Arkansas lawmakers are studying the state's scholarship programs after a shortfall prompted Gov. Mike Beebe to tap into reserve funds to continue grants that help students pursue degrees in some medical fields.
Members of the House and Senate Education Committee on Monday said they planned to look at the state's 24 scholarship programs.
State higher education officials say they need an additional $5.5 million to restore about 4,800 scholarships for incoming students that will be cut because of a shortfall in its fund.
Beebe last week said he planned to ask lawmakers to use $1.1 million from the state's Rainy Day Fund to restore 47 scholarships to incoming students for a program that pays out-of-state tuition for medical programs not offered at Arkansas schools, including veterinary medicine and optometry.