Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship | GS
Important Note: The following information is intended as a general overview of the program for those applying, or who are considering applying, for the scholarship and is not intended to be a comprehensive compilation of program requirements. For complete information, please refer to the program’s rules and regulations.
Scholarship Deadline to Apply
Annual Deadline
March 1
Requirements
At least a composite or superscore of 32 on the ACT (1410 SAT) and a 3.5 GPA to apply. FAFSA is required.Award Amount
$10000
Who May Apply:
Governor’s Distinguished applicants must possess a 32 ACT Superscore and a 3.5 GPA, or the standing of National Merit and National Achievement Finalist.
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 high school graduate
- Have a composite score or superscore of 32 on a single ACT OR a combined math and critical reasoning score of 1410 on a single SAT; AND
- Have a 3.5 academic grade point average OR selection as a National Achievement Finalist or National Merit Finalist
- Complete the FAFSA
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.
- Student receiving both Governor's Distinguished and Academic Challenge per Academic Year at a 4-Year institution:
Academic Challenge Governor's Distinguished Year 1 $1,000 $9,000 Year 2 $4,000 $6,000 Year 3 $4,000 $6,000 Year 4 $5,000 $5,000 - Student receiving both Governor's Distinguished and Academic Challenge per Academic Year at a 2-Year institution until they transfer to a 4-Year institution:
Academic Challenge Governor's Distinguished Year 1 $1,000 $9,000 Year 2 $3,000 $7,000 5th Semester $1,000 $3,500
Other Information
Graduate School Criteria
Those that graduate from undergrad early have the option to use the remaining semesters for graduate school. There are a few rules that come with this option, listed below:
- Only the Senior Award Amount can be used for graduate school (Max 2 semesters)
- The Graduate school must be based in Arkansas, or an eligible Out-of-State School and Program
- See “Approved Institution” definition in Rules and Regulations.
- Student must be accepted and start the graduate program the semester immediately following their undergraduate graduation (summer semesters not included).
- If a student has an extenuating circumstance, they can have their scholarship held up to a year.
- Student must complete 30 undergraduate hours with a 3.25+ GPA for the academic year (Fall/Spring) to be awarded the scholarship for the following year as a graduate.
The scholarship amount for graduate school is based on the hours you are enrolled in. Seniors receive $5,000 a semester, if enrolled in 9 or more hours. Below is a chart of the proration.
- Enrolled in 3-5 hours= 50%
- Enrolled in 6-8 hours= 75%
- Enrolled in 9+ hours=100%
To request your remaining semesters be used for graduate school, please submit your Graduate Acceptance Letter using the link below.