Bridging the Gap at U of A — Land of Opportunity Scholarship

The Land of Opportunity Scholarship wipes out the last dollar of tuition, mandatory fees and on-campus housing for Pell-eligible (or otherwise high-need) Arkansans. Funded by a $122 million endowment drive led by the Hunt family, the program also guarantees every scholar four years of mentoring, academic coaching, financial-wellness workshops, and career-readiness support through the CORD Student Success Center. First awards will be made for Fall 2026.

Learn More on UA Site Apply to U of A

Who’s Eligible

  • Arkansas resident graduating HS in 2026 (first cohort) and admitted to the Fayetteville campus
  • Pell-Grant–eligible or demonstrates significant unmet financial need (FAFSA-verified EFC)
  • In-state status required; no minimum GPA/ACT cutoff, but “academically successful” students receive priority
  • Submit UA General Scholarship Application by stated deadlines (below)
  • File FAFSA each year to confirm continued need

What’s Covered

  • Remaining tuition & mandatory fees after Pell, Arkansas Challenge, and other aid
  • Full on-campus housing cost for four years
  • Access to mentoring, academic coaching, financial-planning, and career-readiness programs via CORD and home college
  • Encouragement—and micro-grants where needed—to participate in high-impact practices (internships, research, study abroad)

2025-26 Timeline

🗓 June 2025 – Land of Opportunity item appears inside UA General Scholarship Application

🗓 1 Nov 2025 – Priority UA admission deadline (complete app + credentials)

🗓 15 Nov 2025 – Priority scholarship deadline (best chance for Land of Opportunity consideration)

🗓 1 Feb 2026 – Final scholarship deadline; last day to submit/modify application

🗓 March 2026 – Notifications begin for Land of Opportunity finalists

🗓 Fall 2026 – First cohort enrolls at U of A under full Land of Opportunity funding

UA Scholarship Application | FAFSA (UA Code 001108)

How ConwayUP Helps

  • Automated checklists & deadline reminders tied to the UA scholarship calendar
  • Possible $250 local-sponsor pledge once all Land of Opportunity paperwork is submitted

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does the scholarship actually work?

After Pell, Arkansas Challenge, and other aid post to your account, Land of Opportunity fills any remaining tuition and fee gap and adds the full housing award.

What must I do to keep it?

Maintain satisfactory academic progress (per UA policy), file the FAFSA every year, participate in at least one high-impact practice, and remain an Arkansas resident with high financial need.

Is there a GPA or ACT cutoff?

No fixed cutoff; the program targets Pell-eligible Arkansans first. Strong academics improve competitiveness but are not an official threshold.

Can I stack this with other UA scholarships?

Land of Opportunity replaces institutional aid but allows private/external scholarships.

Who do I contact at UA?

Laura Jacobs, Senior Director of Philanthropic Initiatives — laura@uark.edu • 479-575-7910