Pinal Promise — ayuda de matrícula de Central Arizona College

Pinal Promise is tied to Central Arizona College (CAC); it is not an Arizona-wide scholarship open to every state resident. For the May 2026 graduate cohort, the general rule required students to live in Pinal County and graduate from an approved public or charter high school within the county. CAC publishes a long partner-school list; an online school counts only if it has a physical presence in the county, and the page excludes homeschool students from this application cycle. Living near campus or attending any Arizona school is not enough.

The award covers remaining in-state tuition need after other financial aid is applied, excluding student loans. CAC describes four consecutive fall and spring semesters—two academic years if renewal conditions are met. It is not a cash cheque for unrestricted expenses: the funds are applied to the student account, and the amount depends on CAC’s aid calculation. Books, transport, housing, and meals do not automatically become additional Promise funding.

For May 2026 graduates, CAC published a specific sequence: begin at CAC in the fall immediately after graduation, complete the 2026–27 FAFSA, submit the CAC scholarship application, and upload a diploma or unofficial transcript showing the graduation date to the student portal. The cohort also required 20 service hours; students who had not completed them before graduation could finish during their first year, subject to the college’s deadline. Service does not replace the residency and eligible-school rules.

Course load matters too. The cohort guide required students to enrol in and attend 12–20 credits per semester, pursue a CAC degree or certificate, and maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA. Renewal also required completing at least nine credits each semester, continuous fall/spring enrolment, and a new FAFSA for each academic year. The financial-aid office reviews files after each term; students should read their CAC email and resolve verification requests before assuming funds will post.

As of October 12, 2026, the published 2026–27 application window—January 5 through July 1—had closed, and CAC had not posted the next cycle’s dates on that page. This guide can help families check school, residence, FAFSA, and service requirements early, but it does not promise that the next cohort will have identical rules. Start with the [Pinal Promise profile](data-profile="pinal-promise") and confirm FAFSA receipt directly with CAC; the financial-aid office provides the institution’s case-follow-up channel.

A useful preparation folder includes proof of address, the high school’s official name, diploma or transcript, service record, and FAFSA Submission Summary. Do not send personal documents to addresses found in social media posts or ads: the college site links its application through the student portal. The [Central Arizona College Financial Aid office](data-profile="cac-financial-aid") can explain federal-aid records, portal notices, and verification; CAC makes the final Promise decision and calculates the remaining balance.

Who it serves and what it can cover: A last-dollar scholarship for remaining in-state tuition at CAC after aid other than student loans; up to two consecutive academic years. For the May 2026 graduate cohort, requirements included residence and graduation from an approved Pinal County public or charter high school, FAFSA, at least 20 service hours, 12–20 credits each semester, and renewal with a 2.0 cumulative GPA and at least nine completed credits.

How to apply or get help: Pinal Promise: outreach@centralaz.edu; 520-494-5111. The programme lists Central Arizona College, 8470 N. Overfield Road, Coolidge, Arizona 85128. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.

Official application and program information