News Article

Expanded A-State Promise Plus Scholarship Leads to Greater Cost-Saving Benefits for Future Students

07/24/2024

JONESBORO, Ark. – First-year students at Arkansas State University will enjoy even greater cost-saving benefits with the newly enhanced A-State Promise Plus Scholarship and increases in merit scholarships, Chancellor Todd Shields announced.

Shields and Dr. Calvin White Jr, provost and executive vice chancellor, unveiled the 2025-26 A-State financial aid and scholarship package to an unsuspecting campus tour group of soon-to-be high school seniors and their families. The updated package includes additional investment in institutional merit scholarships and the A-State Promise Plus. Check out the video.

“When you consider the unmatched opportunities provided on campus, our generous financial aid offerings, and the total cost of attendance, including fees, housing, meal plans, books, and the community cost of living, no one can compete with Arkansas State,” Shields said.

   

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Chancellor Todd Shields announces the updated A-State Promise Plus financial aid package.  

The A-State Promise Plus, announced last fall, has opened the door to higher education for many Arkansas families. More than 20% of incoming first-year students this fall are Promise Plus recipients, and the 2025 version of the A-State Promise Plus will provide even more opportunities for students. 
   
“For incoming 2025 Arkansas high school graduates, the A-State Promise Plus Scholarship will cover 100% of their tuition, fees and housing,” White said.   

The updated Promise Plus will include a full housing scholarship worth more than $5,000 for students living on campus. For those living off campus, the updated financial aid package provides a boost to help fuel success.
   
“For first-year students who live at home and commute to campus, the A-State Promise Plus will cover their tuition and fees, provide a $1,000 All-Flex Meal Plan, and $500 in A-State Express Dollars per semester,” White continued.  “The A-State Flex can be used at the cafeteria, on-campus food vendors and concession stands at athletic events. A-State Express Dollars are accepted at the university bookstore and other approved local businesses.”  

 “It is important that our commuters feel valued as part of the pack," Shields said. "The off-campus Promise Plus allows these students to participate in everyday college experiences like eating in the cafeteria, grabbing coffee with a study group, or cheering for the Red Wolves on game day."
   
The A-State Promise Plus is a last-dollar scholarship that covers the remaining costs once federal grants and the Arkansas Academic Challenge or Lottery Scholarship are applied. To qualify, students must have a 19 or higher on the ACT, or a 990-1010 on the SAT, a 3.0 GPA, and a household income of $70,000 or less.
   
Renda McGee, who along with her twin sons attended the campus tour, said this is the eighth campus tour they have attended.

"We live in Dallas and this has been the best tour we have been on," she said. "I'm excited that even though we live in Texas, we get the same in-state tuition as everyone else. I love the energy and I love all the information. It's a lot of scholarships. It is affordable and not too big. I think the class size will be good for both of them."
   
In addition to the revised Promise Plus, A-State is increasing the value of its merit scholarships, including the A-State Inspire and A-State Enrichment, by $1,000. Eligibility for the merit scholarships will also include out-of-state students.

The A-State Transfer Scholarship, for students with 24 credit hours and a 3.25 GPA, will also be increased by $1,000. Students who transfer from an ASU System campus with an associate’s degree and a graduating 3.25 GPA will receive an additional $1,000 on top of the updated total.

Arkansas State University

Chancellor:
Dr. Todd Shields

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 600
State University, AR 72467

Phone:
(870) 972-2100

Fax:
(870) 972-3465

Website:
A-State.edu

Media Inquiries

Media inquiries and interview requests or requests for documents subject to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act should be sent to Jeff Hankins, Vice President of Strategic Communications, at jhankins@asusystem.edu.

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