FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What is Tuition Advantage?
Tuition Advantage is a scholarship program that ensures the amount you will pay for tuition and fees (before any non-Hendrix College-provided aid is applied) will be no more than the published tuition and fees for the flagship institution in the state where you reside. Upon admission, all students will be considered for Hendrix College financial aid and scholarship programs. If you still owe more in tuition and fees than the published rate for your state’s flagship after all Hendrix College-provided aid is considered, you will receive a Tuition Advantage scholarship to bring the amount down to the flagship tuition rate. Outside scholarships, and state and federal aid, will be applied on top of these programs.
How do I know if I qualify?
All admitted first-year students qualify for the Tuition Advantage program. Simply apply for admission and you can count on being awarded enough Hendrix financial aid so that your tuition here will be no more than the published rate of your home state’s flagship university
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How are the “public flagship” institutions chosen for all 50 states?
For the Tuition Advantage program, we use the flagship universities for each state as defined by the College Board. A flagship is usually a large university with the highest research profile and doctoral programs. Flagship institutions are frequently the state’s oldest and most prominent public institutions.
What if my parents live in one state and I go to high school in another state?
Tuition Advantage is based on your state of residency, not your high school’s location. If you were claimed as a dependent on your parent’s income taxes, your location would be your parent’s address.
Are transfer students eligible for Tuition Advantage?
While Hendrix offers competitive scholarships for transfer students, Tuition Advantage is only available to first-year students who have never attended college as a degree-seeking student.
Does Tuition Advantage match other state flagship tuition incentives (e.g., automatic admission, free or reduced tuition, or special scholarships for certain income levels, GPAs, test scores, high school class rank, etc.)?
Tuition Advantage scholarship will only match the published tuition and fees of the state flagship institution. However, Hendrix does offer generous merit- and need-based financial aid. You should also check your state’s higher education website for any scholarships that you might be eligible for in your home state to see if they allow you to use the award outside of your state for a private institution.
How are outside scholarships (including the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship and the Governor’s Distinguished Scholars) applied?
Outside scholarships are applied to your balance after Tuition Advantage and do not exceed the established cost of attendance.
Does Tuition Advantage mean that my total out-of-pocket cost (including room and board) would be no more than the flagship’s cost?
Tuition Advantage only guarantees that the amount you pay for tuition at Hendrix will not exceed the published tuition and mandatory student fees you would pay at the state flagship university. You will be responsible for on-campus housing and food at Hendrix.
Is the Tuition Advantage locked in for four years?
The Tuition Advantage scholarship you receive for your first year is based on the flagship tuition in your state the year you apply to Hendrix. It is awarded as a merit scholarship and will be renewed at the same amount each year for four years (eight semesters) as long as you maintain good academic and conduct standing. Hendrix tuition and fees may increase while you are enrolled, financial aid packages may change depending on your specific circumstances.
What about tuition increases at other schools?
While your Tuition Advantage scholarship will renew at the same amount as initially awarded each year for four years if you maintain good academic standing, the scholarship amount is not recalculated based on tuition increases at flagship schools in future years.
Other details I should know?
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Awards are based on our best estimates of flagship tuition and fee amounts for 2025-26.
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Recipients must be first-year students entering college for the first time.
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Recipients must maintain full-time enrollment and be in good academic and conduct standing.
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Federal and state aid, and outside scholarships are applied to any remaining balance.
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Award amounts are fixed for all four years (eight semesters).
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Tuition Advantage is not available to students already receiving full-tuition awards.
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College housing and meal plans are additional costs.