Arizona Promise is a last-dollar aid program for students graduating from an Arizona high school and beginning an eligible college program. The institution calculates a tuition balance after federal and state grants. It is not a cash scholarship for living expenses and does not automatically cover every charge.
Published criteria include Arizona residency, at least a 2.5 high-school GPA, Pell eligibility, first-time freshman status, and full-time enrollment in an approved program and campus at ASU, Northern Arizona University, or the University of Arizona immediately after graduation. The sequence matters: a gap or different institution may affect eligibility.
ABOR describes Promise support for tuition, mandatory fees, and certain program fees after other aid. Do not assume housing, books, parking, or transportation are covered. The program uses FAFSA and Pell eligibility; the university sets charges and calculates the remaining balance. Request the calculation in writing from financial aid.
ABOR lists April 1 of senior year as the FAFSA date for priority consideration; that date has passed for fall 2026. Current-cycle students should ask their campus whether a late FAFSA can still be reviewed, without assuming priority remains. Complete FAFSA early for the next cycle. The Arizona Promise profile and ABOR profile link to rules and applications.
Before budgeting, request a written offer separating tuition, mandatory fees, housing, meals, books, and transportation. State grants often reduce only eligible charges and may change after Pell or other scholarships are applied. Do not commit money based on a chart maximum.
Your campus office should confirm missing documents, institutional eligibility, and disbursement timing. The program profile expands on the criteria; the public-agency profile links to applications, deadlines, and official help.
Arizona Promise Program — Arizona Board of Regents.
FAFSA information — Arizona Board of Regents.
Arizona Promise en español — Arizona Board of Regents.
Research checked on October 12, 2026 against official or institutional sources. Past deadlines are identified, and eligibility is distinguished from an actual award. Confirm the cycle, your file, and available funds with the agency and your college financial-aid office.
Arizona Promise does not replace Pell: it covers an eligible balance at participating campuses; check your university’s deadline.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Arizona Promise Program
Arizona high-school graduate, Pell eligible, GPA ≥2.5, full time at ASU, NAU, or UA.
State last-dollar tuition scholarship
Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR)
Publishes Arizona Promise information and FAFSA guidance for ASU, NAU, and UA.
Board coordinating public universities and state programs
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Arizona Board of Regents · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Arizona Board of Regents · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Arizona Board of Regents · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
ABOR · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Arizona Board of Regents · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) ↗
Primary source
ABOR · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.