5 Best Arizona Scholarships

Learn about scholarships available in Arizona to afford education at all levels. Explore college costs and find state-specific scholarships.

Updated November 8, 2022 · 2 Min Read

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Discover Scholarships in Arizona

Living or attending school within the "Copper State" makes you eligible for several scholarships for Arizona. Blanketed by arid desert heat in the Southwest, Arizona is the 14th most populous U.S. state with 6.8 million residents. Arizona's natural beauty attracts thousands of college students to study near the Grand Canyon, Saguaro National Park, and Monument Valley. Since the University of Arizona first opened in 1885, the state's higher education has blossomed to 28 public and 13 private colleges. Whether you prefer small technical schools like Brookline College or large research institutes like Northern Arizona University, there's a diverse learning landscape of top-notch options. In fact, the U.S. News ranked Arizona State University as the 61st best public university nationwide. Below we'll outline 5 scholarships available in Arizona to afford education at Universities and Colleges online or in person.

Students studying at Arizona colleges may find their tuition bills cumbersome. For the 2015-16 academic year, the average tuition price in Arizona was $4,240 for in-state residents and $15,768 for non-residents. Tuition costs can steadily climb from there though, especially at private schools. For example, Prescott College currently charges undergraduates $28,228 each year. Scholarships come in handy to lower college expenses without adding to the nation's nearly $1.3 trillion student loan debt. Consider these scholarship for Arizona to acquire free financial aid for your post-secondary plans.

Featured Online Programs

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

1. Charles A. Esser Memorial Scholarship

The Arizona City/County Management Association (ACMA) offers the Charles A. Esser Memorial Scholarship for $2,000 each year. Applications are accepted from Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona graduate students until November 30th. Recipients of the merit- and need-based scholarship will also receive complimentary registration for the ACMA Winter Conference in Sedona.

Eligibility:

  • Pursue a Master of Public Administration (MPA)
  • Hold a minimum 3.0 grade point average
  • Aspire to work in local government
  • Exhibit community service and leadership activity

Scholarship Website

2. Marvin A. Andrews Scholarship/Internship

The Marvin A. Andrews Scholarship/Internship is another merit-based program funded by the Arizona City/County Management Association. Juniors, seniors, and master’s students are rewarded with a $2,000 scholarship and $6,000 stipend for an ACMA internship in their local government. Until November 30th, full-time upperclassmen from Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona may apply. Finalists are invited to the League of Arizona Cities and Towns for an interview.

Eligibility:

  • Major in political science, public administration, or political science
  • Possess at least 72 college credits
  • Demonstrate a strong interest in government careers
  • Be actively involved in community service/leadership

Scholarship Website

3. Jacques Avent Scholarship

The National Forum for Black Public Administrators – Central Arizona Chapter offers the Jacques Avent Scholarship for $5,000 annually. The fund honors the first African American to hold a senior executive position with the City of Phoenix. Full-time upperclassmen interested in public service should submit an official transcript, personal statement, and two recommendations before the February 4th deadline.

Eligibility:

  • Identify as African American
  • Have completed at least 48 credit hours
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Attend an accredited Arizona institution
  • Major in public administration, public affairs, political science, urban planning, or related metropolitan studies

Scholarship Website

4. PMI Phoenix Chapter Scholarship

For $1,000, the Phoenix Chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMI) grants one annual scholarship for undergraduate and graduate students interested in this business discipline. The Educational Foundation accepts applications until May 1st with an essay, current resume, official transcript, and two references. Selection is based on academic merit, extra-curricular involvement, and contribution to the project management profession.

Eligibility:

  • Legally reside within Arizona
  • Attend an accredited academic institution full-time
  • Pursue a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in project management

Scholarship Website

5. Tesoro Youth Leadership Awards

The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) Foundation sponsors the Tesoro Youth Leadership Awards for $2,500 to support 20 college-bound seniors. Outstanding young leaders who live within Tesoro’s 19-state service area, including Arizona, can apply from December 1st to February 28th. Applicants are judged primarily on their 500-word essay addressing how they exhibit the values of integrity and respect in school or community activities.

Eligibility:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Enroll at an accredited university this August
  • Carry a minimum 3.0 GPA or an equivalent
  • Demonstrate unmet financial need

Scholarship Website

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