Southern Arkansas University is proud to announce the debut of The SAU Difference scholarship program, a new initiative designed to provide financial support for eligible incoming freshmen from Arkansas.
The SAU Difference scholarship program is a game-changer for Arkansas students, designed to make higher education more accessible than ever before. As a last-dollar initiative, it bridges the gap between the cost of tuition, fees, and existing financial aid, ensuring that students who are Pell-eligible and recipients of the Arkansas Challenge Scholarship can attend SAU without the weight of unmet financial needs. By covering essential costs like tuition and mandatory fees, this scholarship empowers students to focus on their studies, unlock their potential, and chart a path toward a brighter future—all without the stress of financial uncertainty.
“Higher education is a powerful engine of social mobility and economic opportunity, but costs can often be a barrier for students. We need to eliminate as many obstacles as possible to provide our brightest Arkansas students with access to higher education,” said Dr. Bruno Hicks, SAU president. “We are excited to make this significant investment in our students and their families, ensuring that affordability remains a priority in their college experience.”
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for The SAU Difference scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. citizen and a resident of Arkansas
- Be a first-time college student entering SAU in the fall of 2025
- Be Pell Grant eligible
- Be a recipient of the Arkansas Challenge Scholarship
Program Benefits
The SAU Difference scholarship will cover the financial gap between the total cost of tuition, all fees*, and the sum of the Pell Grant and Arkansas Challenge Scholarship.
*For all the exciting and specific details about The SAU Difference, including eligibility and program specifics, visit www.saumag.edu/difference.
About Southern Arkansas University:
Southern Arkansas University, located in Magnolia, Arkansas, provides students with the complete college experience in a caring environment of service, innovation, and community. With more than 100 degrees in four distinct colleges and the School of Graduate Studies, SAU initiates new degree programs to fit the needs of career and professional trends of today. To learn more about SAU, visit www.saumag.edu.
