Understanding your Options
Arkansas Tech University (ATU) offers a variety of financial aid options to help students cover the costs of tuition, fees, and living expenses. These options include scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.

Scholarships are free money that does not have to be repaid. ATU offers a wide range of scholarships, both merit-based and need-based. Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students with high academic achievement or other special talents. Need-based scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need.
Grants are also free money, but they are usually awarded to students with greater financial need than scholarships. ATU offers a variety of grants, including the Federal Pell Grant and the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship.
Loans are borrowed money that must be repaid, with interest. ATU offers a variety of loans, both federal and private. Federal loans have lower interest rates than private loans, but they may have more restrictions on eligibility.
Work-study programs allow students to earn money to help pay for their education. ATU offers a variety of work-study positions, both on and off campus.
Applying for Financial Aid
To apply for financial aid at ATU, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.gov.
When you complete the FAFSA, you will be asked to provide information about your family’s income and assets. This information will be used to determine your eligibility for financial aid.
Deadlines:
- Priority deadline: March 1st
- Final deadline: June 30th
Tips for Getting Financial Aid
Here are some tips for getting financial aid at ATU:
- Apply early. The sooner you apply for financial aid, the more likely you are to receive it.
- Complete the FAFSA accurately. Make sure you provide all of the required information on the FAFSA.
- Explore all of your options. There are many different types of financial aid available. Explore all of your options to find the best ones for you.
- Ask for help. If you have any questions about financial aid, don’t hesitate to ask for help from the Financial Aid Office.
Contact Information
Arkansas Tech University
Financial Aid Office
1305 N. Boulder Ave.
Russellville, AR 72801
Phone: (479) 968-0343
Email: [email protected]