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- 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.

Who it serves and what it can cover: 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.

How to apply or get help: 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. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.

Official application and program information