FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas topped last year's totals for both monetary value and scholarships awarded during 2017-18.

According to Kaitlin Jennings, project director for scholarships and external relations, the college and its 10 units awarded 519 scholarships to 320 different students worth more than $742,000 in 2017-18.

On the college level, the Dean's Office awarded 135 scholarships to 128 students worth more than $200,000.

In 2016-17, 458 total scholarships were awarded to 295 students worth more than $602,000. The Dean's Office awarded 133 scholarships worth more than $203,000.

Gragnano added over the last two years, 70 percent of Bumpers College students who apply for scholarships and complete the application process have been awarded at least one scholarship.

About the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences: Bumpers College provides life-changing opportunities to position and prepare graduates who will be leaders in the businesses associated with foods, family, the environment, agriculture, sustainability and human quality of life; and who will be first-choice candidates of employers looking for leaders, innovators, policy makers and entrepreneurs. The college is named for Dale Bumpers, former Arkansas governor and longtime U.S. senator who made the state prominent in national and international agriculture.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.