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The University of Arizona is launching a Pell Pledge Grant program that will cover the cost of tuition for many low-income students, making college more accessible to students throughout the state.
Beginning in fall 2020, all in-state freshmen enrolled at the UA’s main campus, who also qualify for a federal Pell grant, will have the cost of their base tuition covered for four years. A Pell grant is a subsidy provided by the federal government to students who show financial need. Pell grant money does not typically have to be repaid by students.
Kasey Urquidez, the UA’s vice president of enrollment management and dean of undergraduate admissions, said Pell-eligible students typically make up 40 percent of the in-state freshman class.
While the federal Pell grant is a huge help for most low-income students, it doesn’t cover everything. If eligible, most students will receive between $5,500 to $6,200 over two semesters, covering only about half of a full year’s tuition, which is about $11,000 at the UA. Some students also receive merit-based scholarships, but they may not be enough to cover the remainder of the cost.
