Arizona is famous for its beautiful desert landscapes and outdoor activities. But what does the state of Arizona offer to the large in-bound and in-state student population in terms of scholarships? There are many opportunities to those who are attending, or planning on attending some of the state’s popular universities.
Scholarships for Arizona Students to Help Fund Their Education
For students looking to attend college in Arizona, one major hurdle can be finding ways to pay for their education. Luckily, there are many scholarship opportunities specifically for Arizona residents or students attending school in the state. Taking the time to thoroughly research and apply to scholarships can help reduce the financial burden of higher education.
Look Locally for Arizona Scholarship Programs
One of the best places to start is by exploring scholarships offered within the state of Arizona. Many local organizations, businesses, community foundations, and government programs offer scholarships only available to Arizona students. This includes awards from major state schools like the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University. There are also scholarships from utility companies, nonprofit groups, tribal organizations, and more. Focus your efforts locally before broadening your search.
Apply Broadly, but Focus Efforts on Best Fit Programs
Cast a wide net when applying by submitting to many scholarship opportunities. But pay special attention to awards closely aligned with your field of study, talents, activities, demographics, and interests. Take the time to carefully review qualifications before applying. With persistence and tailored applications, the scholarship search process can pay off for Arizona students.
Searching for scholarships can be overwhelming for students in Arizona. With so many options available, it’s hard to know where to start and what steps to take to find and apply for the best awards. Having a plan and checklist in place can help simplify the process.
Follow this comprehensive guide of tips and lists of multiple types of Arizona scholarships available below to help you more successfully navigate the scholarship search as a student in Arizona. Whether you are a graduating high school senior headed to college or already enrolled in a degree program, use this checklist to identify potential scholarships, and submit stand-out materials on time.
Checklist and Tips for students in Arizona searching for scholarships
- Start early – Begin looking for scholarships before senior year of high school. Many scholarships have deadlines in the fall or winter of senior year.
- Look local – Many scholarships are specifically for Arizona residents or students attending school in Arizona. Check community organizations, local businesses, and state programs.
- Focus your search – Tailor applications towards scholarships related to your background, interests, major, and future goals. Don’t just apply broadly.
- Check with your school – Many scholarships are available through specific universities and academic departments. Meet with financial aid advisors about options.
- Use scholarship databases – Sites like FastWeb, Scholarships.com, and Unigo have large databases to filter and search. But beware of scams.
- Polish applications – Follow all instructions carefully and proofread essays. Ask teachers, parents, counselors to review before submitting.
- Meet deadlines – Use a calendar to track deadlines. Allow time for recommendations and transcripts.
- Don’t pay to apply – Avoid any scholarship or service that requires an application fee or membership cost.
- Consider state programs – Research opportunities like the Arizona Promise Scholarship and other state-funded aid.
- Don’t give up – Even if not selected at first, keep applying. Success can require persistence.
Most Popular Arizona Scholarships Available
The tips provided above are great. However, finding specific Arizona scholarships may prove difficult, since a lot of this information is spread across so many resources. We’ve researched and consolidated many of the available, popular scholarships for AZ students below (by category):
Arizona Community Foundations Scholarships
- Arizona’s Promise Scholarship – Covers tuition and fees for Arizona community colleges for graduating high school seniors who meet income and GPA requirements.
- Craig P. and Elizabeth J. Jones Scholarship – For STEM majors at Arizona State University or University of Arizona with a 3.5 GPA. Awards up to $10,000.
- Spirit of Service Scholars – For students pursuing higher education who have a record of volunteering in their community. Awards up to $5,000.
University of Arizona Scholarships
- President’s Scholarship – Full in-state tuition for incoming freshmen who are National Merit Finalists.
- Wildcat Excellence Scholarship – Covers full tuition costs for National Hispanic Scholars.
- CatCard Scholarships – Smaller scholarships for a variety of majors and criteria funded by the CatCard Program.
Arizona State University Scholarships
- Barrett Honors College Scholarships – Generous awards for honors college students, including full tuition scholarships.
- Obama Scholars Program – Covers tuition, fees, housing, and books for academically talented students with financial need.
- Changemaker Scholarships – For incoming freshmen and transfers who have demonstrated a commitment to social change in their community.
Private Organizations/Companies
- AES Engineering Scholarship – $500 award for high school seniors and college students pursuing a degree in STEM.
- Arizona Broadcasters Association Scholarships – For students majoring in broadcast-related fields at Arizona universities.
- Pinnacle West Scholarships – For children of APS employees pursuing a degree, awards up to $10,000.
- Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Scholarship – For sophomore HOBY alumni, awards up to $40,000 over 4 years.
- Salt River Project Scholarships – For SRP customers and employees pursuing a degree, awards up to $7,500.
- AISES Intel Scholarship – For Native American students in STEM, awards up to $10,000 per year.
- APS Education Scholarships – For students pursuing degrees in math, science, technology or education, awards up to $3,000.
- Sunbelt Scholarships – For business or STEM majors residing in Sunbelt renting regions, awards up to $5,000.
- Twin Arrows Scholarships – For Native American students in Arizona, awards up to $3,000.
- Phoenix Mercury Scholarship – For underserved female student athletes in Maricopa County, awards up to $5,500.
- APS Lineman Scholarship – For students pursuing lineworker careers, awards up to $2,500.
- Western Growers Association Scholarships – For children of WGA members pursuing agriculture-related degrees, awards up to $10,000.
Other Arizona Scholarships
- Arizona High School Counselor Association Scholarship – For graduating seniors planning to major in education or counseling, awards $500-$1000.
- Phoenix Sister Cities Scholarships – For high school seniors in Phoenix pursuing higher education, awards up to $4,000.
- Marshall Memorial Fellowship – For Arizona high school juniors to travel abroad, award covers travel expenses.
- Arizona School Counselors Association Scholarship – For students pursuing a career in school counseling, awards $1,000.
- Grand Canyon State Electric Cooperative Association Scholarship – For students in GCSECA’s service area pursuing STEM degrees, awards $1,500.
- UArizona Out-of-State Scholarships – For high-achieving non-residents, awards up to $10,000 per year.
