Arizona Financial Aid Trust (AFAT) Grant
Arizona public universities (ASU, NAU, U of A) under A.R.S. 15-1642; funded by student fees and the Arizona Legislature
Need-based grant for Arizona-resident undergraduates at the state universities, funded by student fees matched 2:1 by the Legislature (ASU: up to $4,000 per year).
- How much
- Varies by university; ASU states up to $4,000 per year
- Who qualifies
- Arizona resident (state-funded portion); undergraduate at ASU, NAU or the U of A; demonstrated financial need from the FAFSA; NAU additionally requires a first bachelor's degree, at least 6 credit hours and satisfactory academic progress.
- For students starting college, undergrads
- Need-based: your FAFSA decides how much you get.
- When to apply
- Apply any time FAFSA-driven; university priority dates: ASU March 1, NAU April 15 (fall) / October 15 (spring starters). Limited funds, first-come.
- How to apply
- File the FAFSA early (ASU: by March 1
- NAU: by April 15 for fall) listing your Arizona public university
- No separate application
- The university's financial aid office awards it from the FAFSA
- What you'll need
- FAFSA only
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (tuition.asu.edu), page 2 and page 3
The details
The Arizona Financial Aid Trust is a state-law program (A.R.S. 15-1642): each dollar of a small student registration surcharge is matched by $2 appropriated by the Legislature, and at least half of the immediate-aid money must go to grants for students with verifiable financial need. State-appropriated money may only go to Arizona residents. Each university awards it through its financial aid office from the FAFSA, with its own amounts and dates. ASU: 'Financial Aid Trust Grant' for undergraduates from Arizona or from underrepresented populations with significant need, up to $4,000 per year, FAFSA by March 1. NAU: 'Financial Aid Trust Grant' for Arizona residents pursuing a first bachelor's degree, enrolled in at least 6 credits, with demonstrated need, FAFSA by April 15 (fall) or October 15 (spring-only starters). Funding is limited and not guaranteed even when the criteria are met.
More money from Arizona
- Arizona Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (AzLEAP)Up to $2,500 per academic year; average award about $1,000 per year
- Arizona Promise ProgramUp to the actual cost of in-state tuition, mandatory fees and program fees after other financial aid
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: California, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.