For an Arizona family, a scholarship covering college, housing, and meals can change the four-year cost calculation. The Flinn Scholarship is a merit award from the Flinn Foundation, in partnership with Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona. The Foundation values it at more than $140,000 and says it includes tuition, fees, housing, meals, and study-abroad experiences; about 20 students are selected each year. It is not automatic aid for every resident or a guarantee of university admission.
For the class of 2027, the Foundation describes a typical applicant as having at least a 3.5 unweighted GPA, ranking in the top 5% when the school reports class rank, showing leadership and extracurricular involvement, and meeting a minimum ACT score of 26 or SAT score of 1230. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents and have lived in Arizona for the two full years before entering college. The Foundation says exceptions to its academic standards are unusual; meeting them does not guarantee finalist status.
The 2027 portal opened August 25 and sets the student application deadline for October 13 at 5 p.m.; two recommendations and the counselor report are due October 27. The student deadline is separate from the supporting-document deadline. The official page links to the form and recommends preparing essays, short answers, and applications to the participating public universities. Because the first cutoff falls on the date of this review, anyone reading later should immediately confirm whether the portal is still accepting submissions or wait for the next cycle; do not assume an earlier date remains active.
Before applying, confirm that the school and program fit your situation and that the application window is current. Gather transcripts, FAFSA information, essays, and references; keep a copy and submission receipt. Track the application deadline separately from supporting-document dates. After submitting, monitor the portal and email until the file is marked complete. Ask the financial-aid office how the award coordinates with FAFSA and other scholarships, and do not budget funds that have not been awarded.
When comparing options, confirm whether the benefit is a scholarship, grant, tuition waiver, or loan: they are not all repaid or applied to the same charges. Request a written estimate of the balance after FAFSA and other awards, check renewal terms, and do not sign a loan thinking it is a scholarship.
Read the program profile and the federal FAFSA guide; confirm with the administrator how the aid coordinates.
Apply for the Flinn Scholarship — Flinn Foundation.
Application requirements — Flinn Foundation.
Flinn Scholarship FAQ — Flinn Foundation.
Guide checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Each program has its own funding, eligibility, and calendar; confirm the current terms before applying. An advertised award does not guarantee selection.
Confirm eligibility, current terms, and application steps with the official source before relying on aid for college costs.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Flinn Scholars Program — Flinn Foundation
For an Arizona family, a scholarship covering college, housing, and meals can change the four-year cost calculation. The Flinn Scholarship is a merit award from the Flinn Foundation, in partnership with Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona. The Foundation values it at more than $140,000 and says it includes tuition, fees, housing, meals, and study-abroad experiences; about 20 students are selected each year. It is not automatic
College scholarship and financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Flinn Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Flinn Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Flinn Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official program information and application ↗
Primary source
Flinn Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Flinn Scholars Program — Flinn Foundation ↗
Primary source
Flinn Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Flinn Scholars Program — Flinn Foundation ↗
Primary source
Flinn Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.