College & Education in Arkansas

18 verified resources.

About College & Education for Fathers

Education resources for fathers include financial aid, adult education, workforce training, and college programs with on-site childcare. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the gateway to Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and state aid. Pell Grants provide up to approximately $7,000 per year to low-income students and don't require repayment. GED and HiSET programs operate in every state through adult education providers, often free. Community colleges offer lower-cost two-year degrees and certificate programs in high-demand trades. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds training for eligible adults and dislocated workers. For fathers returning to school, on-campus childcare (often subsidized through the CCAMPIS grant), emergency aid funds, and single-parent scholarships make enrollment feasible. This directory covers state FAFSA offices, community colleges, adult education programs, and single-dad scholarships.

College & Education in Arkansas

Arkansas circuit courts hear family law matters in all 75 counties, with the Office of Child Support Enforcement under the Department of Finance and Administration. Little Rock, Fort Smith, and Fayetteville are the largest metros. Legal Aid of Arkansas and the Center for Arkansas Legal Services provide free civil representation to eligible fathers statewide.

18 Resources

1. Arkansas Division of Higher Education — Free

State agency coordinating public colleges and universities and administering Arkansas state financial aid, scholarships, and college planning resources. Fathers returning to school or helping their children apply can call the Main Street office with questions about eligibility, deadlines, and award amounts. Have the student's Social Security number, high school or GED records, and FAFSA confirmation ready.

501-371-2000 · 423 Main St #400, Little Rock, AR 72201 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

2. Arkansas Community Colleges — Paid

Network of 22 public community colleges offering affordable two-year degrees, technical certificates, workforce training, and transfer pathways to Arkansas universities. Fathers can use the online directory to find the nearest campus and its programs. Apply directly with each college and complete the FAFSA for financial aid. Bring photo ID, high school or GED transcript, and Social Security number to campus enrollment.

Mon-Fri varies

3. Pulaski Technical College — Paid

Two-year public college in North Little Rock offering career and technical certificates, associate degrees, and transfer programs to Arkansas universities. Fathers can call or visit the Scenic Drive campus to meet with an advisor about programs, financial aid, and schedules that fit working parents. Bring photo ID, high school or GED transcripts, Social Security number, and a completed FAFSA when enrolling.

501-812-2200 · 3000 W Scenic Dr, North Little Rock, AR 72118 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. NW Arkansas Community College — Paid

Public community college in Bentonville offering affordable two-year degrees, technical certificates, and transfer programs to four-year universities, serving Benton and Washington counties. Fathers can call or visit the College Drive campus to meet with an advisor about programs, child-friendly schedules, and financial aid. Bring photo ID, prior transcripts, Social Security number, and a completed FAFSA.

479-636-9222 · 1 College Dr, Bentonville, AR 72712 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. FAFSA – Federal Student Aid — Free

Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the required form for federal Pell Grants, student loans, and work-study, and most state and institutional aid in Arkansas. Fathers can complete the FAFSA online 24/7 or call the federal line for help. Have Social Security numbers for the student and parents, prior-year tax returns, W-2s, and a list of schools to which the application should be sent.

800-433-3243 · 24/7 online · Visit Website

6. Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship — Free

State lottery-funded merit scholarship for Arkansas residents attending eligible Arkansas colleges and universities. Fathers helping children apply, or returning students, should review academic and residency requirements on the Division of Higher Education website. Apply through the state scholarship portal and complete the FAFSA each year. Have prior transcripts, test scores if required, and residency documentation ready.

501-371-2000 · 24/7 online

7. Arkansas State University – Jonesboro — Paid

Public doctoral research university in Jonesboro offering undergraduate, graduate, and online degree programs across northeast Arkansas. Fathers can call or visit the Aggie Road campus to meet with admissions or financial aid staff about programs, transfer credits, and aid eligibility. Bring photo ID, prior college or high school transcripts, Social Security number, and a completed FAFSA when enrolling.

870-972-2100 · 2105 Aggie Rd, Jonesboro, AR 72401 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Southeast Arkansas College — Paid

Public community college in Pine Bluff serving southeast Arkansas with associate degrees, technical certificates, and workforce training in fields such as health, business, and trades. Fathers can call or visit the Hazel Street campus to talk with an advisor about programs, financial aid, and schedules. Bring photo ID, prior transcripts, Social Security number, and a completed FAFSA when enrolling.

870-543-5900 · 1900 Hazel St, Pine Bluff, AR 71603 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Arkansas Adult Education – GED Programs — Free

State-funded network of free adult education classes offering GED preparation, literacy, and English as a Second Language instruction at sites across Arkansas. Fathers who did not finish high school can call the Little Rock office for the nearest class location. Bring photo ID and any prior school records. Testing sites coordinate GED exams once students complete readiness steps and pass practice tests.

501-682-1980 · Little Rock, AR 72201 · Varies by location · Visit Website

10. University of Arkansas – Fayetteville — Paid

Flagship public research university offering extensive undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs on the Fayetteville campus and online. Fathers returning to school or helping a child apply can call or visit the campus to meet with admissions or financial aid staff. Bring photo ID, prior transcripts, Social Security number, and a completed FAFSA when exploring programs, scholarships, and aid.

479-575-2000 · 1 University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. University of Central Arkansas – Conway — Paid

Public regional university in Conway offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in liberal arts, business, education, health, and STEM fields. Fathers can call or visit the Donaghey Avenue campus to meet with admissions or financial aid staff about programs, scholarships, and part-time schedules. Bring photo ID, prior transcripts, Social Security number, and a completed FAFSA to apply for most aid.

501-450-5000 · 201 Donaghey Ave, Conway, AR 72035 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff — Paid

Historically Black public university in Pine Bluff offering affordable undergraduate and graduate degrees in agriculture, education, business, and the sciences. Fathers can call or visit the University Drive campus to meet with admissions or financial aid staff about programs, scholarships, and nontraditional-student options. Bring photo ID, prior transcripts, Social Security number, and a completed FAFSA.

870-575-8000 · 1200 N University Dr, Pine Bluff, AR 71601 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. University of Arkansas – Fort Smith — Paid

Public university in Fort Smith offering affordable undergraduate and graduate programs in business, health, education, STEM, and the liberal arts. Fathers can call or visit the Grand Avenue campus to meet with admissions or financial aid staff about programs, transfer credit, and scholarship options for nontraditional students. Bring photo ID, prior transcripts, Social Security number, and a completed FAFSA.

479-788-7000 · 5210 Grand Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72904 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Arkansas Tech University – Russellville — Paid

Public university in Russellville offering career-focused bachelor's and master's degrees in fields such as engineering, education, business, nursing, and emergency management, plus two-year programs through the Ozark campus. Fathers can call or visit the Coliseum Drive campus to meet with advisors about programs, transfer credit, and financial aid. Bring photo ID, transcripts, and a completed FAFSA.

479-968-0389 · 1605 Coliseum Dr, Russellville, AR 72801 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

15. Henderson State University – Arkadelphia — Paid

Public university in Arkadelphia serving south central Arkansas with affordable undergraduate and graduate degrees in liberal arts, education, business, and the sciences. Fathers can call or visit the Henderson Street campus to meet with admissions or financial aid staff about programs, nontraditional-student support, and scholarships. Bring photo ID, prior transcripts, Social Security number, and a completed FAFSA.

870-230-5000 · 1100 Henderson St, Arkadelphia, AR 71999 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

16. National Park College – Hot Springs — Paid

Public community college in Hot Springs offering affordable two-year degrees, technical certificates, and transfer programs across Garland County. Fathers can call or visit the College Drive campus to meet with an advisor about programs, schedules that fit work and family, and financial aid. Bring photo ID, prior transcripts, Social Security number, and a completed FAFSA when starting the enrollment process.

501-760-4222 · 101 College Dr, Hot Springs, AR 71913 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

17. Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship — Free

State scholarship supporting students pursuing training in high-demand career fields at participating Arkansas two- and four-year colleges. Fathers returning to school for a career change can apply through the Division of Higher Education portal after completing the FAFSA. Have prior transcripts, Arkansas residency documentation, and a list of eligible programs at the schools you plan to attend ready.

501-371-2000 · 24/7 online

18. Southern Arkansas University – Magnolia — Paid

Public university in Magnolia offering affordable bachelor's and master's degrees in fields such as business, education, agriculture, health, and the arts. Fathers can call or visit the East University Street campus to meet with admissions or financial aid staff about programs, transfer credit, and scholarship options for nontraditional students. Bring photo ID, prior transcripts, and a completed FAFSA.

870-235-4000 · 100 E University St, Magnolia, AR 71753 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

College & Education — Common Questions

What do I do first if I want to go back to school?
Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It's free and takes about 30 minutes. Results determine eligibility for Pell Grants (up to ~$7,000/year), Direct Loans, and state grants. Apply even if you think you won't qualify — results often surprise.
Is there childcare on college campuses?
Many community colleges and some universities operate on-campus childcare, often subsidized through the CCAMPIS federal grant for low-income student parents. Financial aid can sometimes cover childcare as a cost of attendance.
Can I get a GED online?
Yes. The official GED test is offered online (with in-home proctoring) and at testing centers. HiSET (used in some states instead of GED) is similar. Free prep through state adult education providers and through Khan Academy's free GED prep.
What is WIOA training?
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds short-term training for eligible adults, often up to
0,000 or more for in-demand occupations. Apply through your local American Job Center. Programs cover CDL, welding, nursing, IT, HVAC, and many others.