Ouachita Baptist Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide to Funding Your Higher Education

With the rising cost of tuition, finding ways to finance your higher education can be a daunting task. Ouachita Baptist University (OBU) offers a wide range of scholarships to assist students in achieving their academic goals. This article provides a comprehensive guide to Ouachita Baptist scholarships, including eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and renewal requirements.

Types of Ouachita Baptist Scholarships

OBU awards various scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, and other criteria. Here are some of the most common types:

Academic Scholarships

• Presidential Scholarship: Awarded to students with an ACT score of 33 or higher and a high school GPA of 3.9 or higher. Covers full tuition and fees.
• University Scholarship: Awarded to students with an ACT score of 31 or higher and a high school GPA of 3.75 or higher. Covers half tuition and fees.
• Scholars Academy Scholarship: Awarded to students with an ACT score of 29 or higher and a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher. Covers a portion of tuition and fees.

Need-Based Scholarships

• Federal Pell Grant: Awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. The maximum award for the 2023-2024 academic year is $6,895.
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): Awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. The maximum award for the 2023-2024 academic year is $4,000.
• Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship: Awarded to Arkansas residents who meet certain academic and income requirements. Provides up to $10,000 per year in scholarships.

Other Scholarships

• Baptist Foundation Scholarship: Awarded to students who are members of a Baptist church.
• International Student Scholarship: Awarded to undergraduate international students based on academic merit and financial need.
• Athletic Scholarships: Awarded to students who excel in athletics.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility criteria for Ouachita Baptist scholarships vary depending on the type of scholarship. However, most scholarships require students to:

• Be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student
• Have at least a 3.0 high school GPA
• Submit a completed scholarship application
• Meet specific academic or financial criteria

Application Deadlines

Scholarship applications are typically due in January of each year. However, it is recommended to apply as early as possible, as some scholarships have rolling deadlines.

Renewal Requirements

Most Ouachita Baptist scholarships are renewable for up to four years. To renew a scholarship, students must:

• Maintain a minimum GPA
• Make satisfactory academic progress
• Meet any other stated requirements

Tips and Tricks for Scholarship Success

• Start your search early. The earlier you start looking for scholarships, the more time you have to find and apply for the best opportunities.
• Research thoroughly. There are many different scholarship databases available online. Take the time to research and find scholarships that match your eligibility criteria.
• Complete your applications carefully. Scholarship applications should be submitted on time and contain accurate information.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you need assistance with scholarship applications or financial aid, reach out to the OBU Office of Financial Aid or your high school counselor.

How Ouachita Baptist Scholarships Can Help You

Ouachita Baptist scholarships can play a significant role in reducing the cost of your college education. For example, a student who receives a full-tuition scholarship could save over $100,000 over the course of four years. This can help you:

• Reduce your student loan debt
• Graduate from college debt-free
• Pursue your education without financial stress

Conclusion

Ouachita Baptist University offers a wide range of scholarships to assist students in achieving their academic goals. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and renewal requirements, you can increase your chances of receiving a scholarship. Don’t hesitate to seek out scholarship opportunities and take advantage of the resources available to you.

Tables

Table 1: Ouachita Baptist Academic Scholarships

Table 2: Ouachita Baptist Need-Based Scholarships

Table 3: Ouachita Baptist Other Scholarships

Table 4: Scholarship Renewal Requirements