Private Aid Sources
Loans
Private Alternative loans are available to both undergraduate and graduate students for further financial help in paying for college. Visit FastChoice to find information on Alternative Loans. The recommended deadline to apply for a private loan is August 1 of each academic year to ensure funds are available by the first tuition payment due date. We encourage families to pursue federal loan programs first.
Contact us for any questions you may have about private loans:
Gabe Goodman – 870-245-4282 or [email protected]
Gina Tolbert – 870-245-4894 or [email protected]
Scholarships
Below are several scholarships and grants that are not awarded by Ouachita but are available to Ouachita students. You must apply for these scholarships independently. Additionally, we have provided several scholarship search sites that you may wish to use. While the Student Financial Services office does try to screen the scholarship sites below, OBU is not responsible for the information contained on these sites nor the validity of the scholarships. Remember, you should never have to pay to apply for a scholarship.
Informational postings by Arkadelphia Promise. Visit for more information: https://www.arkadelphiapromise.com
The Arkansas Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (AASFAA) will award at least two $500 scholarships to Arkansas students planning to attend member institutions at the Spring 2025 Training.
These are non-renewable awards. To apply, student should complete the application online - Scholarship Application Form (aasfaa.net). Scholarship winners must be enrolled at least half time in 2025-2026 in a program that leads to a college degree or certificate at an AASFAA member institution.
The Arkansas Baptist Foundation offers a variety of scholarships. Visit the website for a complete listing and individual applications.
Arkansas Community Foundation manages more than 200 private scholarship funds created by individuals, families and companies that want to provide a path to higher education for generations to come. These donors determine the size and eligibility criteria for the scholarships they create, and Arkansas Community Foundation manages the scholarship process on their behalf. We accept applications for many of these scholarships each year. Visit the website for more information and listing of all scholarships: https://www.arcf.org/
The Arkansas Master’Singers Memorial Scholarship, established in memory of deceased members of the Master'Singers, is awarded annually and designed to support a college or seminary student who is preparing for some type of vocational ministry through music. Funds for the $1,000 scholarship, renewable for up to three additional successive academic years, are received in the form of memorial gifts and freewill offerings at concerts of worship presented annually by the Master’Singers. Online scholarship application guidelines and forms are available on the Arkansas Baptist State Convention website.
Contact the ABSC Evangelism & Church Health team at 1-800-838-2272, ext. 5132 for assistance or questions about the scholarship process. All scholarship applications and required supporting documents must be received by June 4, each year for the coming academic year.
Award: (1) $1,500 scholarship
Deadline: Aug. 1
Students from Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Kansas must submit a 750-word essay about their life-changing experience with distracted driving and how they would stop others from doing the same.
Description: The Faulkner County Master Gardener (FCMG) Scholarship assists a Conway, Faulkner, or Perry County resident in pursuing a degree in a plant science related field including agriculture, agricultural business, agricultural education, botany, forestry, horticulture, landscape architecture/design, plant science, and turf management in an Arkansas college or university. A scholarship will be awarded, and additional scholarships may be awarded at the discretion of the scholarship committee. Over $63,000 in scholarships has been awarded from 2004-2023. Previous recipients may reapply. Deadline for submission – March 31.
This scholarship is available to students studying Foreign Language, (whether or not it is their college major) as an undergraduate or graduate student at a college or university in Arkansas. Scholarship applications are available. The application deadline is April 12.
The MANA Charitable Board is pleased to offer the Murray T. Harris Healthcare Scholarship for students in allied health programs in Washington and Benton Counties of Arkansas. Three scholarships are awarded each June.
Allied health programs include, but are not limited to radiology technology, clinical laboratory science, nursing, and respiratory therapy. The Scholarship focuses on professions within the healthcare sector that are currently underserved, to help attract qualified candidates in these fields. The scholarship is intended to cover books, fees and similar expenses for students in qualified educational programs. Visit MANA's website for more information.
Arkansas residents with a learning disability who are ineligible for SSI or SSD funding can apply for this $2,500 scholarship.
Eligibility: This scholarship is intended for individuals that are seeking to complete their degree, but have not been enrolled in classes for at least one full year preceding the application submission. The applicant must be a resident of Arkansas and must be within 30 hours of baccalaureate degree completion. Applicant also required to be enrolled as a full-time student taking courses that are counted toward a degree in student’s declared major.
Application process: Please complete the application and include an essay describing the circumstances that have caused a hardship in the completion of your education. Return application to the office of Student Financial Services in person or by emailing [email protected].
Amount: $10,000/year ($5000 per semester)
While many students dream of obtaining a college degree, other responsibilities in life sometimes become bigger priorities. This is especially true for single parents who must juggle family and work. Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) is unique to Arkansas. We help make a positive difference in the lives of low-income, single-parent families. Visit the website for more information: http://www.aspsf.org/.
The A&F Scholarships are available to all high school juniors and seniors as well as all students currently registered in any accredited post secondary institution. Go to the A&F website for more information and to apply.
This scholarship is open to Juniors and Seniors in High School and current undergraduates. An essay of 500 - 1000 words on the given topic is required to apply. No restriction on field of study. Visit the AES website for more information.
AFAS provides grants to selected sons and daughters of active duty, Title 10 AGR/Reserve, Title 32 AGR performing full-time active duty, retired, retired reserve and deceased Air Force members; spouses (stateside) of active duty members and Title 10 AGR/Reservists; and surviving spouses of deceased personnel for their undergraduate studies. Go to the AFAS website for more information and to apply.
The ACS Scholars Program awards renewable scholarships of up to $5,000 to underrepresented minority students who want to enter the fields of chemistry or chemistry-related fields, such as environmental science, toxicology and chemical technology. High school seniors and college freshmen, sophomores, or juniors are eligible to apply. Go to the http://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/funding-and-awards/scholarships/acsscholars.html for more information and to apply.
The Arkansas Baptist Foundation offers a variety of scholarships. Visit the website for a complete listing and applications.
Scholarships are available for dependent children and spouses of active and retired soldiers, and for dependent children of soldiers who died while in active duty or retired status. Visit the following website for more details: https://www.aerhq.org/.
A recipient from each state is chosen each year based partially on the following qualities: Ambition and Drive; Determination to set and reach goals; Respect for self, family and community; and ability to succeed in college. Visit the following website for more information: https://equitable.com/foundation/equitable-excellence-scholarship.
We are proud to invest in the future by awarding scholarships to passionate students who are committed to serving their community. Each year, AZAZIE donates hundreds of gowns to the Princess Project, a non-profit organization that helps young women find their dream prom dresses free of charge. We love giving back, and want to reward students who are equally as committed to building stronger and more vibrant communities.
Visit website for more information: http://www.azazie.com/scholarship
This scholarship is open to Juniors and Seniors in High School and current undergraduates. An essay of 1000 words or less on the given topic is required to apply. Visit the Scholarship website for more information and to apply.
The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program was established by Congress in 1986 to honor Senator Barry Goldwater, who served his country for 56 years as a soldier and statesman, including 30 years of service in the U.S. Senate.
The purpose of the Foundation is to provide a continuing source of highly qualified scientists, mathematicians, and engineers by awarding scholarships to college students who intend to pursue research careers in these fields. Visit website for more information: https://goldwater.scholarsapply.org/.
All student athletes are eligible regardless of the sport they are engaged in. The student must be a high school senior or be attending a post secondary institute. See the Big Sun Athletics website for more information and application instructions.
Scholarship available to all that have been impacted by cancer on some level and have a passion to give back.
Deadline: September 15
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation supports more than 1,400 exceptional college students each year, with annual scholarships of $3.55 million awarded through 3 nationally recognized programs. View the following for more information: https://www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org/apply/
Monthly scholarship of $1000 given. Go to collegeave.com/scholarship to apply. Monthly entries allowed.
According to the Foundation website, they "...administer more than 70 scholarship funds through an open application process. Some scholarships help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students most in need." For full details and to apply, visit the Foundation website.
Conex Boxes, Inc. is a nationwide company that partners with suppliers of steel storage containers. They award a $1,000 scholarship in October and April of each year to one U.S. undergraduate in business, business management, marketing/advertising or similar fields. For more information and essay requirements, visit the website.
In an effort to reduce the number of teen distracted driving accidents, the Missouri and Arkansas car accident attorneys at the Cottrell Law Office hold an annual $1,500 scholarship contest. Student will submit an essay outlining how distracted-driving has changed their lives. Visit https://www.cottrelllawoffice.com/about/scholarship/ for more information and application instructions.
Design a greeting card by submitting a photo, artwork or computer graphic for the chance to win a $10,000 scholarship. Go to the Create-A-Greeting-Card website for complete details.
By completing an online request for information, you are entered into a drawing for a $2000 scholarship. For complete details, visit the Discover Colleges website.
Discover Student Loans is giving away one $5,000 Scholarship each month. Undergraduate and graduate students (and their parents) are eligible for a chance to win. No purchase or student loan is necessary to enter. Visit Discover to apply.
The DutchCrafters Amish Furniture Heritage Scholarship was founded in 2011 as a way to give back to the community by offering education assistance to two outstanding students. This scholarship recognizes undergraduate students who draw upon their cultural heritage to shape their vocational aspirations, add creative value to their future employers, and serve their communities. DutchCrafters Amish Furniture will be awarding each of two outstanding students $500 to further their educational goals. For complete details and to apply, visit the scholarship website.
The Emma Freeman Scholarship was established through the San Antonio Lighthouse in 1970 to afford students who are legally blind the opportunity to obtain a college education. Applicants must be from Texas. Visit the following website for more information: https://www.salighthouse.org/programs/emma-freeman-scholarship/.
Giva offers a $1,000 scholarship to undergraduate and graduate students who write thoughtful essays on how they will use their talents and education to make the world a better place.
Available for an orphaned or abandoned and neglected student/ prospective student at Ouachita Baptist University who is preparing for a Christian vocation. The student or prospective student must have already acquired a GED or high school diploma and must also show evidence of a need for financial assistance. Applications are available on following website: https://www.abf.org/scholarships/.
Griswold Home Care is offering a $1,000 scholarship to deserving caregivers who wish to further their education in a care-related field. As part of the application process, applicants will respond to two short answer questions.
The Hagan Scholarship Foundation provides up to $5,000 per semester to recipients. Eligible applicants will come from Missouri or the surrounding states and reside in counties with fewer than 50,000 residents. The criteria and application process are very detailed. For complete information, please review the Hagan Scholarship website.
Scholarships are available for students from eastern Arkansas and western Tennessee who will be Freshmen or Sophomores at Ouachita. Preference to active members of a Southern Baptist Church and must have a 2.0 or higher GPA. Applications are available: https://www.abf.org/scholarships/ The deadline to apply is Feb. 1 of each year.
For High School Students and Students who have one or more years left in their post secondary education. Here are the main points about our scholarship:
Students submit projects that respond to the prompt in one of the following media categories: Art, Photography, Creative Writing, Music and Video. Visit website for more information: https://www.honorsgraduation.com/graduation-scholarship.htm
In order to create a pipeline of exceptional and diverse talent for the retail real estate industry, the ICSC Foundation offers more than 100 academic and professional education scholarships and fellowships.
Students who are U.S. citizens and have been legal residents of TX for at least 12 consecutive months, and who demonstrate good character, academic potential and ability, and a financial need are eligible to apply. For more information and to apply, visit the Wischer Scholarship website.
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation offers college scholarships and undergraduate transfer scholarships. The application period is open from early September to early November. For more information visit the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation website.
We at LA Tutors are passionate about sparking the creative genius in students and would love to commend those outstanding students who have a made a difference in the lives of others in some innovative or technological fashion. In order to achieve this, we have established a scholarship for students who meet certain criteria.
If you are a high school student looking for scholarships for college, check out these scholarship ideas. Some are fun and easy, while others require a significant community service project or talent in a particular area, such as music, art, writing or math. Visit website for more information: http://www.college-financial-aid-advice.com/scholarships-for-high-school-students.html.
Lockheed Martin will be providing $10,000 awards to 200 students studying engineering or computer science that demonstrate financial need.
Students who are between 17 and 24 years of age, and who have experienced the death of a parent or legal guardian are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Visit the scholarship website for more information and to complete the application.
The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation administers various scholarships for children and grandchildren of active duty or veteran U.S. Marines or children of active duty or veteran U.S. Navy Corpsmen who have served with a U.S. Marine unit. For more information and to apply, please visit the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation website.
Basic Qualifications: Student must be a member of a Southern Baptist Church, have a declared major in Christian Studies, and feel called by God to either 1) pastoral ministry; 2) youth/student ministry; or 3) church planting ministry. Residency in Arkansas is not a requirement. Scholarship amount: If the student's home church agrees to contribute $250 per year, the ABSC will contribute $2,000 for a total of $2,250 per year. If the student is also working in a Southern Baptist Church as a staff member, the ABSC will contribute another $2,000 for a total of $4,250 per year.
Students pursuing primary care careers: The scholarship program pays for tuition and fees of future primary care providers, including physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, and physician assistants. Visit website for more information: https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/scholarships/index.html
The PEO Sisterhood promotes educational opportunities for women, and proudly sponsors six international philanthropies designed to assist women with their educational goals.
Private Loan opportunities are also available through their PEO Educational Loan Fund.
The Sallie Mae Fund’s Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program for High School Seniors helps make the dream of higher education a reality for outstanding students from under-resourced, underrepresented, and underserved communities.
High school seniors who are facing financial challenges may apply to win a $10,000 scholarship to help them attend college.
This scholarship is open to any currently-enrolled students working towards an accounting or finance major at an accredited college or university within the United States. Two winners will be chosen for this scholarship. First prize will receive $1,000 and one runner-up will receive $500. Visit the following website: https://www.surgent.com/college-scholarship/
Join us in our mission of providing college, technical and vocational school,need-based scholarships for the children and spouses of U.S. military personnel.
TMCF offers three types of unique scholarships that are merit, plus need-based designed to address the financial needs of students attending a TMCF member-school or other accredited college or university (if applicable). The awards process is highly competitive and is given to outstanding and qualified students who plan to earn a baccalaureate, graduate or law degree. The average award is $3,100 per student per semester. Most scholarships are one year, non-renewable unless otherwise indicated.
The Todd McCord Ministerial Scholarship is for students who are majoring in Christian Ministries and have publicly committed themselves to God's call to the Gospel Ministry. They must have a desire to combine a passion for evangelism and a love for the outdoors to reach people for Christ. To be eligible for this scholarship students must be actively involved in a Southern Baptist Church and have a GPA between 2.0 and 3.25. Download Todd McCord Scholarship Application.
Todd McCord Scholarship Applications should be mailed to:
First Baptist Church
811 Port Arthur Ave.
Mena, AR 71953
Any student majoring in a health care-related field can apply for this scholarship. In the past, annual totals of $250,000 have been awarded in $5,000 and $10,000 awards. Visit the Tylenol website for complete details.
Varsity Tutors holds a monthly $1,000 college scholarship contest where students write an essay in response to a monthly prompt. Essays are reviewed by Varsity Tutors at the end of the month and one winner is subsequently chosen to receive the $1,000 college scholarship. Interested students can enter the contest here: http://www.varsitytutors.com/college-scholarship.
The Vocational Rehabilitation Program in Arkansas offers assistance for tuition and books to students who are vocationally handicapped. Information may be obtained from the local Vocational Rehabilitation Office.
WCASHRM sponsors one $500 scholarship to an undergraduate (junior or senior status) or graduate student annually. The scholarship is open to any student who meets the requirements.
The Arkansas Association of Special Education Administrators awards up to five $2,000 scholarships. Applicants must be studying in fields related to the delivery of service to children with special needs. For more information visit following website: http://www.theaaea.org/?AASEAMemSchlorshp
Arkansas Baptist Foundation offers variety of scholarships. Visit the following website for listing: https://www.abf.org/resources/
Up to 45 NGC Scholarships are available each year in the amount of $4,500 each. These one-year scholarships are available to college juniors, seniors and graduate students who are planning a career related to gardening, landscape design, environmental issues, floral design or horticulture. Sophomores may make application for their junior year.
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Program each year awards approximately 50 scholarships to students attending community colleges or two-year institutions in the US and planning to transfer to four-year institutions. The application deadline is Feb. 1. For more information and an application, you may visit the website featuring the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship.
The James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation offers $24,000 James Madison Graduate Fellowships to individuals desiring to become outstanding teachers of the American Constitution at the secondary school level. Fellowship applicants compete only against other applicants from the states of their legal residence. Generally, one Fellowship per state is awarded each year. For full details and to apply, visit the James Madison Foundation website.
The Leon Bradley Scholarship Program was established by the American Association of School Personnel Administrators to encourage more minorities or persons of color to enter the teaching profession. Two scholarships are awarded annually to assist minority college students seeking their initial teaching certification and/or endorsement. For complete information and a link to apply, visit http://aaspa.org/leon-bradley-scholarship/.
Applicants should be committed to a career in missions or to vocational Christian ministry, must be an active member of a Southern Baptist church in Arkansas, and have completed one year of college with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference shall be given to women applicants.Established by the Woman's Missionary Union to honor Dr. Nancy Cooper, Executive Secretary of the Arkansas W.M.U. for twenty-five years. March 1 deadline.
Applicants must be preparing for vocational Christian ministry, must be an active member of a church affiliated with the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, and must be classified as a sophomore or junior. Applications and reference forms are available on the following website: https://www.abf.org/scholarships/.
These websites contain valuable scholarship and financial aid information. Remember, private scholarship searches require patience and persistence, as well as an early start. These searches are free of charge. Please do not pursue scholarship searches which require a fee for processing your application information!
The CBC Foundation sponsors several scholarship opportunities with varying due dates. The scholarships range from education, visual and performing arts majors to medical field majors. For full details, visit: http://www.cbcfinc.org/scholarships/.
The Dr. TaJuan R. Wilson Scholarship Foundation is dedicated to assisting young people with their quest for higher education. We are a private, donor driven fund and we dispense awards of $500 each to deserving high school seniors from Ouachita County (AR) that plan to attend accredited colleges and universities OR be an incoming freshman at Ouachita Baptist University. Visit the following website for more information: http://tajuanwilsonfdn.org/about/
Browse International Scholarships posted on Ouachita's International Grant Center website.
Online directory of scholarships and financial aid opportunities for African American and other minority students.
The Sallie Mae Fund's Completing the Dream Scholarship helps diverse students from underrepresented and others from historically underserved communities complete their college education.
The Academy of nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers recognition awards, leadership recognition and education stipends to members and dietetic student members. Find more information and apply on their website.
Arkansas Baptist Foundation offers variety of scholarships. Visit the website for listing.
Discover Student Loans is giving away one $5,000 Scholarship each month. Undergraduate and graduate students (and their parents) are eligible for a chance to win. No purchase or student loan is necessary to enter.
Up to 45 NGC Scholarships are available each year, in the amount of $4,500 each. These one-year scholarships are available to college juniors, seniors and graduate students who are planning a career related to gardening, landscape design, environmental issues, floral design or horticulture. Sophomores may make application for their junior year.
Giva offers a $1,000 Scholarship to undergraduate and graduate students who write thoughtful essays on how they will use their talents and education to make the world a better place.
This scholarship is available to students studying Foreign Language, (whether or not it is their college major) as an undergraduate or graduate student at a college or university in Arkansas. The application deadline is April 12.
Arkansas Baptists may apply for a scholarship to attend one of the Southern Baptist seminaries.
Student Resources Tools Office Location & Hours First Floor of Cone-Bottoms, Suite 130 Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (Summer hours may vary.) Phone: 870.245.5570 Email: [email protected] We are available for phone calls, in person meetings or video calls.
