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John Brown University
2000 W. University St., Siloam Springs, AR 72761479-524-9500
jbuinfo@jbu.edu
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.
On this page:
In this section:
JBU offers only one academic scholarship per student.
Academic scholarship eligibility requirements for first-time college students
Scholarship amount | HS GPA | ACT | SAT | CLT |
---|---|---|---|---|
Invited to Scholarship Competition | 3.9+ | 29+ | 1330+ | 89+ |
$12,500 | 3.9–2.89 | 28 | 1300–1320 | 86–88 |
$11,500 | 3.7–3.79 | 27 | 1260–1290 | 84–85 |
$9,500 | 3.6–3.69 | 26 | 1230–1250 | 81–83 |
$7,500 | 3.4–3.59 | 24–25 | 1160–1220 | 76–80 |
$5,500 | 3.2–3.39 | 20–23 | 1020–1150 | 66–75 |
Academic scholarship eligibility requirements for transfer students
Scholarship amount | Cumulative college GPA |
---|---|
$12,500 | 3.6+ |
$11,500 | 3.5–3.59 |
$9,500 | 3.4–3.49 |
$7,500 | 3.3–3.39 |
$5,500 | 3.2–3.29 |
Amounts
Presidential Scholarship: $29,000
National Merit Award: $15,000
Chancellor's Scholarship: $14,500
Trustee's Award: $12,500
Dean's Award: $11,500
Professor's Award: $9,500
Scholar's Award: $7,500
Instructor's Award: $5,500
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.

What is the Scholarship Competition?
If you are invited to and attend the Scholarship Competition, you will be considered for the Presidential ($29,000) or Chancellor's Scholarship ($14,500). 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. Only seniors in high school applying for the fall semester will be considered for an invitation to the Scholarship Competition. 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 unless you are selected to receive a 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:

Application
- Apply for admission
- Submit official test scores (optional)
Renewal
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 13–14
- Admission deadline: January 25
- Competition date: February 5–6
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.)
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 $4,000
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.
Music & Theatre
Music major scholarship: up to $5,000
Music minor scholarship: up to $2,000
Theatre arts minor scholarship: up to $2,000
The music and theatre department awards scholarships to students majoring or minoring in one of the programs. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years provided you remain in your music or theatre program. Scholarships are awarded by department faculty based on an audition.
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).
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 $2,500
JBU partnership scholarship details
Eligibility
- Be a new student
- Be enrolled full-time (at least 12 hours)
- Be a prospective graduate of a partner school (a Memorandum of Understanding between JBU and your school is required)
- Your school may recommend up to 10 students/year for this scholarship. Nominations are due by December 1 of the students' senior year.
- This scholarship is not stackable with a Presidential Scholarship
Renewal
Renewable for up to four years
Need-based aid
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).
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 $6,895
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
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.
The King Foundation honors the memory of Carl B. and Florence E. King, whose lives were marked by compassion and generosity. Since 1972, the Foundation has sponsored funded scholarships at JBU for deserving students who demonstrate scholastic and personal excellence.
Amount
Varies
King Foundation Scholarship details
Eligibility
- Be enrolled in a minimum of 15 credit hours per semester
- Demonstrate scholastic and personal excellence
- Recipients must write detailed letters to the Foundation on an annual basis as well as upon graduation
Application
Complete the King Foundation Scholarship Application
Renewal
Renewable for up to four years
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
Amount
Varies
Army and Air Force ROTC details
Army ROTC
Air Force ROTC
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
- The U.S. Department of Higher Education
- Guide to Federal Student Aid from the U.S. Department of Education
- FinAid.org
- NASFAA
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
- American Indian Education Fund
- American Institute of CPAs (Minorities studying accounting)
- Anna Chennault Scholarship for Asian American Journalists
- American Chemical Society (For minorities studying chemistry)
- Asian and Pacific Islander American College Fund
- Blacks at Microsoft Scholarships (Business or engineering majors)
- Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute
- Continental Society Daughters of Indian Wars
- Financial Aid for Native American Students
- Goldman Sachs Scholarship for Excellence
- Hallie Q. Brown Scholarship (NACWC members)
- Hawaii Community Foundation
- Hispanic Scholarship Fund
- Hmong American Education Fund
- Indian Health Professions Scholarship
- LULAC National Education Service Centers (Latino students)
- LULF Scholarships (Latina students)
- Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund
- Moss Adams Foundation (Minority females studying accounting)
- National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering
- 100 Black Men of America’s Future Leader Scholarship
- United Negro College Fund (UNCF)
- U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation (USPAACC)
- World AIGA Scholarships (Minorities studying art)
Resources for homeless youth
Resources for students who spent time in foster care
Study abroad scholarships
Scholarships from other corporations and foundations
- Abbott and Fenner Business Consultants
- AXA Equitable
- Bank of America (for dependents of Bank of America employees)
- Coca-Cola
- Department of Defense SMART Scholarship Program (for STEM students)
- Elks National Foundation
- The Fisher House Foundation (for military children)
- Gates Millennium Scholars
- GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship
- Johnson & Johnson (for nursing students)
- Kelly Lynn Lutz Scholarship Foundation (for students affected by cancer)
- National Federation of the Blind (for the blind)
- National Institutes of Health (for students in health-related majors)
- Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
- Ronald McDonald House
- Society of Women Engineers (for women interested in careers in Engineering)
- Travel Nursing Scholarship
- Tylenol (for students interested in careers in healthcare)