As I'm researching potential colleges, I'm considering Arizona State University and I'm trying to understand what their academic scholarships are like. How competitive is it to receive one, and are they enough to significantly offset tuition costs? Also, what kind of academic profile should a student have to be a strong candidate for these scholarships?
Arizona State University (ASU) has a number of academic scholarships, some of which are quite substantial. Generally, these scholarships are highly competitive and they consider a combination of a student's GPA and SAT/ACT scores where they have them available.
For example, the New American University Scholarship is a highly prestigious academic scholarship offered by ASU. This program awards scholarships that cover a significant portion of the tuition, ranging from 25% to 100% based on the academic merit of the student. The more competitive your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, the higher your chances of receiving a greater amount of aid.
Regarding the question of competitiveness, the exact numbers can fluctuate from year to year depending on the applicant pool. However, to be considered a strong candidate for these scholarships, a student should aim to be at the top of ASU's admitted student profile. This typically means a high GPA (typically above 3.5) and strong SAT or ACT scores, although for the 2024-2025 application cycle, ASU is still test-optional, meaning that not having a test score won't necessarily disqualify you.
Overall, the scholarships can indeed significantly offset the cost of tuition, but it's important to keep in mind that they are competitive. Therefore, it's best to also look at other ways of financing your education, such as federal aid and external scholarships. Be sure to complete the FAFSA to see what aid you qualify for!
Lastly, don't forget to regularly check ASU's financial aid website or directly contact their financial aid office for the most updated information. They can answer any specific questions you might have about the scholarships and the application process.
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