Recognizing that many prospective students need help in meeting their post-secondary expenses, the University makes every effort to encourage and assist them by providing scholarships, grants-in-aid, student loans, and student employment to those who meet established criteria.
Regardless of the type of financial aid desired (loans, grants, or on-campus employment), all applications and requests for information should be addressed to the Office of Financial Aid, Southern Arkansas University, 100 E. University, MSC 9344, Magnolia, Arkansas 71753. To ensure that funds are available on a timely basis, all complete and correct forms must be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid by May 1 for the fall semester, October 1 for the spring semester, and March 1 for the summer semester.
Scholarships
A number of academic and performance scholarships are awarded each year to beginning freshmen who have not been enrolled in any post-secondary institution following their high school graduation and whose past academic records indicate outstanding dedication and ability. A recipient of both academic and performance scholarships may receive the full amount of the academic scholarship and the value of the music performance scholarship up to the amount of other University charges appearing on the student’s account for fees, room and board, and University bookstore charges for academic books and supplies for the current semester.
Visit the SAU website for scholarship offerings, eligibility, and retention criteria.
Sophomore, junior, and senior college students may apply for a College Scholarship.
No cash will be refunded to the student above and beyond institutional charges.
College Scholarships
Sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have maintained at least a 3.00 cumulative grade point average at SAU may apply for a college scholarship by March 1. These scholarships are competitively awarded annually and are for $2,500 each semester for one year. Students are eligible to reapply provided they maintain at least a 3.00 cumulative grade point average and complete at least 12 semester hours on the SAU Magnolia campus each semester. Academic departments may have additional criteria for determining eligibility for these scholarships.
Athletic Scholarships
Scholarships are available to athletes when recommended by a coach in the area of their talents. For further information, contact the director of athletics, Southern Arkansas University, 100 E. University, MSC 9301, Magnolia, AR 71753 or (870) 235-4102.
Rodeo Scholarships
Students who are members of the rodeo team may be eligible for scholarships if recommended by the team coach. For information, contact the rodeo team coach, Southern Arkansas University, 100 E. University, MSC 9418, Magnolia, AR 71753 or (870) 235-4391.
Endowed Scholarships (Restricted)
There are several endowed scholarships, which are restricted by the donor as to department, level, amount, etc. These are awarded by the department or other appropriate member of the University staff to conform to the wishes of the donor.
Additional Financial Aid Sources
All undergraduate and graduate students who are U.S. citizens or resident aliens and need financial assistance to attend Southern Arkansas University, in addition to that provided by their family, must apply through the need analysis for federal and state student aid each year. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available after October 1 at www.fafsa.gov.
Students will be considered for one or more of the following types of aid administered by the University with the submission of the approved need analysis provided they are in good standing and make satisfactory academic progress according to the Academic Progress Policy for Students Receiving Federally Funded Student Financial Aid.
Grants
Grants are awarded on the basis of family income of the appropriate year and are need based. Grants are available only to undergraduate students. Grant funds are not repaid unless the student does not complete the term and owes a repayment; however, if the grant is based on incorrect information, it must be repaid.
- Federal Pell Grants provide funds to undergraduate students for educational expenses after high school.
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants provide additional funds for students with exceptional need who otherwise would not be able to attend college.
Loans
Loans are considered self-help funds since they must be repaid.
- The Federal Direct Loan program is a need-based subsidized loan program with funds being provided by the federal government. SAU must certify a demonstrated financial need by using federal guidelines. Unsubsidized Direct Loans are available, and the family contribution is not considered when determining eligibility.
- Federal PLUS Loans are available to parents of dependent students.
More than 1,000 students work on campus every year to meet part of their college expenses. While work on campus may be part of the federal student aid award package for some students, there are also campus jobs available for students who do not qualify for federal financial aid.
Job availability notices are on the Career Services website. Students are hired based on job availability, student qualifications, and the needs/requirements of the department.
Career Services provides currently enrolled students information on finding on-campus employment. Students may review descriptions of current job openings submitted by faculty and staff on the website. Training is provided to help students develop skills for the workplace. Students register with the office by completing an online data sheet.
Current students who are interested in part-time off-campus employment are also assisted. These students register by completing an online data sheet. Job information from area employers is available for students to review on the Career Services website.
The student employment service is housed under Career Services located in Donald W. Reynolds Center, room 202. The office may be reached by calling (870) 235-4097.
The Arkansas Division of Higher Education (ADHE) administers financial aid programs for Arkansas undergraduate students that include Arkansas Academic Challenge (Lottery) Scholarships, Governor’s Scholars Program, and other scholarship programs as available. Check the ADHE website for details at www.adhe.edu.
Vocational Rehabilitation provides some financial assistance to persons who have permanent disabilities.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Higher Education Grant/Loan program provides supplemental money to assist with educational expenses for students with at least one-fourth degree Indian blood.
The Military Dependent Scholarship Program and the Law Enforcement Officer’s Dependents Scholarship Program provide supplemental funds for dependents of Arkansas residents who are missing in action or were killed in action. ADHE (www.adhe.com) also administers these programs.
For more information on any of these programs, contact the Office of Financial Aid, Southern Arkansas University, 100 E. University, MSC 9344, Magnolia, AR 71753 or (870) 235-4023.
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