In Arkansas, we’re more than just your local community college—we’re a community committed to your success.

Get started today on building the future you want! Check out the resources below and take the next step in your education.

Arkansans, Why Study Local?

Personalized Learning Experience: Small class sizes ensure you get the attention and support you deserve. Whether you’re looking to start your career, change fields, or transfer to a four-year university, the dedicated faculty at community colleges are there to guide you every step of the way.

Affordable Excellence: Education shouldn’t break the bank. With competitive tuition rates and financial aid options, you can achieve your goals at community college without creating mountains of debt.

Career-Focused Programs: Community colleges offer a wide range of programs and degrees designed with your career in mind. From hands-on training to real-world internships, community colleges provide the skills and experience employers are looking for.

Vibrant Campus Life: Join a vibrant community of learners and leaders at your local community college. With diverse clubs, events, and activities, there’s always something happening on campus. Build lasting friendships, explore new interests, and make the most of your college experience.

Convenient and Flexible: Community colleges offer a variety of class schedules and online options to fit your busy life. Whether you’re balancing work, family, or other commitments, you can find a way to pursue your education on your terms.

Local Impact, Global Reach: Be a part of something bigger. Community colleges are deeply rooted in the community, with strong ties to local businesses and organizations. Your education here has a direct impact on our local economy and your future.

Ready to Take the Next Step and be CCsmart with Your Future?

Go see and experience a community college for yourself. Visit campus, meet with advisors, and discover why so many students are choosing community college to start or pivot their educational journey.

Join us and be part of a community that believes in your potential. Together, we are CCsmart.

Learn More

and start shaping your future today!

Arkansas Education and Funding Resources

Get Started

The average tuition at Arkansas public two-year college is 62% less than the public four-year colleges in Arkansas.

So how do you pay for it?

First you need to apply for federal Financial Aid through the FAFSA.
Apply for State Financial Aid.
Apply at your local community college and tap into institutional aid funds.

State Financial Aid Programs

The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Some states and colleges use information from the FAFSA form to determine your eligibility for their grants, scholarships, and loans. Missing a state deadline does not impact your eligibility for federal student aid, so fill out your FAFSA form even if your state deadline has passed.

Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship
The Arkansas Academic Challenge Program provides scholarships to Arkansas residents pursuing higher education. Funded in large part by the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery, the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship is available to students regardless of their academic status, whether just graduating from high school, currently enrolled in college, enrolling in college for the first time, or re-enrolling after a period of time out of college.

Arkansas Future Grant | ARFUTURE
Arkansas Future (ArFuture) is the newest state grant program. The purpose of this grant is to increase the education and skills of Arkansas’s workforce in an affordable manner. The grant applies to students enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) or regional high-demand areas of study.

Arkansas Teacher Academy Scholarship | ATA
The Arkansas Teacher Academy Scholarship is a program that offers aspiring teachers up to $6,000 for tuition and program fees each semester for undergraduate studies. For every year a student receives funding, the student is required to teach in an Arkansas public school. Graduate programs may also be covered with the same work requirement.

Arkansas Workforce Challenge | AWC
The purpose of the scholarship is for workforce training in high-demand areas of healthcare, information technology, and industry. Classes are not limited to credit-bearing programs. Non-credit, workforce-training classes that fit into the three above categories may also qualify.

Visit the State of Arkansas Portal Website for a complete listing of Arkansas’ State Financial Aid programs.

Visit Explore Education to learn more about Arkansas public colleges, technical institutes, and universities that offer certification programs that can be completed in as little as 4 weeks and degree programs that can take up to 2 years to complete.