University of Arkansas – Fort Smith

College & Education · Arkansas · 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.

Contact & Details

Address: 5210 Grand Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72904

Phone: 479-788-7000

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

Visit Website

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.

More College & Education in Arkansas

  • Arkansas Division of Higher Education — State agency coordinating public colleges and universities and administering Arkansas state financial aid, scholarships, and college plannin
  • Arkansas Community Colleges — Network of 22 public community colleges offering affordable two-year degrees, technical certificates, workforce training, and transfer pathw
  • Pulaski Technical College — Two-year public college in North Little Rock offering career and technical certificates, associate degrees, and transfer programs to Arkansa
  • NW Arkansas Community College — Public community college in Bentonville offering affordable two-year degrees, technical certificates, and transfer programs to four-year uni
  • FAFSA – Federal Student Aid — Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the required form for federal Pell Grants, student loans, and work-study, and most state and ins
  • Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship — State lottery-funded merit scholarship for Arkansas residents attending eligible Arkansas colleges and universities. Fathers helping childre

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.