Arkansas Department of Higher Education

Letter from the Director

At ADHE, we understand that one of the barriers standing between many of our citizens and higher education is the process of finding an institution to attend, applying to that institution, and then figuring out how to pay for it. In short, many people simply do not understand that process.

Our goal is to help you navigate through that process using the information you will find on this website. Here you will find information on what financial aid is available, how to access that financial aid, what steps you will need to attend the college or university of your choice, and much more useful information relating to higher education.

I hope you find the ADHE website to be helpful and that you will return to it often as you need additional information. Remember, our mission here is to assist you and to help you achieve the success that will lead to a better life for you and your family.

Jim Purcell, Ed.D
Director, Arkansas Department of Higher Education

About the Agency 

The Arkansas Department of Higher Education serves as the administrative staff for the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The Board consists of 12 members who are appointed by the governor and serve staggered six-year terms. As part of its responsibilities, the staff develops and implements board policies and procedures. Additionally, the Department reviews and approves academic programs; administers statewide financial aid programs and contracts with the Southern Regional Education Board for support of graduate and first professional study outside of Arkansas; recommends institutional operating, capital, and personal services budgets; and collects and reports on student and course data as part of a statewide data base and academic program inventory for policy studies.

The agency administers the Statewide Systemic Initiative for improvement of math and science education, the Carl Perkins Grant for academic program improvement, and the Youth Opportunities Unlimited Program, a high school dropout prevention program for economically disadvantaged students.

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Mission Statement

The mission of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education is to advocate for higher education; to promote a coordinated system of higher education in the State; and to provide for the orderly and effective development of each of the publicly and locally supported institutions of higher education in the state - all geared toward improving the delivery of higher education services to the citizens of Arkansas.

ADHE Staff