Frequently Asked Questions

The UA Scholars Award is a $12,000 scholarship awarded to èßäÊÓƵ high school students who are in the top 10% of their class at the end of their junior year as determined by their school. The Award may be used at any location within the University of èßäÊÓƵ system and is distributed in the amount of $1,500 per semester for eight semesters provided the Scholar remains eligible.

No. While eligible, you will receive $1,500 each semester to help cover your educational expenses.

UA Scholars must apply for admission to the UA campus of their choice by August 15 following their senior year of high school. Missing this deadline will cause your Award to expire.

The Award terminates under any of the following conditions:
* You did not apply for admission to the UA campus of your choice by the August 15 deadline following your senior year of high school;
* You did not receive a distribution more than two semesters;
* You have received the entire amount of the Award; or
* You do not remain eligible for the award.

Yes. You may take a Leave of Absence of up to two semesters at any time during the five year period following your high school graduation. During the Leave of Absence you will not receive an Award distribution. If you do not receive a distribution for more than two semesters, your Award will terminate unless, in certain narrow circumstances, you apply for and the Program Administrator determines you are eligible for an Extended Leave of Absence.

Your Award and your Leave of Absence are secured once you have applied for admission to the UA campus of your choice by its published application deadline for the fall semester following your senior year of high school. If you plan to use your Leave of Absence during the first fall semester after graduation, please indicate the semester in which you plan to enroll on your application for admission. Otherwise, any semester you do not attend or you enroll in less than 12 credits during the fall and/or spring semesters will count as a Leave of Absence.

You do not need to inform the UA Scholars Program, but you must contact your campus admissions office to postpone your enrollment if you plan to utilize your Leave of Absence in the first two semesters.

Unless you are using a Leave of Absence, you must begin using your Award the fall semester immediately following high school graduation.

Your Award is posted to your student account at the University once you have been accepted into a degree or certificate program and are enrolled as a full time student. Distribution of Awards occurs during the normal fee payment period each semester you are eligible.

You must uphold the University’s Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy toward completion of your degree or certificate program, and maintain the milestone requirements of the Program by earning the minimum cumulative number of annual credits (24 credits after two paid semesters, 54 credits after four paid semesters and 84 credits after six paid semesters) and maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5.

Your Award may be used in conjunction with other funding sources. If you have a credit balance on your account due to funding from the èßäÊÓƵ 529 savings plan, additional scholarship(s) or financial aid, you may be issued a refund.

Yes, but not during your first year of attendance. For more information on Study Away programs contact your admissions office.

You must be either a U.S. citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. Please contact our office if you do not meet this criterion.

Yes, you may begin using your Award as soon as you graduate and meet all other eligibility requirements.

No, you must have earned a high school diploma before you can start using your Award. If you receive a certificate of achievement or GED instead of a diploma you will not be eligible to redeem your Award.

Scholars may use their Award during any term, including summer but only if you are enrolled in at least 12 credits. Contact your financial aid department to ensure payment of your Award during the summer term.