🎓 University of Arizona Scholarships (2025–2026)
← Back to the Public University Scholarships hub • See Arizona state aid
- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~87% (CDS 2024–25)
- Middle 50% ACT: 21–29
- Middle 50% SAT: 1090–1350
- Average HS GPA: 3.6 (unweighted)
Source: University of Arizona Common Data Set 2024–25 and Admissions Office.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
University of Arizona at a Glance
Last verified: October 7, 2025
The University of Arizona (UA) stands out among major public universities for its transparent automatic merit grid and WUE participation. Families across the West can often bring total costs near in-state levels with a mix of GPA-based awards and tuition reductions.
This guide breaks down how merit, WUE, and need-based aid actually work together—so you can see what’s realistic for your student, with no guesswork or fine print.
FAQ
Does UA award automatic merit? Yes — most admitted freshmen are automatically reviewed for merit based on GPA/test scores. Awards range from ~$5,000 to $20,000+ per year.
Can out-of-state students get in-state tuition? Possibly. Through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), qualified students pay 150% of in-state rates for select majors.
What’s the average net price? Around $17,075 after aid (College Scorecard 2025).
When should I apply for best merit consideration? By December 1 for priority scholarship review.
https://www.arizona.edu/admissions/first-year/merit-scholarships
https://www.arizona.edu/admissions/resources/western-undergraduate-exchange-wue
https://collegereadyparent.org/university-of-arizona-scholarships/
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?104179-University-of-Arizona
https://www.arizona.edu/admissions/deadlines
https://financialaid.arizona.edu/types-of-aid/scholarships
https://recognition.arizona.edu/2025-award-winners
https://frankehonors.arizona.edu/cost-financial-aid/scholarships-grants/incoming-freshmen
https://www.wiche.edu/tuition-savings/wue/wue-list-of-schools/
https://www.scholarships.com/scholarships/university-of-arizona-tuition-award
https://www.collegesimply.com/colleges/arizona/university-of-arizona/price/
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Arizona (2025–2026)
The University of Arizona estimates the following annual direct costs for a full-time undergraduate living on campus in Tucson. These include tuition, mandatory fees, and the average housing and meal plan for the 2025–2026 academic year.
| In-State | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $12,168 | $41,330 |
| Housing & Meals (on-campus) | $16,746 | $16,746 |
| Total (Direct/Billed) | $28,914 | $58,076 |
Note: Additional estimated costs for books, personal expenses, and transportation may add $4,000–$6,000 per year, depending on major and living choices.
📉 Average Net Price (after aid)
Federal reporting shows Arizona’s average net price for undergraduates is around $17,075 per year after grants and scholarships. About 46% of students receive some form of aid, with average awards near $17,500. For a personalized estimate, use the University of Arizona Net Price Calculator.
- Automatic Merit Scholarships: UA awards between $5,000–$20,000+ per year based on GPA and test scores for out-of-state students.
- Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE): Students from WUE states may qualify to pay 150% of in-state tuition—a savings of roughly $15,000–$20,000 per year.
- Competitive Selection: WUE at UA is not automatic; strong applicants (GPA 3.5+, ACT 26+, SAT ~1230+) are most likely to receive it when applying early.
Together, automatic merit and WUE are the two biggest cost-saving levers for non-Arizona families.
👉 Arizona State Grants & Scholarships
FAQ — Understanding Arizona’s Costs
What exactly is included in these totals?
Only direct, billed charges: tuition, mandatory university/college fees, and a typical on-campus housing & meal plan. Books, travel, and personal spending aren’t billed by UA and aren’t in this table.
Why is housing & meals the same for both in-state and out-of-state?
Room and board pricing doesn’t depend on residency. The big difference between columns is tuition & fees.
Does Arizona have a tuition guarantee?
Yes. UA’s Guaranteed Tuition Program holds a first-year cohort’s base tuition and mandatory fees steady for 4 consecutive years (college/program differentials can still apply).
How do nonresidents lower the sticker price?
Two main levers: automatic merit scholarships and WUE (for eligible majors/students from WUE states). Both can cut the nonresident total by many thousands per year.
Can WUE stack with big merit awards?
Often no. UA typically applies the single best tuition discount you qualify for. Read the offer terms—some high-value merit packages are not combinable with WUE.
Do Arizona residents ever pay $0 tuition?
Eligible residents may under Arizona Promise or Arizona Native Scholars (tuition/fees focused). These do not cover housing & meals; file FAFSA and meet program deadlines.
Why might my bill be higher than the table?
Premium halls/meal plans, college differential fees (e.g., Engineering/Business), course/lab fees, or taking >18 credits can increase charges.
What if my student has AP/IB/dual-credit?
Credits that reduce time-to-degree (or heavy elective loads) can lower total college cost, even if the annual bill looks similar.
How do we see our “real” cost?
Use UA’s Net Price Calculator and compare the official aid offer. Your net price = billed charges minus grants/scholarships (before loans/work-study).
https://bursar.arizona.edu/sites/default/files/tuition_chart_ay_26.pdf
https://www.arizona.edu/admissions/first-year/cost
https://www.arizona.edu/admissions/cost
https://news.arizona.edu/uannounce/winter-2025-and-spring-2026-semester-tuition-rates-and-fees-now-available-tuition
https://housing.arizona.edu/news/housing-rates-approved
https://www.collegefactual.com/colleges/university-of-arizona/paying-for-college/net-price/
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?104179-University-of-Arizona
https://www.arizona.edu/admissions/resources/western-undergraduate-exchange-wue
https://www.wiche.edu/wp-content/uploads/WUE_Tuition_and_Savings.pdf
https://www.azregents.edu/programs/arizona-promise-program
https://financialaid.arizona.edu/types-of-aid/undergraduate-grants/arizona-native-scholars
Automatic Merit Scholarships — University of Arizona
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Distinction Award | $35,000/yr | GPA 3.90+; ACT 32+ / SAT 1420+ (optional but helps) | No | Yes (4 yrs) | Top ~5% nonresident admits | Early Action Nov 1 (priority); Final May 1 |
| Arizona Excellence Award | $30,000/yr | GPA 3.75–3.89; ACT 28–31 / SAT 1330–1410 | No | Yes (4 yrs) | High-achievers just below Distinction | Early Action Nov 1 (priority); Final May 1 |
| Arizona Recognition Award | $25,000/yr | GPA 3.50–3.74; ACT 24–27 / SAT 1180–1300 | No | Yes (4 yrs) | Solid GPA + competitive scores | Early Action Nov 1 (priority); Final May 1 |
| Arizona Achievement Award | $20,000/yr | GPA 3.25–3.49; ACT 21–23 / SAT 1060–1170 | No | Yes (4 yrs) | Above-average academics | Early Action Nov 1 (priority); Final May 1 |
| Arizona Merit Award | $10,000–$15,000/yr | GPA 3.00–3.24; test optional | No | Yes (4 yrs) | Good grades; lower or no scores | Early Action Nov 1 (priority); Final May 1 |
Automatic Scholarship FAQs
Do we need to submit test scores?
No. SAT/ACT are not required for admission or institutional merit consideration. If you do submit scores, they must come directly from the testing agency.
What GPA does UA use?
UA evaluates an unweighted, core 4.0 GPA (English, math, science, social studies, language) for scholarship decisions.
What deadlines matter most?
Apply by Early Action (Nov 1) for priority scholarship consideration; completed applications are accepted through May 1 for the final round.
Do merit awards stack with WUE?
Typically no—choosing WUE forfeits UA merit tuition scholarships; UA will apply whichever single tuition discount is larger.
https://www.arizona.edu/admissions/first-year/merit-scholarships
https://collegereadyparent.org/university-of-arizona-scholarships/
https://www.scholarships.com/scholarships/university-of-arizona-tuition-award
https://financialaid.arizona.edu/types-of-aid/scholarships
https://financialaid.arizona.edu/2025-2026-terms-and-conditions
https://www.wiche.edu/tuition-savings/wue/wue-list-of-schools/
https://www.arizona.edu/admissions/resources/western-undergraduate-exchange-wue
https://www.arizona.edu/admissions/deadlines
https://www.campusreel.org/how-to-get-into-college/university-of-arizona-admissions-requirements-and-gpa
Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)
These scholarships go beyond grades and test scores—expect essays, interviews, leadership records, and strong service. Applying early with a clear résumé makes a big difference.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flinn Foundation Scholarship | Full ride + enrichment funding | Arizona residents; top academics, leadership, and service | Yes | Yes (4 years) | ~20 students statewide; typically 3.9+ GPA, top 1–2%, deep extracurricular and service impact | Oct 18 (approx.) |
| Arizona Assurance Program | Up to full cost of attendance (need-based) | Arizona residents; Pell-eligible; FAFSA on file | No (auto via FAFSA) | Yes | Low-income Arizona students with solid academics and complete financial aid files | March 1 (FAFSA priority) |
| UA National Scholars Award | ≈$20,000 per year | National Merit Finalists or College Board National Recognition students | No | Yes (4 years) | National Merit or recognized scholars who name UA as first choice | May 1 (acceptance) |
| College of Science / Engineering Awards | $2,000–$5,000+ | STEM majors; academic strength and departmental application | Yes | Varies | STEM-focused Honors or departmental students with strong GPA and essays | Varies by department |
Competitive Scholarship FAQ
What is the Flinn Scholarship and how selective is it?
It’s a statewide full-ride program open to Arizona residents attending UA, ASU, or NAU. Only about 20 students are chosen each year, typically with 3.9+ GPA, top test scores, and strong leadership/service portfolios.
Is Arizona Assurance available to nonresidents?
No. Arizona Assurance is only for in-state, Pell-eligible students. Out-of-state applicants should instead consider UA’s automatic merit or the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.
Can the National Scholars Award stack with other scholarships?
Sometimes. UA typically applies the highest single award or discount.
If another large merit or WUE award is higher, it may replace rather than stack with National Scholars funds.
Do students need to be in Honors to win these?
Not always. While some awards are tied to Honors, many—including departmental and service-based awards—are open to all strong applicants.
What makes a strong résumé for UA’s top scholarships?
Depth and impact: consistent multi-year leadership, meaningful service, academic rigor, and tangible results outweigh long lists of short-term activities.
https://www.flinn.org/flinn-scholars/
https://financialaid.arizona.edu/types-of-aid/scholarships/arizona-assurance
https://financialaid.arizona.edu/types-of-aid/scholarships/flinn-scholars
https://financialaid.arizona.edu/2025-2026-terms-and-conditions
https://assurance.arizona.edu/programs-requirements/overview
https://go.arizona.edu/awards/azscholar
https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/28774/national-scholars-award
https://science.arizona.edu/academics/scholarships
https://optics.arizona.edu/news/2026-2025-arcs-scholarship-application-now-available-deadline-101025
https://www.flinn.org/flinn-scholars/the-scholarship/apply/requirements/
https://www.flinn.org/40-years-of-flinn-scholars-meet-the-class-of-2025/
https://science.arizona.edu/news/college-science-welcomes-two-2025-flinn-scholars
https://infosci.arizona.edu/admissions/scholarships
Honors College at the University of Arizona
The W.A. Franke Honors College at the University of Arizona offers a small, residential community inside a large public R1 research university. Students gain access to small seminars, priority registration, research funding, and additional scholarships that can stack with standard merit awards.
Honors Scholarships at Arizona
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors Wildcat Excellence | $1,000–$4,000 per year | Admitted to Honors; strong GPA and complete application | Yes | Yes — maintain GPA and Honors standing | Most new Honors admits who apply before priority deadline | Dec 1 (priority) |
| W.A. Franke Honors Scholarships | Up to $15,000 per year | Top Honors applicants; preference for first-gen or rural students | Yes — Honors & university app | Yes — up to 4 years | Highly competitive; selected by faculty committee | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Southwestern Foundation Honors Award | $1,500 per semester + $1,500 study abroad stipend | Current Honors sophomores; GPA 3.5+; interdisciplinary engagement | Yes | Yes — maintain GPA | Continuing Honors students active in research or leadership | Feb 1 |
Note: All amounts and eligibility are based on current W.A. Franke Honors College information for 2025–26 and may vary annually based on funding.
Honors College FAQs (University of Arizona)
Do students need an invitation to apply?
No. All admitted Arizona applicants can apply to the Honors College through the separate Honors application, which includes a short essay and resume.
Where do Honors students live?
Most first-year students live in the Honors Village, a suite-style residence hall that also houses classrooms, advising offices, and dining facilities.
Are Honors scholarships stackable with Wildcat Excellence or Arizona Tuition Awards?
Yes. Most Honors awards stack with automatic merit and need-based aid, as long as total aid does not exceed the cost of attendance.
What GPA do Honors students typically have?
The average admitted student has a 3.8+ high school GPA and strong writing skills. However, motivated students slightly below that range are encouraged to apply.
When should students apply?
The priority deadline is December 1. Applying early increases chances for Honors admission, scholarships, and housing in the Honors Village.
https://frankehonors.arizona.edu/cost-financial-aid/scholarships-grants/incoming-freshmen
https://frankehonors.arizona.edu/wa-franke-scholarship
https://frankehonors.arizona.edu/academics/honors-courses/honors-college-courses/course-policies
https://frankehonors.arizona.edu/merit-based-scholarships
https://frankehonors.arizona.edu/honors-college-scholarships-scholarship-universe-now
https://arizona.scholarshipuniverse.com/public/scholarship/408598
https://frankehonors.arizona.edu/student-experience/honors-village
https://frankehonors.arizona.edu/admissions/faqs
https://frankehonors.arizona.edu/admissions/application-process/incoming-freshman
https://housing.arizona.edu/dorms/honors-village
https://financialaid.arizona.edu/2025-2026-terms-and-conditions
⭐ What the University of Arizona Is Known For
The University of Arizona is a staunchly respected **R1 flagship public research university**—Arizona’s own rocket ship for innovation. From mapping Mars to engineering tomorrow’s water systems, UA isn’t just keeping pace—it’s leading nationally (and globally) in a surprising range of fields.
Home to the largest optics institute in the U.S., UA’s College of Optical Sciences is a global leader in optical engineering, photonics, and space-imaging technologies. It’s unrivaled in name recognition—and research volume.
- MIS (Eller College): Ranked **#1 among U.S. public universities** for undergraduate MIS, and top-3 overall for graduate MIS.
- Astronomy & Space Sciences: #2 in the world in astronomy & astrophysics expenditures; #4 globally in space sciences.
- Entomology: Ranked **#1 globally**.
- Water Resources: #1 in the world (ShanghaiRanking, Academic Subjects).
- Online Programs: Top-3% of all online bachelor’s programs nationally.
- Business & Entrepreneurship: Eller among top-17 in public business schools; entrepreneurship and accounting programs strong public placements.
- Geography & Environment: School of Geography ranked #6 in U.S.; #39 globally (ARWU).
- Graduate Social Sciences & Humanities: Seven SBS graduate programs ranked in top 25 nationally—including anthropology, geography, and political philosophy.