Arkansas high school seniors can now use 1 application and 1 login to apply to as many as 5 colleges without paying application fees.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas Department of Education announced the statewide launch of the Arkansas ACCESS Portal, a new universal college application system designed to eliminate repetitive forms and other barriers for students and families.
Sanders said the portal supports Arkansas ACCESS’ goal of preparing every Arkansas student for graduation and the next step, whether that means enrolling in higher education, enlisting in the military or entering the workforce.
“The Arkansas ACCESS Portal takes what used to be a confusing, repetitive college application process that would overwhelm students and families and streamlines it into a simple process,” Arkansas Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva said.
Students may apply to up to 5 participating institutions at no cost. Those meeting an institution’s baseline admissions requirements may receive provisional admission, followed by additional instructions from that college.
The portal also connects with the Arkansas Department of Education’s Electronic Transcript System. Students’ coursework, grade-point averages, transcripts and test information can be automatically added to their applications.
The automated system means students and families will only need to enter their information 1 time instead of completing separate applications for every college.
The Arkansas Department of Education developed the portal in-house within 12 months of Arkansas ACCESS becoming law. All Arkansas 4-year and 2-year colleges are participating, along with 50% of the state’s private institutions.
School counselors and career coaches will lead the statewide rollout through senior advisory programs, FAFSA nights and college application events. The goal is for every Arkansas senior to submit at least 1 application before priority deadlines.
Sanders signed Arkansas LEARNS into law in 2023 to overhaul the state’s K-12 education system. She signed Arkansas ACCESS in 2025 to continue improving student outcomes in higher education.
The Arkansas ACCESS Portal is now live. Seniors, parents, school counselors and career coaches can find application guides, participating institutions, frequently asked questions and important deadlines through the Arkansas Department of Education.
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