Federal
Federal Pell Grant
Up to $7,395 a year (2026–27)
Who qualifies: undergraduates with financial need, based on the FAFSA. It never has to be repaid.
How: file the FAFSA.
Official rules →Paying for college · Fayetteville, AR
How students pay for the University of Arkansas
Sticker price $28,924 a year. After grants, the average student pays $17,571, and what you pay depends on your family's income: anywhere from $12,559 to $23,211.
- 74%admitted
- 28,677undergraduates
- 71%graduate
- 39%get a grant from the school
What it costs, by family income
Average yearly net price for first-time, full-time students who received federal aid, paying in-state tuition. Tap your bracket.
Out-of-state tuition is $31,550 a year versus $10,496 for Arkansas residents, so non-residents usually pay far more than these figures.
Where the money comes from
Share of first-year students receiving each type of aid, and the average amount.
39%grant from University of Arkansasavg $5,734
17%Federal Pell Grantavg $5,069
32%state grantavg $2,896
40%federal student loanavg $5,444
Scholarships from University of Arkansas
Awards the school itself offers, as published on its own website (checked 2026-10-28). Amounts and deadlines change: confirm on the linked page.
- Chancellor's Merit Scholarship$12,000 a year
In-state National Merit Finalists who name the University of Arkansas as their first choice; renewable for 4 years (5 for Architecture).
- Chancellor's ScholarshipUp to $10,000 a year
Top in-state freshman candidates in the scholarship applicant pool.
- Silas Hunt ScholarshipUp to $5,000 or $8,000 a year
In-state freshmen; first-generation status, financial need and geographic representation of Arkansas communities are also considered.
- Chancellor's Community ScholarshipUp to $5,000 a year
Top in-state freshman candidates with a demonstrated commitment to community service.
- Advance Arkansas ScholarshipUp to $4,000 a year
Top in-state freshmen with financial need shown on the FAFSA, with preference for first-generation students; renewable with 30 hours a year and a 2.50 GPA.
- Land of Opportunity ScholarshipVaries
Top in-state freshmen with financial need shown on the FAFSA, with preference for Pell-eligible students.
- First-Year Advantage ScholarshipOne-time, up to $5,000 (living in U of A housing) or up to $3,000 (living at home within 60 miles)
In-state freshmen in the scholarship applicant pool; need is considered but not required.
- Fostering Success ScholarshipUp to $9,000 a year
Students who spent at least a full year in Arkansas foster care and have need or are independent on the FAFSA; includes mentoring.
Grants and scholarships you can apply for
State grant · Arkansas
Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship (with Challenge PLUS)
$2,000 in year 1, $4,000 in years 2 and 3 and $5,000 in year 4 at a four-year college ($2,000 then $3,000 at a two-year college). Challenge PLUS adds up to $1,500 a semester for students with a Student Aid Index below 8,000.
Who qualifies: Arkansas residents of at least 12 months with a 3.00 high-school GPA or a qualifying test score (ACT 19, SAT 990 or Accuplacer 246); income is not a factor for the base award.
How: File the FAFSA and apply through the state's SAMS portal by 1 July each year.
Official rules →State grant · Arkansas
Arkansas Future Grant (ArFuture)
Covers tuition and fees left after other aid at a two-year college; at a four-year college it pays up to the average two-year college cost
Who qualifies: Arkansas high-school graduates (or residents of the past three years) enrolled part-time or full-time in an associate degree or certificate in a STEM or regional high-demand field.
How: File the FAFSA and apply through the SAMS portal by 1 July for fall or 10 January for spring. Awards are first come, first served.
Official rules →State grants follow your home state, not the school's: check your own state's programs if you are coming from elsewhere.
Living in Fayetteville
| Studio | $930/mo |
|---|---|
| One-bedroom | $1,080/mo |
| Two-bedroom, shared | $640/mo each |
HUD FY2027 Fair Market Rents, campus ZIP 72701. Campus housing is often cheaper in the first year.
Working while you study
$11.00/hour minimum wage in Arkansas
15 hours a week over a 30-week academic year ≈ $4,950 before tax. That covers about 8 months of a shared room.
Minimum wage: $11.00 since 1 January 2021, for employers with 4 or more employees. Ask the financial aid office whether you qualify for Federal Work-Study.
After graduation
$20,500median federal debt≈ $233/month over 10 years
$63,588median earnings10 years after enrolling
71%graduate within 6 yearsfirst-time students
Close the gap without another loan
Since July 2026 Parent PLUS loans are capped, so more families are left with a gap after aid. Students use My Study Fund to collect monthly support from family, friends and mentors: 20 people giving $25 a month is $6,000 a year, and you receive every dollar.
Questions students ask about paying for University of Arkansas
What scholarships does University of Arkansas offer?
Chancellor's Merit Scholarship ($12,000 a year); Chancellor's Scholarship (Up to $10,000 a year); Silas Hunt Scholarship (Up to $5,000 or $8,000 a year); Chancellor's Community Scholarship (Up to $5,000 a year); Advance Arkansas Scholarship (Up to $4,000 a year). Details and deadlines are on the school's financial aid pages.
How much does University of Arkansas really cost after financial aid?
The average student who received aid paid $17,571 a year after grants and scholarships. By family income it ranges from $12,559 to $23,211. The full cost of attendance before aid is $28,924.
Does University of Arkansas give scholarships and grants?
Yes. 39% of first-year students received a grant from University of Arkansas itself, averaging $5,734. 17% received a Federal Pell Grant (average $5,069).
How much is rent near University of Arkansas?
HUD's FY2027 Fair Market Rent for the campus ZIP code (72701) is $1,080 a month for a one-bedroom and $1,280 for a two-bedroom, about $640 each when shared.
Can I work part-time while studying at University of Arkansas?
Yes. The minimum wage in Arkansas is $11.00 an hour; 15 hours a week over a 30-week academic year earns about $4,950 before tax.
How much debt do University of Arkansas graduates have?
The median federal debt at graduation is $20,500, about $233 a month on a 10-year plan. Median earnings ten years after enrolling are $63,588.
Sources
U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (release 10152026) and IPEDS (SFA2223 student financial aid, first-time full-time students); HUD FY2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents; state and federal program pages linked above, checked 2026-10-28. My Study Fund is not affiliated with University of Arkansas. How these pages work.
More in Arkansas: All colleges in Arkansas →