Federal & State Aid

Federal Pell Grant

Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be paid back. It is the Federal government's largest student aid program and is the starting point for most students seeking financial assistance. Students who have received a bachelor's degree are not eligible.

Every student that is Pell eligible is awarded 100% of their grant for two (2) semesters; for instance fall and spring. If they attend full time for both terms, they will have used 100% of their grant. If they do not use 100% of their Pell for fall and spring, there will be a certain percentage left over for summer if otherwise eligible.

The Lifetime eligibility for the Pell grant was reduced from 18 full-time semesters to 12 full-time semesters - which is equivalent to six (6) years. There is no grand fathering of this new law, so your time frame may have already begun if you have ever been a Pell Grant recipient. Since the maximum amount of Pell Grant funding a student can receive each year is equal to 100%; the six-year equivalent is 600%. Therefore, once you have reached 600%, you will never be eligible for Pell no matter what school you attend. Be sure to take classes that apply to your program of study!

For information on the types of aid offered and how to apply, visit http://studentaid.gov.

State Aid Programs

Visit the Arkansas Department of Higher Education's website for information on application, qualifications, renewal, etc. for Arkansas state scholarships and grants. Deadline to apply is June 1st.
