ASU is proud to promote equal access to education for all Arizonans through programs like the President Barack Obama Scholars Program.
President Barack Obama represents outstanding academic achievement, thoughtfulness, a long record of service to others, inspired leadership and a commitment to building strong communities across this country.
In Arizona, we have many motivated, high-achieving students. For some of them, a lack of family resources has been a barrier to higher education. With the right support, these students can be successful, build better communities and create positive change. Arizona State University is committed to providing these opportunities.
New student eligibility:
Important Deadlines*
Meeting criteria and deadline dates does not guarantee placement in the program as funding is limited and the program will close when available funds have been exhausted.
Jan. 15 - Students must submit their FAFSA and have a complete ASU admissions application on file (application, transcripts and application fee).
July 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.
By combining gift aid (i.e., Pell Grants, SEOG, University Grants, LEAP, and scholarships) from federal, state, private, and institutional sources with Federal Work-Study, ASU will cover students' estimated direct costs of attending ASU (minus the Expected Family Contribution as determined by the FAFSA) for up to eight full-time, consecutive fall and spring semesters (summer sessions are not covered). Estimated direct costs include actual tuition, undergraduate college fee (including Barrett Honors fee), and student initiated fees, as well as standardized allowances for housing, meals and books/supplies.
Study abroad program fees or summer tuition/fees will not be covered as part of the program. You may choose to spend one semester in an ASU-sponsored study abroad program, only after completion of your first year in the Obama Scholars Program. This will count as one semester towards the eight semester maximum. Your funding will continue to be based on ASU cost of attendance and will not cover any study abroad program fees.
ASU will award recipients a combination of the following sources of aid. These awards do not require repayment.
Studies show that students who receive coaching have a higher likelihood for success at the university and students enjoy multiple benefits. As part of our commitment to your success, all Obama Scholars are assigned a First-Year Success Coach. These highly successful upper-division ASU students will coach you to enjoy a smooth transition to ASU and a successful first year. Your coach will meet with you once a month and serve as your personal connector, cheerleader, and catalyst for success.
Students continuing in the ASU Obama Scholar Program must meet the following criteria:
Important Dates*
It is strongly recommended that you meet the following dates in order to continue in the Obama Scholars Program:
Jan. 15 - submit your FAFSA by Jan. 15 each year for continuation in the program. It must be free of errors. Apply early to resolve any errors before Jan. 15.
June 1 - You must confirm your ASU housing by June 1 for your housing assignment to be finalized by Aug. 1. If your housing assignment is not finalized by Aug. 1, your budget will be reduced to "with parent" housing and meal allowance and your awards will be adjusted accordingly.
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.
Students not meeting renewal criteria
Budget resources to pay for college
Why does my gift aid not cover everything?
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