Scholarships and Grants | On-Campus Undergrad

JBU offers only one academic scholarship per student.

Scholarship amount	HS GPA	ACT	SAT	CLT
Invited to Scholarship Competition	3.9+	29+	1330+	95+
$13,000	3.8–3.89	28	1300–1320	93-94
$12,000	3.7–3.79	27	1260–1290	89-91
$10,000	3.6–3.69	26	1230–1250	86-88
$8,000	3.4–3.59	24–25	1160–1220	79-85
$7,000	3.2–3.39	21–23	1090–1150	67-78
$6,000	3.0–3.19	20	1020–1080	63-66

Scholarship amount	Cumulative college GPA
$13,000	3.6+
$12,000	3.5–3.59
$10,000	3.4–3.49
$8,000	3.3–3.39
$7,000	3.2–3.29
$6,000	3.0–3.19

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.

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:

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: October 15
Competition date: November 3–4

Spring Scholarship Competition Timeline

Admission deadline: January 25
Competition date: February 2–3

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.

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.)
Eligibility is subject to change if the student has been awarded AR PLUS by the state of Arkansas.

Application

Complete the FAFSA form
Apply using the Arkansas YOUniversal Scholarship 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

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.

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

Complete the FAFSA form
Apply using the Arkansas YOUniversal Scholarship 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

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.

Learn more

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

Learn more about auditions

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 $6,000

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).

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

Apply for admission
Complete an audition with the Music and Theatre Department

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

Apply for admission
Complete an audition with the Music and Theatre Department

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

Audition for an ensemble

Renewal

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

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.

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

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

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

Complete the FAFSA form (include JBU on the School Selection page)
Receive TEACH Grant counseling
Sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve or Repay

Renewal

Maintain a 3.25 GPA
Maintain at least half-time enrollment

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).

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

Complete the FAFSA form (include JBU on the School Selection page)
Complete the Community Changers Scholarship application
Submit a personal reference

Renewal

Renewable for up to four years

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).

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).

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).

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).

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

Complete the FAFSA form (include JBU on the School Selection page)
Complete the Church Matching Scholarship Form

Renewal

You must reapply every year.

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.

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

Submit the Northwest Health System Scholarship application

Renewal

Renewable for up to two years with acceptable application

Scholarships & Grants

On-Campus Undergraduate Financial Aid

On this page:

Academic and performance scholarships

In this section:

JBU academic scholarships

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

If you are a first-time college student

What is the Scholarship Competition?

If you are a transfer student

Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship

$1,000 freshman year

$4,000 sophomore year

$4,000 junior year

$5,000 senior year

JBU Arkansas Challenge Gap Grant

One-time award of $3,000

Arkansas Governor's Distinguished Scholarship

$9,000 freshman year

$6,000 sophomore year

$6,000 junior year

$5,000 senior year

JBU departmental scholarships

Varies by department

Amount: up to $12,000

Scholarships for majors: starting at $3,000

Scholarships for minors: starting at $1,000

Scholarship for non-major performers: $500/semester

JBU athletic scholarships

Varies by team

Policy 1: Maximum financial aid package

Policy 2: Tuition exchange

Policy 3: New student fees

JBU music and theatre scholarships

Starting at $3,000 for majors

Starting at $1,000 for minors

$500/semester for ensembles

JBU Visual Arts Scholarship

Up to $3,000

JBU ROTC Scholarship

Full room and board

JBU Legacy Award

$500

Federal TEACH Grant

Up to $3,772

JBU Academic Partnership Scholarship

Need-based aid

In this section:

JBU Scholarship Fund

Up to $12,000

JBU Community Changers Scholarship

Up to $8,000

Federal Pell Grant

Up to $7,395

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Up to $3,000

JBU Missionary Children's Scholarship

Up to $2,000

JBU Family Christian Service Award

Up to $1,000

JBU Church Matching Grant

Up to $500

Student Support Services (SSS) Direct Financial Assistance

Varies

Outside aid

In this section:

Northwest Health System Scholarship

$5,000

Army and Air Force ROTC

Varies

Additional scholarship resources

Applying for admission is the first step to getting financial aid