The scholarship is for El Dorado High School graduates who attended the district continuously from before October 1 of ninth grade. The award depends on how many years the student was enrolled in the district: the official table ranges from 65% to 100% for students who entered between ninth grade and kindergarten, and lists no award for students entering in grade 10 or later. There is no family-income or GPA threshold to enter.
It can be used at a regionally accredited two- or four-year public or private institution in the United States, up to the tuition and mandatory fees at Arkansas’ highest-cost public university. The program now lets participants request funds for on-campus room and board, books, and other fees, subject to its terms. It is not unlimited funding and does not automatically cover every unaccredited program.
During senior year, submit the free application through an El Dorado High School guidance counselor or mail it to the Promise Office. You must then be admitted and enrolled at an eligible college and progress toward an associate or bachelor’s degree. The award can be used for up to five undergraduate years if college begins immediately after graduation; South Arkansas College also accepts eligible technical certificates.
To renew, the site requires at least a 2.0 cumulative college GPA, 12 credits per semester or 8 per quarter, and 24 completed credits per academic year. Funds are paid directly to the institution, and the maximum award is tied to Arkansas tuition and fee benchmarks. Before budgeting for housing, ask which additional expenses the program approved for your case and request a calculation based on your district enrollment history.
Ask the Promise Office to verify district-entry dates from your year-by-year school record; the scale uses October 1 cutoffs, and a break may affect eligibility. When the college issues its bill, ask whether books or housing were approved for additional funds, since the expanded option is not automatic. Compare the Arkansas cap with the actual price at a private or out-of-state college and plan for any gap.
Read the aid-program profile and official FAFSA guide; ask the college for an individual balance review.
Apply — Requirements and Scholarship Amount — El Dorado Promise.
About the El Dorado Promise — El Dorado Promise.
Information checked October 13, 2026 against official sources. Eligibility, funding, and dates depend on the academic year and may change. Tuition aid does not necessarily cover housing, books, transportation, or nonmandatory fees; confirm your situation and award package in writing with the program and financial-aid office.
Compare your net award and excluded costs before committing; the financial-aid office confirms the final balance.
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El Dorado Promise
The scholarship is for El Dorado High School graduates who attended the district continuously from before October 1 of ninth grade. The award depends on how many years the student was enrolled in the district: the official table ranges from 65% to 100% for students who entered between ninth grade and kindergarten, and lists no award for students entering in grade 10 or later. There is no family-income or GPA threshold to enter. It can be used at a regionally accredited two- o
College financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
El Dorado Promise · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
El Dorado Promise · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
El Dorado Promise · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of El Dorado Promise ↗
Primary source
El Dorado Promise · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.