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Scholarships for Arizona State University students


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Key takeaways about ASU scholarships

  • Arizona State University offers merit scholarships, need-based aid, grants and other funding opportunities that can help lower college costs.
  • Incoming first-year students may be considered for ASU’s New American University merit scholarships through the admission process.
  • Barrett, The Honors College offers additional scholarship opportunities for eligible prospective and current honors students.
  • Transfer and graduate students can explore scholarships and other funding opportunities specific to their student level.
  • Private scholarships can supplement ASU financial aid and may help reduce what students need to pay or borrow.

ASU scholarships: Where to start

If you're looking for scholarships for Arizona State University students, you're probably also trying to figure out how scholarships and financial aid could affect what you ultimately pay for college.

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The good news is that scholarships can make a meaningful difference. Sallie’s “How America Pays for College 2026” found that 61% of students received scholarships during the 2025–26 academic year, with scholarship recipients receiving an average of $8,291. And 76% of scholarship recipients said scholarships enabled them to attend college.

ASU offers several ways to help students manage college costs, including merit scholarships, need-based aid, grants, work opportunities and other funding. This guide explains how ASU scholarships work, where to look for additional opportunities and how scholarships can fit into a broader college funding strategy.

How much does Arizona State University cost?

What you may pay to attend ASU can vary based on factors such as residency, program, campus, housing choices and financial aid.

To explore estimated costs, financial aid information, admissions information and other details about attending Arizona State University, visit Arizona State University’s profile on Scout College Search. It’s a helpful starting point for comparing costs and planning how you’ll pay for college.

Remember that the published price of attendance isn’t necessarily what every student pays. Scholarships, grants and other financial aid may lower costs for eligible students.

What scholarships are available for ASU students?

Scholarships for ASU students can come from the university, academic colleges and departments, outside organizations and other sources. The right opportunities will depend on factors such as your student level, academic record, residency, program and individual scholarship requirements.

Merit scholarships

ASU offers merit-based scholarship opportunities for eligible students. Academic achievement is an important factor for these awards, but criteria vary by scholarship.

Need-based aid

Need-based financial aid may include grants, work-study and other assistance based on a student’s financial circumstances.

Students seeking need-based aid should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) and any additional financial aid requirements that apply to them.

Arizona resident aid programs

Arizona residents may be eligible for state and university programs that help with college costs. Current ASU programs include the Arizona Promise Program, ASU Promise Plus and the College Attainment Grant.

Eligibility varies by program, so students should review ASU’s current financial assistance programs for Arizona residents rather than relying on requirements from a previous academic year.

Departmental scholarships

ASU colleges, schools and departments may offer scholarships related to a student’s academic program or other criteria. These opportunities may require a separate application.

Students should check with their academic unit and ASU’s scholarship resources for current opportunities.

Private scholarships

Private scholarships may come from foundations, employers, professional associations, community organizations and national scholarship programs. Depending on the award terms, they may help with tuition or other education-related costs.

Tools like Scholly® Scholarships can help students discover private opportunities based on their background, interests and goals.

ASU merit scholarships explained

ASU’s New American University Scholarship program is one of its primary merit scholarship opportunities for incoming first-year students.

New American University Scholarship

ASU considers admitted first-year students for New American University scholarships based on academic credentials. Students do not generally submit a separate application for consideration for these merit awards.

Award levels, criteria and other program details can change, so students should use ASU’s current scholarship information and merit scholarship estimator when planning.

New American University scholarships may be renewable when students continue to meet ASU’s requirements. Rather than relying on detailed GPA or credit-hour rules that can change, students should review ASU’s current scholarship renewal guidance for the terms that apply to their award.

Arizona resident scholarships and aid programs

Arizona residents may have additional funding options beyond merit scholarships. ASU currently lists the Arizona Promise Program, ASU Promise Plus and the College Attainment Grant among its programs for eligible Arizona students.

These programs have different eligibility requirements and funding structures. Review ASU’s Arizona resident financial assistance information for current details.

Can ASU students receive full-ride scholarships?

Students shouldn’t assume that an ASU scholarship will cover their entire cost of attendance. ASU offers merit scholarships, grants and other aid programs that may cover part or, for some eligible programs, a substantial portion of certain college costs.

Check the terms of each award carefully to understand what it covers and whether other scholarships or financial aid may be combined with it.

Barrett, The Honors College scholarships

Students in Barrett, The Honors College can explore additional scholarships, grants and awards supported by Barrett and Arizona State University.

Barrett lists opportunities for both prospective and current students, and its scholarship offerings can change by academic year. Some scholarships may consider academic achievement, financial need, research, travel or other award-specific criteria.

Students should review Barrett’s current scholarship page and Scholarship Universe for available opportunities and deadlines.

ASU Scholarship Universe

ASU Scholarship Universe is the university’s scholarship matching platform for admitted and current students. It connects students with ASU and outside scholarships that may match their profile and eligibility, making it a useful place to check for new opportunities and application deadlines throughout college.

Scholarships for incoming first-year students at Arizona State University

Incoming first-year students should start with ASU’s admission-based merit scholarship opportunities. ASU considers eligible admitted students for New American University scholarships based on their academic credentials.

Students should pay attention to ASU’s current admission and financial aid priority dates because timing can affect consideration for some opportunities. Check ASU’s current first-year admission information rather than relying on deadlines from a previous year.

Private scholarships can also be worth pursuing before and after enrollment. Many opportunities are available during senior year of high school, and the search doesn’t have to stop once college begins.

Scholarships for transfer students at ASU

Transfer students can find scholarship opportunities at ASU, but they shouldn’t assume that scholarships intended for incoming first-year students are also available to transfers.

ASU specifically directs transfer students to explore transfer scholarship opportunities, along with awards offered through academic units and other scholarship resources.

Transfer students who want to be considered for applicable need-based federal aid should also complete the FAFSA® and meet current financial aid requirements.

Scholarships for graduate students at Arizona State University

Graduate funding works differently from undergraduate financial aid. Depending on their program, ASU graduate students may find support through fellowships, assistantships, departmental funding, student employment, internships and private graduate scholarships.

Fellowships and awards

ASU’s Graduate College administers and supports a range of graduate fellowships and awards. Some opportunities are administered through graduate programs rather than through direct student applications.

Assistantships

Teaching and research assistantships are common forms of financial support and professional development for graduate students at ASU. Availability and terms vary by program and appointment.

Students can review ASU graduate appointments and assistantships and check directly with their graduate program for current opportunities.

Departmental and private funding

Graduate students should also explore funding through their school or department, employer education benefits, professional organizations and private graduate scholarships.

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How to apply for scholarships at ASU

Scholarship applications get easier when you have a simple system. Start with ASU’s admission and financial aid requirements, then expand your search to university, departmental, Arizona-based and private scholarships.

1. Pay attention to ASU priority dates

Incoming first-year students should review ASU’s current admission and financial aid timelines. Some scholarship opportunities are tied to admission timing or have their own deadlines.

2. Complete the FAFSA®

The FAFSA® is used to determine eligibility for federal financial aid and may also be relevant to state, institutional or scholarship aid.

Even if you aren’t sure what you’ll qualify for, completing the FAFSA® can help keep more funding options open. For step-by-step help, see Sallie’s FAFSA® guide.

3. Check your academic college or department

Some scholarships are offered through specific ASU colleges, schools or departments. Look for opportunities connected to your academic program and check current application requirements.

4. Search for private and outside scholarships

Don’t stop with ASU awards. Local organizations, employers, foundations, professional associations, community organizations and national programs may offer additional scholarships.

5. Track deadlines and requirements

Keep scholarship deadlines, essays, recommendation requests and application requirements in one place. A simple calendar or spreadsheet can make it easier to stay organized and avoid missed deadlines.

Outside scholarships ASU students should consider

Private scholarships can supplement ASU scholarships and financial aid. Depending on the award terms, they may help with tuition and other education-related expenses.

Research from “How America Pays for College 2026” found that three out of four college students who didn’t use scholarships never applied. That means one of the most practical steps you can take is simply to start looking and applying.

Sallie scholarships

ASU students can explore quick-entry opportunities such as Sallie’s $2,000 No Essay Scholarship† and Scholly® Easy Apply Scholarships†, which can make it easier to keep applying alongside school-based opportunities.

National scholarships

National scholarship programs may be competitive, but they can still be worth exploring when the eligibility criteria fit your academics, interests, leadership experience, career plans or field of study.

Arizona-based scholarships

Students can also look for scholarships from Arizona foundations, employers, professional associations, community organizations and other local sources. State and local scholarships can complement ASU aid and national scholarship searches.

Tips to improve your scholarship applications

Scholarship applications can take time, but a few practical habits can make the process easier.

Start with reusable essays

Many applications ask about similar topics, such as your goals, leadership experience, challenges, service or future plans. Save strong essays and short answers so you can adapt them when appropriate instead of starting over every time.

Ask for recommendation letters early

If a scholarship requires recommendations, give teachers, counselors, employers or other recommenders enough time to prepare them. Sharing the scholarship criteria and deadline can also help them tailor their letter.

Track deadlines in one place

Create a simple tracker with the scholarship name, deadline, required materials and application status. Keeping everything together can help you avoid missed deadlines.

Keep applying

Scholarship searching doesn’t need to end after your first year. Current undergraduates, transfer students and graduate students can continue looking for new opportunities throughout college.

Can scholarships reduce student loan borrowing?

Yes. Scholarships can help lower the amount students and families need to cover through savings, income, payment plans or student loans. Because scholarships generally don’t need to be repaid, they can be an important part of reducing future borrowing.

Filling funding gaps responsibly

Start by reviewing scholarships, grants and other aid that doesn’t need to be repaid. If there’s still a gap, compare the other resources available to you and understand the terms before borrowing.

Balancing scholarships and loans

Scholarships may not cover every college expense. If loans are part of your plan, consider how much you actually need after scholarships, grants, family contributions, income and other available resources have been applied.

Scholarship stacking can help lower costs

Scholarship stacking means combining awards from multiple sources rather than relying on one scholarship.

Here’s a hypothetical example:

Scholarship Example award amount
Local scholarship $1,000
Private scholarship $2,500
Departmental scholarship $1,500
Total example scholarship funding $5,000
Potential example impact Up to $5,000 less to cover through other resources

These amounts are illustrative only and don’t represent typical ASU scholarship awards. The point is that several smaller scholarships can add up and help reduce the amount you need to cover elsewhere.

Find more scholarships with Sallie

Finding scholarships can take time, especially when you’re comparing eligibility rules, deadlines and application requirements. Scholly® Scholarships can help simplify the search by surfacing opportunities that align with your background, interests and goals.

Simplified applications can also help you keep going. Scholly® Easy Apply Scholarships† lets you apply to multiple scholarships with one quick application. You can also enter Sallie’s $2,000 No Essay Scholarship† in 2 minutes or less, and grad students can explore Sallie’s $5,000 Grad No Essay Scholarship†.

Additional scholarship resources for ASU students

These resources can help you find opportunities based on your major, background, education level and personal experiences.

Your next steps

You don’t need to find one huge scholarship for scholarships to make a difference.

Start with ASU’s current scholarship and financial aid resources, then expand your search to academic-unit scholarships, Arizona-based awards, local opportunities and private scholarships. You can also use Arizona State University’s profile on Scout College Search as a starting point for estimated costs, financial aid information and other college-planning details.

Keep checking for new opportunities throughout college. Each application gives you another chance to reduce what you may need to pay or borrow.

FAQs about ASU scholarships

Does Arizona State University offer full ride scholarships?

ASU offers scholarships and financial aid programs that can cover part or, for some eligible programs, a substantial portion of certain college costs. Students should review each award’s current terms rather than assume it covers the entire cost of attendance.

What is the New American University Scholarship?

There isn’t one GPA requirement that applies to every ASU scholarship. Merit scholarship criteria vary, so students should check the current requirements for the specific award they’re considering.

What GPA is required for ASU merit scholarships?

There is no single GPA that guarantees an ASU scholarship. Merit scholarship eligibility can depend on academic achievement, coursework, residency status, and other factors. Renewal requirements may include maintaining a minimum ASU GPA and completing required credit hours.

Are there scholarships specifically for Arizona residents at ASU?

Yes. ASU lists several financial assistance programs for eligible Arizona residents, including the Arizona Promise Program, ASU Promise Plus and the College Attainment Grant. Each program has its own current eligibility requirements.

Can transfer students get scholarships at ASU?

Yes. ASU states that transfer scholarships are available, and transfer students can also explore academic-unit and outside scholarship opportunities. Eligibility varies by award.

When should students apply for ASU scholarships?

Start by checking ASU’s current admission, financial aid and scholarship priority dates. Individual scholarships may have separate deadlines, so students should track each opportunity they plan to apply for.

Does FAFSA® impact scholarship eligibility at ASU?

Yes. The FAFSA® is used for federal need-based aid and can also be relevant to certain state, institutional and scholarship programs at ASU. Some scholarships may require a current FAFSA® to be on file.

What scholarships are available for graduate students at ASU?

ASU graduate students may find funding through fellowships, awards, teaching or research assistantships, departmental support, employment and private graduate scholarships. Availability varies by graduate program.

Can out-of-state students receive ASU scholarships?

Yes. ASU lists merit and other scholarship opportunities for eligible out-of-state students. Programs and eligibility can change by academic year, so students should review ASU’s current scholarship information when applying.

Does Barrett Honors College offer scholarships?

Yes. Barrett, The Honors College offers scholarship opportunities for eligible prospective and current students. Available scholarships and deadlines can vary by academic year.

What is ASU Scholarship Universe?

ASU Scholarship Universe is ASU's scholarship matching tool. It helps students find ASU and outside scholarships based on their profile, eligibility, interests, and academic background.

What is the easiest way to find scholarships for ASU students?

Start with ASU’s scholarship resources and Scholarship Universe, then expand your search to academic-unit, Arizona-based, local and private scholarships. Tools like Scholly® Scholarships can help you continue searching beyond university-based opportunities.

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SLM Education Services, LLC does not provide, and these materials are not meant to convey, financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult your own financial advisor, tax advisor, or attorney about your specific circumstances.

The school referenced on this page is not affiliated with Sallie Mae and does not endorse Sallie Mae loans.

FAFSA® is a registered service mark of U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid.