Arizona Scholarships & Grants for 2025 - 2026

Overview of Arizona Scholarships & Grants

Arizona offers a wide range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs for both in-state and out-of-state students. This guide covers automatic merit scholarships from major universities, full-ride opportunities, statewide grants, and private-school awards. Whether you’re a high school senior, current college student, or parent planning ahead, you’ll find reliable information to help make higher education in Arizona more affordable.

Check Arizona Promise Program and institutional awards at UA, ASU, and NAU.

Are There Full-Ride Scholarships in Arizona?

Yes, Arizona offers several competitive full-ride scholarships that can cover tuition, fees, room, board, and sometimes additional expenses like books, research, or study abroad. These awards are highly sought after and typically require a strong academic record, leadership, and community involvement.

One of the most prestigious full-ride scholarships in Arizona is the Flinn Scholarship. It is awarded annually to approximately 20 high-achieving Arizona high school seniors and covers:

• Full tuition and fees at Arizona State University (ASU), the University of Arizona (UA), or Northern Arizona University (NAU)
• Room and board for four years
• Funded study abroad opportunities
• Personal mentoring and leadership development

Applicants must be Arizona residents, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and must attend an Arizona high school. A competitive GPA (usually 3.5+ unweighted), strong SAT/ACT scores, and evidence of leadership or community service are essential.

Other full-tuition or nearly full-ride options include:

• President’s Award at ASU – A merit-based scholarship for Arizona residents with high academic achievement. Award amounts vary based on GPA and standardized test scores.
• Regents High Honors Endorsement (UA) – Eligible Arizona students may receive tuition awards for meeting Arizona Board of Regents criteria.
• NAU Lumberjack Scholars Award – Provides full tuition coverage for Arizona residents who meet the academic eligibility requirements and have no college coursework after high school.

What Scholarships Are Available for High School Seniors in Arizona?

Arizona high school seniors have access to a wide range of scholarships offered by state programs, private foundations, nonprofit organizations, and universities. These scholarships can help cover tuition, books, housing, and other college-related expenses and are often awarded based on academic merit, financial need, leadership, or field of study.

Top scholarship opportunities for Arizona seniors include:

• Dorrance Scholarship Program – Designed for first-generation college students in Arizona, this scholarship offers up to $12,000 per year, plus funding for study abroad, summer programs, and mentoring. Students must attend one of Arizona’s public universities.
• Arizona Community Foundation Scholarships (ACF) – ACF manages over 100 scholarships for Arizona students. These vary by criteria—some are need-based, others focus on GPA, career goals, or demographics. Seniors can complete one general application to be considered for multiple awards.
• Arizona Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program – Provides up to $5,000 per year for youth who have aged out of foster care and are pursuing postsecondary education in Arizona.
• Earn to Learn Program – Offers up to $4,000 in matched savings for students who complete financial literacy training and commit to saving for college. Open to low-income Arizona students.

Additionally, universities like ASU, UA, and NAU offer automatic and competitive merit scholarships based on GPA and test scores, so it’s important for students to apply early and submit all required documents. Most scholarship deadlines fall between November and February of senior year.

Pro Tip: High school seniors should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1 to maximize eligibility for state and federal aid programs in Arizona.

What Scholarships Are Available for International Students at the University of Arizona?

The University of Arizona (UA) offers several scholarships specifically for international students to help offset non-resident tuition costs. These awards are primarily merit-based and are available to incoming first-year and transfer students who demonstrate strong academic performance.

Key scholarships for international students include:

• Global Wildcat Award – This renewable scholarship is awarded to incoming international freshmen based on GPA and academic merit. Award amounts range from $2,000 to $23,000 per academic year and can be renewed for up to four years.
• International Tuition Scholarship – Offered to new international undergraduate students entering directly from high school or as transfer students. Award amounts vary and are based on academic credentials and country of origin.

To be considered for these scholarships:

• Students must apply for admission to the University of Arizona
• Submit transcripts and English proficiency scores (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo)
• No separate scholarship application is usually required for automatic awards

UA also offers additional funding opportunities through specific departments, such as the College of Engineering or College of Fine Arts, and encourages students to apply for external international scholarships and sponsor programs. Early application is key, as scholarship funds are limited and often awarded on a rolling basis.

What Scholarships Are Available for Community College Students in Arizona?

Arizona community college students have access to several scholarship programs that support their continued education—whether they’re completing an associate degree or transferring to a four-year university. These scholarships are offered by state programs, private foundations, universities, and national honor societies.

Top scholarship opportunities include:

• Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Transfer Scholarship – Many Arizona universities, including ASU, UA, and NAU, offer scholarships to PTK members who are transferring from a two-year college. These awards often range from $1,000 to $5,000 annually, depending on the institution and academic performance.
• Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation Scholarships – Manages dozens of donor-funded awards for students attending schools like Mesa Community College, Phoenix College, and others in the Maricopa system. Students can complete one application to be considered for multiple scholarships.
• All-Arizona Academic Team Scholarship – Sponsored by the Arizona Board of Regents and Phi Theta Kappa, this award provides full in-state tuition at UA, ASU, or NAU for top-performing community college students. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership, and service.
• Arizona Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (AzLEAP) – A need-based grant for low-income community college and university students, awarded through the FAFSA.

Students are encouraged to apply during the fall and early spring semesters prior to transfer and to maintain a strong GPA (usually 3.0 or higher) for the best chance at securing financial aid. Many of these scholarships can be combined with institutional aid for additional support.

What Grants Are Available for College in Arizona?

Arizona offers several grant programs designed to make college more affordable, especially for students with financial need. These grants do not require repayment and can be combined with scholarships, work-study, or federal aid to help cover tuition, fees, and other education costs.

Key grant programs available to Arizona students include:

• Arizona Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (AzLEAP) – A state-funded, need-based grant for undergraduate students attending eligible Arizona colleges and universities. Awards typically range from $1,000 to $2,500 per year depending on financial need and available funds. Students must complete the FAFSA to qualify, and awards are given on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Arizona Promise Program – Covers tuition and fees for low-income Arizona students who qualify for the Federal Pell Grant and attend one of the state’s public universities (UA, ASU, or NAU). Students must meet academic and residency requirements and complete the FAFSA by the priority deadline.
• Federal Pell Grant – Awarded to undergraduate students with significant financial need. For the 2024–2025 academic year, Pell Grant awards can reach up to $7,395. Eligibility is determined through the FAFSA.
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) – Provides additional funding (usually $100–$4,000/year) for students with exceptional financial need. Available at participating institutions like community colleges and universities across Arizona.

To apply for these grants, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year, ideally soon after it opens on October 1. Applying early maximizes your chances of receiving state and institutional aid before funds run out.

What Is the University of Arizona Scholarships Chart?

The University of Arizona Scholarships Chart is a comprehensive breakdown of merit-based scholarships available to incoming first-year and transfer students. The chart outlines award names, GPA/test score requirements, and potential award amounts to help students estimate their eligibility before applying.

Popular scholarships listed on the chart include:

• Arizona Excellence Tuition Award – Available to Arizona residents, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $8,000 per year based on GPA and high school academic performance.
• Wildcat Distinction Scholarship – Designed for non-resident (out-of-state and international) students, offering awards of $2,000 to $35,000 annually depending on academic qualifications.
• Transfer Tuition Scholarship – Offers up to $5,000 per year for Arizona community college students transferring to UA with a competitive GPA.

These scholarships are typically awarded automatically during the admissions process—no separate application is required. However, students must:

• Apply to the University of Arizona by the stated priority deadline
• Submit official transcripts and standardized test scores (if not applying test-optional)
• Maintain academic eligibility for renewal in future years

Students can access the most up-to-date chart and criteria by visiting the University of Arizona Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid website. Reviewing this chart early can help students plan their application strategy and maximize scholarship eligibility.