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 which may include tuition, fees, room, board, and other university charges. Any other financial aid you are awarded may be applied to any remaining charges and/or other costs each semester (some restrictions apply). The priority deadline to apply for a scholarship is March 1, unless funds are depleted prior to this date.
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. 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. |
| 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 |
| 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 |
Eligibility: Recipients will be chosen on the basis of overall academic achievement and campus and community involvement. The scholarship committee will review applications and select recipients. Those selected to receive the scholarship are required to enroll in 15 credit hours at Southern Arkansas University. Students who enroll part-time are not eligible. Students applying for the Transfer Scholarship must meet the following criteria:
- Have an overall cumulative grade point average of a 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale for all college work.
- Completion of at least 48 transferable credits. The majority of these hours should be from a community college. Also, note that preference is given to those students that have most recently attended a community college in Arkansas, Bossier Parrish Community College, or Texarkana College. There are a limited number of transfer scholarships. Application for a transfer scholarship does not guarantee the applicant will receive the scholarship. Transfer scholarships are not available for students transferring from a four-year institution.
Applying: Students who meet the above criteria must submit all required materials by the April 15 deadline:
- Complete the Transfer Scholarship application online or by mailing the form to the SAU Office of Admissions.
- Complete an application for admission to Southern Arkansas University.
- A copy of your current course enrollment (if applicable).
To complete your application, you must send up-to-date transcripts from ALL colleges that you have attended to the SAU Office of Admissions. Please send the most complete transcripts that you have if you are presently enrolled at a community college. If presently enrolled, final transcripts should then be sent as soon as your current semester grades are posted. Final transcripts should then be sent when the current semester is completed. Scholarships will be awarded on a competitive basis to those students that complete the application process.
Amount and Renewal Requirements: Students receiving the Transfer Scholarship will be awarded $3000.00 per semester for up to four semesters. The scholarship is renewable each semester if the recipient completes at least 15 credit hours per semester on the SAU Magnolia campus and maintains a 2.75 GPA.
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.
