Financial assistance programs boost low-income scholars, merit based applications

In its efforts to create a university of the highest academic rank that also is accessible, ASU is launching a series of new initiatives called “Access ASU.”

The cornerstone of the first initiative is a new financial aid program for low-income Arizona high school seniors, which is designed to enhance support for Arizona students and families pursuing higher education. The program, “ASU Advantage,” is targeted to Arizona families whose total annual family income is $18,850 or less. Through a combination of financial aid resources that do not require repayment, ASU will cover the annual cost of tuition, fees, books, room and board for eight semesters of full-time enrollment. ASU officials believe this program is the only one of its kind in the West.

“ ASU is committed to reducing and removing barriers students may encounter when pursuing their academic goals,” said Jim Rund, vice president for University Undergraduate Initiatives. “This program is just one of several strategies we are advancing to do just that.”

Arizona freshmen automatically are considered for the program once the student has been admitted to ASU and submitted his or her financial aid application. No other application is required for consideration.

While ASU Advantage is targeted at students who have significant financial need, the university is committed to supporting Arizona families from a wide range of income levels.

“ Many people assume that they either do not qualify for financial aid or that financial aid is just about loans,” said Craig Fennell, executive director of Student Financial Assistance. “The ASU Advantage is one of several ways we help Arizona families.”

ASU’s gift aid program which includes both merit- and need-based based aid, is substantial. ASU has increased institutional grant aid by 157 percent since 2002. This additional aid, combined with ASU’s tradition of generous scholarship support, resulted in the highest amount of gift aid ASU has ever offered to Arizona residents. In 2003-2004, nearly 11,600 Arizona undergraduates received more than $34 million in ASU grant and scholarship aid; nearly $24 million was awarded to students who demonstrated financial need.

To provide feedback on this article, click here.

Digital Improvisation
New Institute tackles Social Science Research
A Closer Look
Art on a Cart
The Appointment Book
McAllister Academic Village
Paper Chase Ends
Seeing the Future
Constructing a Culture of Giving