Academic scholarships are awarded based on grade-point average, class rank, and ACT or SAT score. Performance scholarships are available in art, band, choir, and theatre. Other scholarships are available in athletics and rodeo. If you are eligible for an academic and/or performance scholarship, your scholarship awards will be applied to university charges (some restrictions apply). The priority deadline to apply for a scholarship is March 1, unless funds are depleted prior to this date.
Incoming FreshmanNon-Traditional and UpperclassmenTransfersInternational
Apply now or learn about specific scholarships below
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Award | Deadline |
| Presidential 8 semesters | Composite ACT score of 30 or above (or SAT equivalent) or has been named a National Merit or a National Achievement finalist or semi-finalist. | Based on other aid, $5,500/semester | Priority deadline is March 1 |
| University 8 semesters | Composite ACT score of 27-29 (or SAT equivalent). | Based on other aid, $4,500/semester | Priority deadline is March 1 |
| Blue and Gold 8 semesters | Composite ACT score of 24-26 (or SAT equivalent). | Based on other aid, $3,300/semester | Priority deadline is March 1 |
| Valedictorian/ Salutatorian 8 semesters | Valedictorian or salutatorian of his/her graduating class, eligible to apply and composite ACT score of 19-23 | Based on other aid, $3,300/semester | Priority deadline is March 1 |
| Top 10% 8 semesters | Top 10% of graduating class, eligible to apply and composite ACT score of 19-23 | Based on other aid, $3,300/semester | Priority deadline is March 1 |
| Leadership Incentive Award 4 semesters | 3.25 GPA, 20-23 Composite ACT, and recommended as a leader by a high school principal, counselor, teacher, etc. – limited number, competitive | Based on other aid, $3,300/semester | Priority deadline is March 1. Limited funding. The recipient is expected to attend Leadership Academy in August prior to fall registration. Two letters of recommendation required. Please provide a list of entire high school involvement, awards, and community service. |
| Mulerider Scholarship 8 semesters | 3.25 GPA, letters of recommendation | Based on other aid, $3,000/year | Priority deadline is March 1. Limited funding. Two letters of recommendation required. Please provide a list of entire high school involvement, awards, and community service. |
| Achievement Award 8 semesters | Composite ACT score of 21-23 | Based on other aid, $1,000/semester | Priority deadline is March 1 |
| Art, Music, Theatre | Required cumulative grade point average in high school (2.50 for art and 2.00 for music and theatre), audition for faculty member in the area of the student’s talent, and full-time enrollment. | Variable – recipients may only receive one performance scholarship | Contact Information: Art Department Chair, 870-235-5053 Band Director, 870-235-4244 Choir Director, 870-235-4246 Theatre Department Chair, 870-235-4257 |
| Arkansas Academic Challenge 8 semesters | Criteria determined by ADHE. Call 1-800-54-STUDY or visit www.adhe.edu | Variable by year | Between January and June 1 of the year the applicant graduates from high school |
Retention criteria for all incoming freshman scholarships (excluding Arkansas Academic Challenge and Art, Music, and Theater Scholarships) include: 30 hours with a 2.75 GPA each year. Must enroll in a minimum of 15 hours each semester. Complete 27 hours with a 2.75 GPA by the end of the spring semester for the first year. Complete 30 hours with a 2.75 cumulative each year thereafter (summer classes at SAU may help meet deficiencies each year). At the end of each fall semester, you must have earned a minimum 2.25 cumulative GPA to continue receiving the scholarship the following semester.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Award | Deadline | Retention |
| Peoples Bank / Non-traditional Student 2 semesters | Student who has been out of high school at least five years and has completed at least one full-time semester of college work with at least a 2.75 cumulative grade point average. | Based on other aid, $2,500/semester | Priority deadline is March 1, Limited number available | Renewable for one semester provided the recipient maintains at least a 2.75 cumulative grade point average and completes at least 12 semester hours on the Magnolia campus each semester. |
| College | SAU sophomores, juniors, and seniors | Based on other aid, $2,500/semester | March 1 | Scholarships are for one year only and are awarded competitively each year. |
| Retention | SAU out of state students that have a 3.5 cumulative GPA at SAU and at least 15 hours at SAU. Must live on campus | Out of state amount (based on other aid) | as funds are avail. priority dates Aug. 1 and Jan.1 | 3.0 cumulative gpa and 15 hours each semester to renew. See dean of Admissions for application |
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Award | Deadline |
| Community College Scholarship 4 semesters | Overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 for college work. Completion of 48 transferable credits from a community college. | Based on other aid, $3,000/semester | Priority deadline is April 15 |
| Mulerider Transfer Scholarship 4 semesters | Overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 for college work. | Based on other aid, $3,000/year | Priority deadline is March 1 |
There have been changes in the International Student Scholarship program. There are two main types of scholarships for international students: Initial and Retention. All scholarships are contingent upon available funding. All scholarship students must live on campus.
