You don’t always know what you’re up against when you’re applying, but it never hurts to throw your name into consideration — even if it’s a long shot.

1. YOUniversal Scholarship Application

The YOUniversal Scholarship application determines your eligibility for all of the state government-sponsored scholarships.

Deadline: Applications open on Oct. 1, and the deadline varies.
Requirements: You must complete the YOUniversal application, and some scholarships might require you to upload the FAFSA and other documents.
What You Get: Scholarships vary depending on your eligibility.

2. Ann Burns Smith Scholarship Endowment

The Arkansas Community Foundation offers this scholarship and many others. This one is a statewide scholarship for every Arkansan, but the foundation also breaks down their scholarships into regions. You might find a scholarship or two specific to your high school or county.

Deadline: March 1, 2022
Requirements: You must have a high school diploma or GED and be planning to attend a vocational school, college or university.
What You Get: $500-$3,000

3. RaiseMe

RaiseMe doesn’t offer just one scholarship but many. You can make a RaiseMe account for free, and then you add accomplishments to your profile like making team captain, acing a class or winning a club election. For each achievement you earn tiny scholarships that add up over time.

Deadline: Start as a freshman and continue from there.
Requirements: A RaiseMe account.
What You Get: However much you add over the years.

4. Regions Riding Forward Scholarship

Write an essay about an African American who inspired you and you could earn a scholarship from Regions Bank in celebration of Black History Month. Thirty scholarships available.

Deadline: Feb. 28, 2022
Requirements: Must be a student residing in states with Regions branches with plans to attend an accredited U.S. college in the coming academic school year.
What You Get: $3,500-$5,000

5. Niche “No Essay” College Scholarship

It doesn’t get any simpler than this. Every month, this scholarship awards $2,000 by random drawing, and all you have to do is submit a short application. You can try more than once.

Deadline: End of every month.
Requirements: Submit a short application, and the scholarship is awarded by random drawing.
What You Get: $2,000

6. AR Future Grant (ARFuture)

The grant applies to students enrolled in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) or regional high-demand areas of study. The grant is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Deadline: Jan. 10, 2022
Requirements: Complete the FAFSA; enrolled part-time or in an approved program at an approved institution.
What You Get: Covers tuition and fees for qualifying certificate and associate degree programs at Arkansas’ public institutions.