Scholarships & Grants

On-Campus Undergraduate Financial Aid

Scholarships and grants are financial aid awards that do not need to be repaid. These kinds of awards are often referred to as "gift aid." Learn more about scholarships and grants offered by JBU, the government, the state of Arkansas and other sources.

JBU academic scholarships

JBU offers only one academic scholarship per student.


Amounts

Presidential Scholarship: $30,000

National Merit Award: $17,000

Chancellor's Scholarship $15,000

Trustee's Award: $13,000

Dean's Award: $12,000

Professor's Award: $10,000

Scholar's Award: $8,000

Instructor's Award: $7,000

Lecturer's Award: $6,000

Academic scholarship details

Eligibility

  • Be a new student
  • Be enrolled full-time (at least 12 hours)
  • Meet the academic criteria outlined below

Your academic scholarship depends on your status as a first-time or transfer student.

If you are a first-time college student

JBU will consider your high school GPA and superscore for the ACT, SAT and CLT (should you submit them) to determine your eligibility for an academic scholarship. We will use the option that gives you the highest scholarship. JBU does not evaluate the writing portion of the ACT or SAT when determining scholarship eligibility.

See link below to view chart data as text

View chart data as text.

What is the Scholarship Competition?

If you are invited to and attend the Scholarship Competition, you will be considered for the Presidential ($30,000) or Chancellor's Scholarship ($15,000). Automatic invitations to compete for one of these scholarships are extended to students who have at least 3.9 GPA or a 29 ACT, 1330 SAT or 89 CLT superscore. Students who otherwise demonstrate significant leadership ability may also be invited.  If you are awarded either of these scholarships, it will replace any academic award already awarded. More details may be found below.

If you are a National Merit Finalist or Semi-Finalist, you will receive the JBU National Merit Award ($17,000) unless you are selected to receive a Presidential Scholarship.

Gap-year students who have not enrolled and completed college classes after graduating high school are eligible to compete in the scholarship competition. However, gap-year students are ineligible for the Presidential Scholarship.

If you are a transfer student

If you are a transfer student with 24 hours of credit, your academic scholarship will be awarded using the criteria in this chart:

See link below to view chart data as text

View chart data as text.


Application

  • Apply for admission
  • Submit official test scores (optional)

Renewal

Academic scholarships are renewable for up to eight semesters so long as you maintain a 3.0 GPA.


Scholarship Competition

If you are admitted and qualify to compete by the dates below, you will receive an invitation to the competition.

Fall Scholarship Competition Timeline
  • Admission deadline: November 1
  • Competition date: November 12–13
Spring Scholarship Competition Timeline
  • Admission deadline: January 24
  • Competition date: February 4–5

You may only attend one event.

If you do not qualify for the fall timeline but later raise your score in time for the spring timeline, you will receive an invitation to compete in the spring.


Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship

The following information is an overview of the scholarship. For complete information, please visit the ADHE's website.


Amounts

$1,000 freshman year

$4,000 sophomore year

$4,000 junior year

$5,000 senior year

Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship details

Eligibility

  • Be an Arkansas resident
  • Score a 19+ on the ACT (or equivalent score on an equivalent test)
  • Enroll in 15 hours per semester. (Freshmen may enroll in a minimum of 12 hours their first semester.)

Application


Renewal

  • Maintain a 2.5 GPA
  • Complete 27 hours in your first academic year and 30 hours each year thereafter
  • Be continuously enrolled
  • Renewable for up to eight semesters

JBU Arkansas Challenge Gap Grant

The Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship is $1,000 for Year 1 and $4,000 for Year 2. To bridge that gap, JBU offers a one-time $3,000 scholarship to incoming freshmen who receive the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship.


Amount

One-time award of $3,000

JBU Arkansas Challenge Gap Grant details

Eligibility

  • Be a first-time freshman
  • Be a recipient of the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship
  • Be enrolled full-time (at least 12 hours)

Application

Complete the FAFSA form (include JBU on the School Selection page)


Renewal

This scholarship is not renewable.


Arkansas Governor's Distinguished Scholarship

The following information is an overview of the scholarship. For complete information, please visit the ADHE's website.


Amounts

$9,000 freshman year

$6,000 sophomore year

$6,000 junior year

$5,000 senior year

Arkansas Governor's Distinguished Scholarship details

Eligibility

  • Be an Arkansas resident
  • Have a composite score of 32 on a single ACT OR a combined math and critical reasoning score of 1410 on a single SAT; AND
  • Have a 3.5 high school GPA OR be selected as a National Achievement Finalist or National Merit Finalist
  • Enroll in 15 hours per semester. (Freshmen may enroll in a minimum of 12 hours their first semester.)

Application


Renewal

  • Maintain a 3.25 GPA
  • Complete 27 hours in your first academic year and 30 hours each year thereafter
  • Be continuously enrolled
  • Renewable for up to eight semesters

JBU departmental scholarships

Certain academic departments offer scholarships to students in their programs.


Amount

Varies by department

View departmental scholarships

Art

Amount: up to $12,000

The art department accepts art scholarship applications from new first-year students who are majoring in Art & Illustration, Digital Cinema, Graphic Design, Photography or Visual FX. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years provided you remain an art major.

Scholarships are awarded by based on a portfolio review, JBU faculty recommendation, academic standing, and personal character.

There are two application windows each year – one in November and one in February. 


Music & Theatre

Scholarships for majors: starting at $3,000

Degrees: B.M.E Music Education, B.A. Integrated Music Studies, B.A. Performing Arts

  • Scholarships are awarded upon completed audition for the program
  • Awards start at $3,000/year for all first-time college students and transfer students
  • Award amount is based on demonstrated talent and potential, assessed by faculty at the audition
  • Scholarships are renewable up to four years
  • Scholarships for majors increase by $1,000/year for every year the student stays in the degree program (ex: an incoming freshman awarded $4,000 will have an increase to $5,000 for their 2nd academic year, $6,000 for their 3rd year, and $7,000 for their 4th year)
  • Award is revoked if the student drops the program

Scholarships for minors: starting at $1,000

Minors: Music, Musical Theatre, Theatre, Worship Arts

  • Scholarships are awarded upon completed audition for the program
  • Awards start at $1,000/year for all first-time college students and transfer students
  • Award amount is based on demonstrated talent and potential, assessed by faculty at the audition
  • Scholarships for minors are fixed and do not increase year over year
  • Scholarships are renewable up to four years
  • Award is revoked if the student drops the program

Scholarship for non-major performers: $500/semester

Ensembles: Choir, Chapel Band, Musical Theatre and Theatre productions

  • Scholarships are awarded upon registration for the ensemble
  • Award is $500/semester for every semester registered in an M&T ensemble
  • Max award is $500; if a student is in multiple ensembles, the award does not increase
  • Award is revoked if the student drops the ensemble


JBU athletic scholarships

Athletic scholarships are awarded by the athletic department based on athletic performance. Tryouts are required.


Amount

Varies by team

View athletic scholarships and policies

Varsity basketball

Up to full ride


Varsity soccer

Up to full ride


Women's varsity volleyball

Up to full ride


Varsity cross country

Up to full ride


Varsity track + field

Up to $6,000


Varsity tennis

Up to $3,000


Cheerleading

Up to $2,000


Women's junior varsity volleyball

Up to $3,000


Athletic scholarship policies

Policy 1: Maximum financial aid package

If a financial aid package includes an athletic scholarship, the maximum financial aid (from all sources) will be limited to covering the following JBU charges:

  • Full-time tuition
  • Room and board
  • General fee
  • Course fees up to $600

International students required to purchase health insurance through JBU may be allowed to receive an additional $1,988* if specified by the coach in the athletic agreement. (*Rate subject to change.)

A book allowance of up to $600 may be added to the maximum amount allowed if specified by the coach in the athletic agreement.

The maximum financial aid allowed will include the athletic scholarship, all other JBU aid (academic scholarship, leadership scholarship, need-based aid, etc.), Federal Pell Grant, state grants, student loans, parent loans and student work-study employment. The maximum will also include any "outside" scholarships the student may receive from a foundation, high school scholarship program, home church, civic organization, etc. The athletic scholarship amount may be reduced by the amount received from any other source.

The maximum financial aid allowed assumes the student will be living on campus. If a student is granted permission to live off campus, JBU scholarships will be reduced to only cover actual charges to the student account. No JBU funds are allowed to be taken as cash off the student account.

Policy 2: Tuition exchange

Any student receiving a Tuition Exchange Scholarship is ineligible to receive an athletic scholarship.

Policy 3: New student fees

The student must pay the enrollment deposit. The enrollment deposit includes both a tuition and housing deposit (for students who are living on campus).

The tuition portion of the deposit may be waived for athletes who receive a full athletic scholarship (covering tuition, room and board costs).


JBU music and theatre scholarships

Music and theatre scholarships are awarded by the the music and theatre department. Music and theatre scholarships do not stack with each other (i.e., you cannot receive both a major scholarship and an ensemble scholarship in the same semester).


Amount

Starting at $3,000 for majors

Starting at $1,000 for minors

$500/semester for ensembles

Scholarships for majors

Awarding Details

  • Awards start at $3,000/year for all first-time college students and transfer students
  • Max award for incoming students is typically $7,000/year
  • Award amount is based on demonstrated talent and potential, assessed by faculty at the audition
  • Scholarships for majors increase by $1,000/year for every year the student stays in the degree program (e.g., an incoming freshman awarded $4,000 will have an increase to $5,000 for their 2nd academic year, $6,000 for their 3rd year, and $7,000 for their 4th year)

Eligibility

  • Be a new student
  • Major in music education, integrated music studies or performing arts
  • Be enrolled full-time (at least 12 hours)

Application


Renewal

Renewable for up to four years provided you continue to pursue a major in the Music and Theatre Department. 


Scholarships for minors

Awarding Details

  • Awards start at $1,000/year for all first-time college students and transfer students
  • Max award for incoming students is $2,000/year
  • Award amount is based on demonstrated talent and potential, assessed by faculty at the audition
  • Scholarships for minors are fixed and do not increase year over year

Eligibility

  • Be a new student
  • Minor in music, musical theatre, theatre or worship arts
  • Cannot be a recipient of a music and theatre major scholarship
  • Be enrolled full-time (at least 12 hours)

Application


Renewal

Renewable for up to four years provided you continue to pursue a minor in the Music and Theatre Department. 


Scholarships for ensemble members

Awarding Details

  • Award is $500/semester for every semester registered in an M&T ensemble
  • Max award is $500; if a student is in multiple ensembles, the award does not increase

Eligibility

  • Participate in choir, chapel band, or a musical theatre or theatre production
  • Cannot be a recipient of a music and theatre major or minor scholarship
  • Be enrolled full-time (at least 12 hours)

Application


Renewal

Renewable for each semester you participate in an ensemble. The award will be revoked if you drop the ensemble.


JBU Visual Arts Scholarship

Visual art scholarships are awarded by the Visual Art Department.


Amount

Up to $3,000

Visual Art Scholarship Details

Eligibility

  • Be a new student
  • Major in art & illustration, film, graphic design, photography or visual FX
  • Be enrolled full-time (at least 12 hours)

Application

  • Apply for admission
  • Apply for an art scholarship during one of the application windows
  • Submit an art portfolio (instructions for sharing your portfolio will be sent upon receipt of your art scholarship application)

Renewal

Renewable for up to four years provided you continue to pursue a major in the Visual Art Department.


JBU ROTC Scholarship


Amount

Full room and board

JBU ROTC Scholarship details

Eligibility

  • Be the recipient of a 100% tuition Army ROTC program scholarship
  • Be enrolled full-time (at least 12 hours)

Application

N/A. Please notify JBU of your 100% tuition Army ROTC program scholarship using the Outside Scholarship Notification Form.


Renewal

Renewable for up to four years provide you continue to receive the 100% tuition Army ROTC program scholarship


JBU Legacy Award


Amount

$500

JBU Legacy Award details

Eligibility

  • Be a dependent of a JBU graduate; or
  • Be the sibling of a current JBU student
  • Be enrolled full-time (at least 12 hours)

Application

Please indicate your legacy status in your application for admission.


Renewal

Renewable for up to four years


Federal TEACH Grant

The following information is an overview of the grant. For complete information, please visit studentaid.gov.


Amount

Up to $3,772

TEACH Grant details

Eligibility

  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
  • Be enrolled at least half-time (6 hours)
  • Major in a teacher education program

In exchange for receiving a TEACH Grant, you must agree to:

  • Serve as a full-time teacher for four elementary or secondary school years at a school or educational service agency that serves low-income students;
  • Teach in a high-need field; and
  • Complete the required four years of teaching within eight years after you graduate from or cease to be enrolled at JBU.

If you do not meet the requirements of your service obligation, all TEACH Grants you received will be converted to Direct Unsubsidized Loans. You must repay these loans in full, with interest charged from the date of each TEACH Grant disbursement.


Application


Renewal

  • Maintain a 3.25 GPA
  • Maintain at least half-time enrollment

JBU Scholarship Fund


Amount

Up to $12,000

JBU Scholarship Fund details

Eligibility

  • Demonstrate financial need via the FAFSA
  • Be enrolled full-time (at least 12 hours)

Application

Complete the FAFSA form (include JBU on the School Selection page).


Renewal

You must reapply every year by completing the FAFSA form (include JBU on the School Selection page).


JBU Community Changers Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to first-generation and/or minority students who demonstrate leadership potential and a dedication to the improvement of their community.


Amount

Up to $8,000

JBU Community Changers Scholarship details

Eligibility

  • Be a first-generation college student and/or belong to an ethnic or racial minority
  • Be an incoming freshman or transfer student who has not previously enrolled at JBU
  • Demonstrate financial need via the FAFSA
  • Be enrolled full-time (at least 12 hours)

Application


Renewal

Renewable for up to four years


Federal Pell Grant

The following information is an overview of the grant. For complete information, please visit studentaid.gov.


Amount

Up to $7,395

Federal Pell Grant details

Eligibility

  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
  • Demonstrate financial need via the FAFSA

Application

Complete the FAFSA form (include JBU on the School Selection page).


Renewal

You must reapply every year by completing the FAFSA form (include JBU on the School Selection page).


Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The following information is an overview of the grant. For complete information, please visit studentaid.gov.


Amount

Up to $3,000

Funds are limited.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant details

Eligibility

  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
  • Demonstrate financial need via the FAFSA

Application

Complete the FAFSA form (include JBU on the School Selection page).


Renewal

You must reapply every year by completing the FAFSA form (include JBU on the School Selection page).


JBU Missionary Children's Scholarship


Amount

Up to $2,000

JBU Missionary Children's Scholarship details

Eligibility

  • Be a dependent of full-time missionaries serving abroad
  • Demonstrate financial need via the FAFSA
  • Be enrolled full-time (at least 12 hours)

Application

Complete the FAFSA form (include JBU on the School Selection page).


Renewal

You must reapply every year by completing the FAFSA form (include JBU on the School Selection page).


JBU Family Christian Service Award


Amount

Up to $1,000

JBU Family Christian Service Award details

Eligibility

  • Be a dependent of parent(s) employed in full-time Christian service
  • Demonstrate financial need via the FAFSA
  • Be enrolled full-time (at least 12 hours)

Application

Complete the FAFSA form (include JBU on the School Selection page).


Renewal

You must reapply every year by completing the FAFSA form (include JBU on the School Selection page).


JBU Church Matching Grant


Amount

Up to $500

JBU Church Matching Grant details

Eligibility

  • Be the recipient of a scholarship from a church
  • Demonstrate financial need via the FAFSA
  • Be enrolled full-time (at least 12 hours)

Application


Renewal

You must reapply every year.


Student Support Services (SSS) Direct Financial Assistance


Amount

Varies

Funds are limited and awarded first to freshmen and sophomores as required by federal law.

SSS Direct Financial Assistance details

Eligibility

  • Participate in Student Support Services
  • Be a recipient of the Pell Grant
  • Meet certain academic criteria

Application

Contact the Director of Student Support Services for application instructions.


Renewal

You must reapply every year.


Outside aid

If you are the recipient of an outside scholarship, please complete the Outside Scholarship Notification Form.

Northwest Health System Scholarship

Recipients for this scholarship are chosen by the Northwest Healthcare System.


Amount

$5,000

Northwest Health System Scholarship details

Eligibility

Be a junior or senior JBU student admitted to the Upper Division Nursing Program


Application


Renewal

Renewable for up to two years with acceptable application


Army and Air Force ROTC


Amount

Varies

Army and Air Force ROTC details

Additional scholarship resources

Although the Financial Aid Office reviews the following pages periodically, JBU is not responsible for any of the content or information posted therein.

Additional scholarship resources

Guides to financial aid

When investigating scholarship money, beware of any organization that asks you to pay a fee to help you "find" funds. (See Federal Student Aid's "Avoiding Scams" web page for more information.)


General scholarship search tools


Disability scholarship search tool


Scholarships for minorities


Resources for homeless youth


Resources for students who spent time in foster care


Study abroad scholarships


Scholarships from other corporations and foundations


Applying for admission is the first step to getting financial aid

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