Incoming Freshmen Scholarships

The Academic Scholarship is designed to recognize and reward students who have exemplified academic excellence. Institutional Scholarships are based on the availability of funds and academic performance. Institutional Scholarships are for first-time entering students (Freshman & Transfer) to the University who have not completed a bachelor’s degree program. Awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis.

There is no scholarship application; your admissions application serves as the scholarship application. To be considered for a scholarship award, you must (1) apply for admissions, (2) submit your transcript(s) and test score(s), and (3) submit your shot records to the office of admissions at UAPB. Scholarship awards are based on cumulative grade point average (4.0 scale) and composite ACT/SAT scores.

All scholarship recipients are highly encouraged to complete and submit the FAFSA and add UAPB Financial Aid Code: 001086.

Scholarship Deadline: March 1, 2025

Click Here to Apply for Admissions & Submit All Documents

Institutional Scholarship Opportunities

Chancellor’s Scholarship (4 years / 8 semesters)	Minimum 3.75 GPA Minimum 28 ACT or 1300 SAT Must be admitted by January 1st	$66,000 for four years ($8,250 per semester)
University Scholarship (4 years / 8 semesters)	Minimum 3.5 GPA 23-27 ACT or 1130-1260 SAT	$48,000 for four years ($6,000 per semester)
Dean’s Scholarship (4 years / 8 semesters)	Minimum 3.5 GPA 21-22 ACT or 1060 – 1100 SAT	$20,000 for four years ($2,500 per semester)
Leadership Scholarship (4 years / 8 semesters)	Minimum 3.0 GPA 19-20 ACT or 980 – 1030 SAT	$8,000 for four years ($1,000 per semester)
Black and Gold Scholarship (4 years / 8 semesters)	Minimum 2.75 GPA 18 ACT or 960 SAT	$6,000 for four years ($750 per semester)
Golden Lion Scholarship (4 years / 8 semesters)	Minimum 2.75 GPA 17 ACT of 920 SAT	$4,000 for four years ($500 per semester)

Neighbors of Arkansas Opportunities

Eligible students must reside in Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, or Texas.

Tier A	2.9 GPA 19 ACT or 980 SAT	90% Discount on out-of-state tuition rate
Tier B	2.9 GPA 17 ACT or 900 SAT	80% Discount on out-of-state tuition rate
Tier C	2.6 GPA 17 ACT or 900 SAT	50% Discount on out-of-state tuition rate

Shelby County Waiver

The Shelby County Waiver makes attending the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff more affordable for students residing in Shelby County areas of Tennessee (Arlington, Bartlett, Brunswick, Collierville, Cordova, Eads, Ellendale, Germantown, Lakeland, and Millington.)

General Criteria

Must be a first-time entering freshman
Must be a full-time student
Must be from the Shelby County (Tennessee) Area
Must reside in a campus dormitory
Must maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA each semester

Foundational Scholarships

Cincinnati/Dayton Alumni Chapter Scholarship	The applicant Is currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at UAPB. Has a home residence address in the Southwestern area of Ohio (e.g., Hamilton, Warren, Butler, Montgomery or Clermont counties). Has completed at least her/his freshman year with a verified current cumulative GPA of 2.5 (or more) on a 4.0 GPA cum scale. Has submitted application for this scholarship with her/his official transcript which may be accompanied by letter(s) of recommendation, supportive documents of commendation or noteworthy achievements. The application and transcript are required.
Harold S. Strong Scholarship	This award will be given annually to an entering freshman Who is a member of the Vesper Choir Having a 2.5 GPA or better Exhibits good citizenship Demonstrates professional promise.
Irma Holiday-Bessie Jordan Teacher Education Scholarship	Incoming Freshman Majoring in education From Arkansas Minimum of 2.5 GPA .
James and Helen Bankston Scholarship	The James and Helen Bankston Scholarship fund was established by the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and family and friends of the late James F. Bankston. This fund provides two (2) annual awards to students majoring in the field of vocational education, early childhood education, or middle school education. Students must have a 2.85 GPA if an upperclassman or 3.00 if an entering freshman.
Jewell Minnis Scholarship	Be a resident of Arkansas Be a first-time entering freshman Have a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale Have an ACT composite score of 19 High school transcript, ACT scores, and letters of recommendation must be submitted with the application
John E. Smith & Charlene Smith Gaines Vesper Choir Endow.	Members of Vesper Choir in good standard Incoming freshman through graduating seniors Must write letter to donor explain how they have benefited from this scholarship Must have GPA of 2.5 or better
Marcus C. Harris II Scholarship Endowment	Scholarship for freshman any major One year nonrenewable 18 ACT 2.75 gpa 500 word essay about UAPB a graduate that positively impacted the world Volunteer at Topps 24 hours per semester Must reach 3.0 by the beginning of third semester and maintain it to renew the scholarship
Wilcox Scholarship Endowed	The recipient of this scholarship will be a Freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior level students majoring in the field of (desired major) Must have GPA of 2.5 or better

Performance-Based Scholarships

(Band and Choir scholarships are awarded based on audition.)

Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South Band Scholarship

Audition includes :

Scales
Prepared piece of music
Rudiments and a mallet piece of music for percussionist

Scholarships range all the way up to full tuition

Golden Girls and 24 Karat Golden Silks

Audition at tryouts

Up to a $1,500 scholarship

Vesper Choir Scholarship

Scholarships are awarded by audition.

Students are evaluated based on intonation; tone quality; breath control; diction; preparation; and musicality.
Students are also required to submit a letter of recommendation from their current/former music teacher or someone familiar with their musical ability.
There is no hard deadline. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, until funds are exhausted.

Up to Full Tuition

Click here to learn more about the Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South Band, or contact our directors to schedule an audition:

Mr. John R. Graham Jr.
870-575-8036
grahamj@uapb.edu
Mr. Harrold Fooster Jr.
870-575-8910
foosterh@uapb.edu

Click here to learn more about the Golden Girls and 24 Karat Golden Silks.

Click here to schedule an audition for the Vesper Choir, or contact:
Director of Choral Activities
Mr. Jerron A. Liddell
liddellj@uapb.edu
(870) 575-8907

Additional Scholarships

Click here to view Alumni Scholarship Opportunities

Click here to view ROTC Scholarship Opportunities

Department Scholarship Opportunities:

Click here to view Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture, & Fisheries Scholarship Opportunities
Click here to view Department of Chemistry & Physics Scholarship Opportunities
Click here to view Department of English, Humanities & Foreign Languages Scholarship Opportunities
Click here to view Department of Mathematics & Computer Science Scholarship Opportunities
Click here to view Department of Social Work Scholarship Opportunities