Arkansas Scholarship Program Leaves Many Nontraditional Students in Limbo

Nontraditional students in Arkansas who qualify for state scholarships but recently learned they would not receive awards are questioning the system’s priorities, the Arkansas News Bureau reported. The lottery-financed scholarships go to graduating high-school seniors are first, and no limit is set on their awards. The Legislature set aside $41.5-million for traditional-age students already in college, and only $12-million for older students. More than 54,000 students in all categories applied for the scholarships this year, but only about 25,000 will receive awards, state officials said last week. Those whose applications were denied are on a waiting list for any funds that become available if other students decline their awards.