Top 20 Arizona Scholarships & Grants for 2026 - 2027

Arizona Scholarship & Financial Aid Snapshot

This quick snapshot is built from CollegeWhale’s scholarship database and state-level resources. It shows how many scholarships we currently list for Arizona, the total dollars represented, and a short overview of key state aid programs.

We currently have 120 scholarships in our database tagged for Arizona. This includes statewide programs, school-specific awards, and private or foundation-based scholarships.

Across our Top 20 Arizona Scholarship & Grant listings, the total advertised award value comes to roughly $81,500. Some programs are renewable or stackable, so your real lifetime value could be even higher depending on how long you remain eligible.

Arizona students should begin with the Arizona Promise Program, which covers tuition and fees for qualifying low-income students attending the state’s public universities (ASU, UA, and NAU). This makes Arizona one of the few states where high-need students can attend a major research university tuition-free. On the merit side, UA, ASU, and NAU offer large automatic scholarships based on GPA, test scores, and class rank. Community colleges in Arizona are strong scholarship hubs as well—Maricopa, Pima, and others offer local district grants that stack with federal aid. Students pursuing trades or high-demand workforce fields can tap state-supported training funds that significantly lower costs. The keys for Arizona students are early FAFSA filing, considering all three public universities, and maximizing local district and foundation scholarships that stack on top of the Promise Program.

Top 20 Arizona Scholarships (Scholarship FastFind™)

The CollegeWhale Scholarship FastFind™ makes it easy to discover the best Arizona scholarships — fast. Filter by award amount, deadline month, and estimated time to apply, then instantly download your personalized list. No sign-ups, no personal info, no spam — just real, verified scholarships.

1

Starbucks College Achievement Scholarship

The Starbucks College Achievement Plan offers a groundbreaking opportunity for Starbucks employees to earn a bachelor’s degree with full tuition coverage. Through a partnership with Arizona State University (ASU) Online, eligible Starbucks partners (employees) can enroll in over 100 undergraduate

Award: Varies Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Low (~13 min)
2

Barbara Shay Memorial Nursing Scholarship

This scholarship supports nursing students in Yuma County pursuing undergraduate or graduate nursing degrees. It honors the memory of Barbara Shay, a dedicated nurse and educator. Eligibility Requirements: Must be a resident of Yuma County, Arizona. Must be enrolled in

Award: $2,000 Deadline: March Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
3

AZHCC Tony and Milena Astorga EXITO Scholarship

The Tony and Milena Astorga EXITO Scholarship is awarded to Hispanic students pursuing graduate degrees. This scholarship celebrates excellence in academic achievement and leadership. Eligibility Requirements: Must be of Hispanic heritage. Must be enrolled in or planning to enroll in

Award: $5,000 Deadline: April Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
4

Audrey Rath Scholarship

The Audrey Rath Scholarship provides financial support to graduate students pursuing education-related degrees. It is intended for those committed to making a difference in the education sector. Eligibility Requirements: Must be a resident of Arizona. Must be enrolled in or

Award: $3,000 Deadline: June Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
5

Arizona Nurse Practitioner Scholarship

This scholarship supports nursing students pursuing graduate degrees to become nurse practitioners. It aims to address the growing need for healthcare professionals in Arizona. Eligibility Requirements: Must be enrolled in or planning to enroll in a graduate nurse practitioner program.

Award: $5,000 Deadline: June Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
6

This scholarship supports Hispanic students pursuing higher education in Arizona. The award recognizes academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Eligibility Requirements: Must be of Hispanic heritage. Must be enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited 4-year institution. Must demonstrate

Award: $2,000 Deadline: April Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
7

Arizona First Advised Fund Foster Youth Scholarship

This scholarship supports foster youth in Arizona who are pursuing higher education. It aims to provide financial assistance to help overcome barriers and achieve academic goals. Eligibility Requirements: Must be a current or former foster youth in Arizona. Must be

Award: $3,000 Deadline: April Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
8

Archer-Ragsdale Arizona Chapter Tuskegee Airmen Inc. Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate financial need and are pursuing higher education. It aims to honor the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen by supporting the educational aspirations of deserving students. Eligibility Requirements: Must be a resident of

Award: $1,000 Deadline: April Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
9

Andrews and Esser Scholarship

The Andrews and Esser Scholarship is a merit-based award designed to support students pursuing higher education. This scholarship recognizes academic excellence and community involvement. Eligibility Requirements: Must be a resident of Arizona. Must be enrolled or planning to enroll in

Award: $2,000 Deadline: November Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
10

Amy Wasserman Scholarship Fund

The Amy Wasserman Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to students pursuing vocational education. The scholarship aims to support individuals seeking to acquire skills that will lead to gainful employment. Eligibility Requirements: Must be enrolled or planning to enroll in an

Award: $1,000 Deadline: April Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
11

Alisas Angels Foundation Scholarship

Alisa’s Angels Foundation Scholarship supports high school seniors who have demonstrated a commitment to service and making a positive difference in their communities. The scholarship assists students in pursuing higher education at 2-year colleges or vocational schools. Eligibility Requirements: Must

Award: $5,000 Deadline: March Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
12

Alhambra Foundation for the Future Scholarship

The Alhambra Foundation for the Future Scholarship is awarded to students from the Alhambra Elementary School District in Phoenix, Arizona, who are pursuing higher education. The scholarship recognizes academic achievement and community service. Eligibility Requirements: Must have attended schools within

Award: $1,500 Deadline: March Est. Time: Med (~78 min)

Arizona Scholarships, Grants & Financial Aid Overview

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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.

College Scholarships By Category

Quickly navigate to some of our most popular scholarships, such as state-specific scholarships, major-specific scholarships, and other popular categories. Please search our Scholarship Database to get matched with many more scholarships specific to your personal criteria.