UAPB works to recruit students who are from a variety of cultures and backgrounds. The Academic Challenge Scholarship Program is available to high school graduates who enroll as first-time students at the University, have completed the recommended precollegiate core curriculum, and meet criteria established by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education. Academic scholarships are awarded to students who are residents of Arkansas and have scored 21 or better on the ACT or rank in the top 10 percent of the class. The scholarships are for tuition only and are available for a maximum of eight semesters. Students should contact the ROTC Office.
Athletic scholarships are available to students participating in intercollegiate sports.
Awards are made on a competitive basis. Students must maintain a minimum 3.2 GPA to renew the scholarship each year. Students must also reside on campus for their freshman and sophomore years. The Cooperative Education Program combines classroom study with related paid work experience. Emergency Secondary Education Loan Programs provide loans for full-time students who are residents of the state, U.S. citizens, or permanent residents with a minimum 2.5 GPA who plan to teach in secondary schools in approved shortage areas of Arkansas for at least five years.