Desire Arizona State scholarships? Looking for free money for college? You’re lucky to have Arizona State University on your list. This major university hands out scholarships like candy on Halloween.
With a little time and effort completing scholarship applications, you can score some sweet financial aid and graduate debt-free.
Getting free tuition money takes more than good grades. You need to think outside the box and get creative with applications. But have no fear, we’ve got all the tips and tricks to help you land multiple scholarships.
We’ll walk you through where to find scholarships, how to make your application stand out, and what extra steps you can take to get selected.
Types of Arizona State Scholarships Offered
Merit-Based Arizona State Scholarships
Arizona State University offers many merit-based scholarships for incoming freshmen and transfer students. To be considered for these awards, you’ll need a solid GPA and test scores. The higher your stats, the more money you could earn.
1. New American University Scholarship
For new freshmen, the New American University Scholarship provides up to $12,000 per year for four years. You’ll need at least a 3.0 GPA and 1100 SAT or 22 ACT score to qualify.
The higher your scores, the bigger the scholarship. Valedictorians and National Merit finalists may receive a full ride.
2. Transfer Achievement Scholarship
If you’re transferring from an Arizona community college with at least a 3.0 GPA, you could earn $4,000 to $10,000 per year through the Transfer Achievement Scholarship.
3. College Scholarship
Each ASU college offers merit scholarships for freshmen and transfers in their majors. Awards range from $500 to $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years. While GPA and test scores are considered, extracurricular activities, work experience, and career goals also weigh heavily.
The key to scoring one of these merit-based scholarships is to apply early, build your resume, crush your grades, and ace those standardized tests.
Need-Based Arizona State Scholarships
Arizona State University offers a number of need-based scholarships for in-state residents who demonstrate financial need. If your family has a lower income or you face significant financial hardship, these scholarships can help make an ASU education more affordable.
1. ASU Access Scholarship
The ASU Access Scholarship provides funding for tuition and fees based on your family’s financial situation. Awards range from $1,000 to $12,000 per year and are renewable for up to four years.
To be eligible, you must be an Arizona resident and have a family income below $48,000. The scholarship amount depends on your EFC from the FAFSA and available funding.
2. Educational Opportunity Scholarship
The Educational Opportunity Scholarship is available for incoming freshmen who are Arizona residents with significant financial need. It provides funding for tuition, fees, and living expenses for up to five years.
Preference is given to first-generation college students, students from underserved high schools, and students pursuing majors in high-demand fields.
3. ASU Achievement Scholarship
The ASU Achievement Scholarship is awarded to continuing ASU students with a minimum college GPA of 2.5 who demonstrate substantial financial need. It provides up to $5,000 per year for tuition and fees and is renewable for up to three years.
READ ALSO: Study Abroad: Unlocking a World of Opportunity
Arizona State Scholarships for Specific Majors or Programs
1. STEM Majors
If you’re pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM), ASU offers several scholarships targeted at your field of study. For example, the New American University STEM Scholarship covers tuition and fees for incoming freshmen and transfer students in STEM majors.
You must be an Arizona resident with a 3.0 GPA or higher. The Salt River Project also funds scholarships for students in engineering, computer science, and related majors.
2. Teaching and Education
Future teachers can apply for the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College Scholarship and the Arizona Teacher Academy Scholarship. Both provide funding for students enrolled in ASU’s teacher preparation programs, including special education, elementary education and secondary education majors.
3. Business Majors
The W.P. Carey School of Business offers scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students in fields like finance, marketing, management, and accountancy. For example, the Gammage Scholarship provides funding for outstanding undergrads majoring in business, economics or public policy.
4. Nursing and Healthcare
Students in ASU’s Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation are eligible for scholarships such as the Beacom Scholars Program for nursing majors. The Intercollegiate Athletics Scholarship funds student-athletes pursuing degrees in nursing, exercise science and other health-related fields.
There are also scholarships for graduate students in nursing, nutrition, and other healthcare programs.
5. Journalism and Media Studies
Budding journalists and media professionals should look into the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication Scholarships. They include funds for students specializing in digital media, sports journalism, and Spanish-language media.
In addition to college-specific scholarships, also check with the admissions office for other opportunities based on your residency status, GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, and other factors.
READ ALSO: Need an Immigration Lawyer? Here’s How to Find the Best One Near You
How to Apply for Arizona State University Scholarships
Here are some tips to help you score free tuition money.
1. Meet the deadlines
Pay close attention to deadlines for the scholarships you want to apply for. Some may be due as early as October of your senior year of high school.
Make a calendar to keep track of deadlines and give yourself plenty of time to submit strong applications. Late or incomplete applications won’t be considered.
2. Get good grades
Many ASU scholarships consider your GPA and test scores. Work hard to keep your grades up, especially in your junior and senior years. High grades, especially in challenging courses, demonstrate your ability to succeed in college.
High ACT or SAT scores also make you a strong candidate. If needed, consider taking a prep course or working with a tutor.
3. Develop a resume
Some scholarships evaluate applicants based on experience, activities, leadership abilities, volunteer work, and interests. Build an impressive resume highlighting all you’ve accomplished in high school.
4. Write a compelling essay
Scholarship essays allow you to express your personality, goals, and enthusiasm for your field of study. Share details about yourself, your future ambitions, and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.
Discuss experiences that have shaped your character and inspired your career interests. Have others review and provide feedback on your essay before submitting.
5. Ask for letters of recommendation
Strong letters of recommendation from your teachers, school counselors, employers, community leaders, or mentors can help strengthen your application. Ask them if they feel they know you well enough to write you a persuasive letter of recommendation.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you’ll put together a scholarship application that shows why you deserve to win some of that free college money. With hard work and perseverance, you can earn enough in scholarships to make a big dent in your ASU tuition costs.