Non-Traditional Student Scholarship Opportunity for ASU System Students

A second chance at college. A new path forward. 

Arkansas adults who have historically faced financial hardships in pursuing a college education or workforce training may be eligible for a new, privately funded Arkansas State University System Educational Scholarship Fund.

Applications are being accepted for scholarship funds for non-traditional students who are:

• U.S. citizens
• Have been a resident of Arkansas for at least 13 months
• Have at least three years’ life experience after high school without attending college.

Full-time or part-time students who want to attend classes either on an ASU System campus or through online courses are eligible.

Scholarship funds are available for use at any ASU System institution, including Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, ASU-Beebe, ASU-Mountain Home, ASU-Newport, ASU Mid-South in West Memphis and ASU Three Rivers in Malvern. Online students in the ASU System are also eligible.

The renewable scholarship is ideal for adults whose personal or financial circumstances delayed college early in life, said Dr. Robin Myers, interim president of the ASU System.

“These funds are designed to assist adults who have reached a stage where they are ready to pursue college after previously experiencing challenges that made it impossible earlier in life,” Myers said. “Applicants might also be adults who are ready for a career change or need certain certifications or degrees to advance in their career. Individuals who have served in the military since high school and are ready to pursue postsecondary education would also be possible candidates.”

Eligible undergraduate or graduate students must pursue academic fields such as business, healthcare, science, technology or vocational training. Liberal arts and legal fields are specifically excluded.

Recipients may use the first two years of degree plan scholarship toward tuition, books and associated fees. Funds during the remaining two years of a four-year degree plan may be available under select circumstances.

Funds are also available to pay for required admissions testing at any ASU System institution.

See below for the complete list of criteria and certain exclusions on eligibility. Apply here.

Here are the criteria for the ASU System Educational Scholarship Fund:

• U.S. Citizen
• Arkansas resident for minimum of 13 months
• Scholarship recipient must have at least 3 years of life experience after high school
• Financial need that would have otherwise kept applicant from attending college to be considered
• Non-traditional student, defined as:

1. 1. Independent for federal financial aid purposes (i.e., not claimed as a “dependent” on any IRS tax filings by the student’s parent(s) or guardian
   2. A student who has one or more dependents
   3. Student who is a single caregiver to a child or the student’s parent or guardian
   4. Student who delayed postsecondary enrollment due to financial or familial issues
   5. Student attends one of the ASU System institutions on either a full-time or part-time basis due to financial or familial considerations

**Note: Full-time status is a student who enrolls for sufficient coursework with enough credits per semester or quarter to complete their educational process during a normal four-year period, currently 15 hours per semester.

• Students who are majoring in general liberal arts and legal fields are excluded from being a candidate of this award. Exclusions include, but are not limited to:
  • Associate of Arts Degree program
  • Bachelor of Arts Degree program
  • Master of Arts Degree program
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree program
  • Master of Fine Arts Degree program
  • Bachelor of Music Degree program
  • Master of Music Degree program
  • Bachelor of Social Work Degree program
  • Master of Social Work Degree program
  • Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor Degree program
  • Master of Arts and Juris Doctor Degree program
  • Applied Communication Studies – Bachelor’s Degree to M.A.
  • Nonprofit Leadership and associated programs