UAFS Introduces Program to Close Tuition Gaps for Aid Recipients
The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith has established a program aimed at reducing financial obstacles in education. The UAFS Tuition and Mandatory Fee Guarantee is a "last-dollar" scholarship initiative that guarantees full coverage of tuition and mandatory fees for qualifying students once they seek grants, scholarships, and additional financial assistance, as stated in a university press announcement.
"The announcement states that the university completely covers tuition and mandatory fees for eligible students after they apply for grants, scholarships, and various financial aid." According to the press release, to be eligible for the program, students need to: be residents of Arkansas and have graduated from high school or obtained a GED; apply to UAFS as a degree-seeking undergraduate or be an existing degree-seeking student; and receive both a federal Pell Grant and the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship. The university's site indicates that a degree-seeking student is defined as one who is taking a full-time course load, comprising a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester.
"The UAFS Tuition and Mandatory Fee Guarantee directly aligns with the university's mission: Enhancing students' social mobility by providing them access to a quality, affordable education," said Brooke Magallanes, the associate vice chancellor for enrollment management and director of admissions in the announcement.
A lot of our students are the first in their families to attend college and encounter substantial financial obstacles. "Scholarships like these turn higher education from a mere possibility into a concrete reality," Magallanes stated.
The university's site indicates that the deadline for admission for the Fall 2025 semester is August 1. The site additionally mentions that the program at present only includes fees for the fall and spring terms.
The site additionally mentions that the program can be renewed as long as a student meets their eligibility criteria, which encompasses being enrolled full-time and making satisfactory academic progress.
