The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has set an Aug. 1 deadline for new and continuing students to access new need-based scholarship funds made possible by the May 21 announcement of an unprecedented gift of $25 million from an anonymous donor, the largest single gift in the 93-year history of the institution. 

The new funds will be available for new and continuing students who apply by Aug. 1, 2020. Potential students that meet eligibility requirements and who apply for admission between now and Aug. 1 will automatically be matched with the new available funds to be applied to their cost of attendance for the coming academic year. Current students can apply for the scholarships simply via the scholarship application form and by completing a FAFSA form for the academic year they are entering. Learn more on the Scholarships website.

“There is no better time to take control of your future at UA Little Rock,” said Chancellor Christina Drale. “Whether you’re a new high school graduate or wanting to pursue a new career, we have taken strategic measures to transform the institution with focus on in-demand programs and pathways for student success.”

Ten million of the $25 million gift is designated for a Student Success Endowment Fund that will expand and permanently support the university’s student retention and success initiatives. Among the first programs of its kind in the nation, students will be able to access specialized personnel serving as success coaches and care team members who will be available when students need help acclimating to the college environment or when challenging personal or academic issues arise. The availability of these resources for students on an as-needed or ongoing basis has been proven to increase student confidence and persistence and, ultimately, improve graduation success rates.

UA Little Rock has also transformed its Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships and drastically improved the process of applying for aid, making it easier for students to access financial assistance.

“About 70 percent of the new students at UA Little Rock have unmet financial need, with the average amount of unmet financial need being about $8,200,” said Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs and Chief Data Officer Cody Decker. “This generous gift to UA Little Rock will provide a transformative opportunity for both current and future students for years to come.”