The University of Arizona is committed to making education accessible and affordable. One key initiative in this effort is the Earn to Learn program, offering a matched-savings scholarship designed to support eligible students in achieving their higher education goals. This scholarship provides up to $4,000 in matching funds to cover tuition, books, and other university expenses for students who successfully complete the Earn to Learn program requirements. This opportunity is renewable for up to three years, subject to continued funding and student eligibility. Key eligibility aspects include continuous enrollment, ongoing financial literacy engagement, and consistent savings. Beyond financial aid, the Earn to Learn program provides invaluable one-on-one coaching, encompassing personal finance training, college readiness preparation, and sustained support throughout the student’s journey at the University of Arizona, from enrollment to graduation. This integrated approach of Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) and personalized coaching is proven to cultivate sound financial habits, significantly increasing the likelihood of degree completion with reduced debt for program participants.
Key Eligibility Criteria for the U of A Earn to Learn Scholarship
This scholarship is available to both community college transfer students and specific categories of first-year students who satisfy both the general Earn to Learn program criteria and additional University of Arizona-specific requirements.
University of Arizona Specific Requirements
To be considered for the University of Arizona Earn to Learn Scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:
- Acceptance into the Earn to Learn Program: Applicants must first apply to and be accepted into the Earn to Learn program.
- Federal Pell Grant Eligibility: Students must be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2025-2026 academic year.
- Submission of the FAFSA Submission Summary to Earn to Learn is required.
- The University of Arizona must be listed on the FAFSA (school code 001083).
- Arizona Residency: Applicants must be considered Arizona residents for tuition purposes, as defined by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) policy. Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) policy provides detailed guidelines on residency classification.
- Enrollment at an In-Person University of Arizona Campus: The scholarship is exclusively for students attending physical University of Arizona campuses.
- It is not applicable to Arizona Online programs.
- Concurrent enrollment or Consortium Agreements are not permitted; enrollment must be solely at the University of Arizona.
- Undergraduate, Degree-Seeking Student Status: Applicants must be admitted as undergraduate, degree-seeking students in specific categories:
- Transfer students from an Arizona two-year community college. Transfer students must have completed a minimum of 36 transferable credit hours.
- First-year undergraduate degree-seeking students enrolled in the Fostering Success program, Youth on Their Own (YOTO) Program, or identified as Unaccompanied or Homeless Youth.
- Full-time Enrollment: Students must be enrolled full-time, taking at least 12 units per semester.
Further Earn to Learn Program Requirements
In addition to the University of Arizona requirements, participants must also fulfill the Earn to Learn program’s general eligibility and program requirements. These include:
- Meeting all Earn to Learn application and financial literacy deadlines.
- Utilizing matched-savings accounts as part of the program.
- Making consistent deposits for a minimum of six months.
- Achieving the savings goal of $500 prior to enrolling at one of Arizona’s three state universities.
For comprehensive details regarding these requirements, please visit the official EarntoLearn.org website.
