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: