campus housing.
• Available for the same maximum term as the scholarship (up to four years).
• Verify stipend details and limitations with the scholarship office.