Credit: Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University announced a new scholarship program providing free tuition for Arkansas families with a household income of $70,000 or less. It’s called A-State Promise Plus, and is a so-called “last dollar” scholarship, meaning it covers any tuition costs not covered by federal grants, the Arkansas Academic Challenge or the Lottery Scholarship that a student may receive.

Students who qualify for A-State Promise Plus also receive a $2,500 stipend to assist with room and board if they live on campus. “For students who retain the scholarship,” a press release says, “the housing support increases from the sophomore through senior year for those who continue to live on campus.”

“A-State has a legacy of supporting first-generation students that stretches for decades, and we recognize that for families under $70,000, sending their children to college is a hurdle,” Chancellor Todd Shields said at an on-campus event announcing the new program. “We want to make sure every young Arkansan that is qualified to go to college has that opportunity.”

Your move, Sallie Mae.

Stephanie Smittle is a former editorial director and culture editor of the Arkansas Times.