ASU College Attainment Grant Program

New student eligibility:

• Open to Arizona residents, admitted to ASU in the fall who are degree-seeking, full-time freshmen (pursuing first undergraduate degree). This includes Native American high school seniors who are not residing in Arizona who meet the Arizona residency criteria for tuition purposes at ASU.
• You must enroll at ASU at the beginning of the fall semester immediately after Arizona high school graduation. If you do not enroll at ASU for the fall, you will forfeit eligibility for any future participation in this program.
• You must be eligible to receive the Federal Pell Grant.
• ASU Online degree programs are not eligible. If you change your major to an ASU Online major, you will be removed from the ASU College Attainment Grant Program and adjustments will be made to your awards.
• There is no additional application for this program. Students that submit their FAFSA and have a complete ASU admissions application on file (application, transcripts and application fee) by the dates below will be automatically considered.

Important Deadlines*

July 1 - Students must submit their FAFSA and have a complete ASU admissions application on file (application, transcripts and application fee).

August 1 - Students must submit all requested documents for financial aid verification.

*There are no exceptions to these dates. The FAFSA must be free of errors and the admissions application with all necessary materials must be complete to be eligible for consideration. Be sure to apply early in order to resolve any errors or issues before the deadline dates.

Resident Tuition and Fees - All Gift Aid = ASU College Attainment Grant Funding

The ASU College Attainment Grant Program will provide tuition and fees to qualifying students for up to eight, full-time, consecutive fall and spring semesters as long as students continue to meet eligibility criteria and maintain at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average. The ASU College Attainment Grant Program covers tuition and fees during the fall and spring semesters only. Summer sessions are not covered.

Special class fees, study abroad program fees will not be covered as part of the program.

Resident tuition and fees will be covered by a combination of gift aid such as scholarships and grants from federal, state, private and institutional sources.

• Pell Grants—this federal gift assistance program supports students who have exceptional need
• Institutional Grants—ASU gift assistance available to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. These grants include University Grants
• FSEOG and LEAP Grants—gift assistance available to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need
• Scholarships— gift assistance awarded by ASU and private donors that recognizes exceptional achievement
• Outside Resources—funding received from outside sources that assists students in paying for their educational expenses

Students continuing in the ASU College Attainment Grant Program must meet the following criteria:

• You are required to successfully complete a minimum of 24 ASU credit hours during each academic year (a minimum of 12 credits in fall and spring semesters).
• You must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.50 by the end of each spring semester to continue in the program.
• You must remain eligible to receive the Federal Pell Grant.
• You must maintain satisfactory academic progress; however, the GPA requirements of this program supersede the Satisfactory Academic Progress GPA.
• If you are awarded scholarships or outside resources, you may have higher annual renewal criteria unique to those awards.
• You must remain eligible for federal aid to participate in this program each year. Visit aid criteria for details.
• ASU students are expected to abide by the Student Code of Conduct. Violation(s) of the Student Code of Conduct resulting in a suspension, expulsion or administrative withdrawal will result in loss of your scholarship. This decision may not be appealed. A student in violation is otherwise eligible to file the FAFSA and receive need-based aid.

Important Dates*

It is strongly recommended that you meet the following dates in order to continue in the College Attainment Grant Program:

Jan. 1 - file your FAFSA and resolve any errors by March 1 each year for continuation in the program. The FAFSA must be free of errors, so apply early.

July 1 - ASU will verify your FAFSA information. We recommend that you submit all documents required to complete the verification process by July 1 each year for continuation in the program. These documents must be complete and free of errors. Submit all requested documents early to resolve any errors or omissions before this date. If, after verification, you do not meet the program criteria, you will not be eligible for program participation for that and future semesters.

Options for students not meeting renewal criteria:

• If you do not meet the renewal criteria, you may file an appeal for reinstatement into the program provided you experienced significant, extenuating circumstances beyond your control (such as an extended, serious medical emergency). Completed appeals must be submitted no later than close of business June 1.
• If you experience other challenges throughout the year, such as difficulty with classes, time management, work or family responsibilities, or other co-curricular commitments, be aware these are not considered extenuating circumstances. In these cases, consult your academic advisor and use ASU resources to ensure you receive the guidance and assistance necessary to remain on track and continue to meet criteria for renewal and graduation.

How to pay your remaining expenses:

• Log into My ASU to access your personalized Student Budget Worksheet. Your estimated costs and financial aid will automatically populate, allowing you to determine estimated expenses as well as the possibility of the need for work or to borrow your offered loans.
• Federal Work-Study opportunities, along with federally funded Direct Stafford Student Loans, are programs designed to help students invest in themselves and their education. You are encouraged to apply for on-campus employment if you have an offered Federal Work-Study award. Working on campus not only allows you to earn money for college, it also creates valuable on-campus support networks while you develop marketable skills for your resume.
• Low interest rate loans are also available to you as an additional self-help option. If you are eligible for student loans, they will be listed on your award letter and on My ASU. You are encouraged to discuss your alternatives for financing your education with a counselor in Financial Aid and Scholarship Services. If you have any questions about financial aid, please contact Financial Aid and Scholarship Services at 480-965-3355.