The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ 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.
People are also reading…
The UA’s Pell Pledge Grant would help to fill those gaps and provide funding from the university to ensure the student’s tuition is fully covered for four years.
“The Pell Pledge Grant represents an essential bond that our university holds with every family and student across our great state,†said Urquidez. “I came to the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ as a first-generation student from a small ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ town, so I personally understand the impact that recruiting, enrolling and supporting ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s diverse and high-potential students can have.â€
In order to qualify, the student must apply to the UA and file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, by March 1. If the student qualifies for a federal Pell grant through FAFSA, holds ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ residency, is a first-time freshman and attends the UA main campus, they will be eligible for the UA’s Pell Pledge Grant.
As part of the UA’s 2018 strategic plan, the university emphasized the need for new recruitment and financial aid strategies that addressed the needs of disadvantaged students throughout the state. For Urquidez, this program is a big step toward that goal.
“We know that with financial aid, you need to be able to have funding the whole time you’re here. And we want you to graduate. That’s another big thing that we’re very focused on is not just getting you here, but the success you have here too,†she said. “So, we know that by having this opportunity, we’re able to really make sure students have this funding all four years, that they know that early on and they’re able to get to graduation not having to worry about tuition.â€
This grant will also provide the university with additional recruiting opportunities. Urquidez said the university can talk to Pell-eligible students and families about this program years before they even apply, which increases the university’s accessibility for those students.
University officials are also hoping this grant program will help reach more underserved communities across ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. With the largest number of in-state students coming from Pima County and Maricopa County, the UA is hoping to enhance enrollment opportunities for students in rural communities as well.
“Where the cost would normally prevent these students from leaving home, this program could make the UA an option for them,†Urquidez said. “We really want to be able to draw from more communities and counties across the state, and continue to build on our own community as well.â€
While the cost of this grant program for the university will be based on how many low-income students enroll, officials say this grant program will be replacing a number of other aid programs that weren’t as beneficial for students and won’t be a big financial burden for the university.
University President Robert C. Robbins will introduce the plan to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Board of Regents next Thursday.
“Student success is the most important way the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ serves our state, and it is crucial that all students who wish to pursue their higher education goals at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ have the support needed to make that happen,†Robbins said. “We are committed to helping our students complete their degrees and launch fulfilling lives, and this is a vital part of that commitment. I am thrilled we are launching the Pell Pledge Grant, and I am excited for what this will mean for our students.â€
GALLERY: 63 historical photos of the UA:
63 historical photos of the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in history

Old Main, the original building on the campus of the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥.Â
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in history

University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ students on the steps of Old Main. 1896. HP-168
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in history

Hushed conversations and the rustling of papers were replaced by silence in the main reading room of the old University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Library at 1013 E. University Blvd. On Feb. 25, 1977, the building stood empty as its collections had been moved down the street to the new UA library. Construction on the original building was begun in 1924, and cost $475,000. Three subsequent additions to the building brought the square footage up to 97,000, but its library days were over. The ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ State Museum moved into the space.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in history

UA students, circa 1891 to 1900.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in history

University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Old Main 1891. University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Library Special Collections. HP-165
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in history

University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ students spilled out of their fraternities and dormitories for an impromptu snowball fight during the first snowfall in five years, in February 1956. From the book "Jack Sheaffer's ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ 1945-1965."
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in history

The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s second official infirmary was a low-slung red-brick building constructed in 1936 on the site of a former military barracks.Â
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in history

Soldiers training for World War I were among the first to use the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s first official infirmary. Started in 1919, the infirmary occupied the former home of Reuben R. Schweitzer. Today, the site is occupied by the Koffler Building.
Robert F. Kennedy visit to ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥

Robert F. Kennedy at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ during his campaign tour. March 29, 1968.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in history

Students in 1968 exit the UA's infirmary, which underwent a "face lift" the year before that included a new emergency room and accommodations for 50 beds. The building now houses the Sonett Space Sciences Building.Â
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in history

A 1927 view of the square outside the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Main Gate. The drug store stands on the corner of University and Park Avenue.Â
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in history

The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ cavalry.Â
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in history

Members of the athletic staff at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ pose on Jan. 11, 1966 at the Washington meeting of the National Collegiate Athletic Association with Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall and his brother, Rep. Morris Udall, D-Ariz. From left are: Dick Clausen, the University's athletic director; Secretary Udall; Rep. Udall; and Thomas Hall, faculty athletic representative at the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ University. The Udall brothers are from ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ and graduates of the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥.Â
UA athletic directors

1914-57 – Hank Leiber with James Fred "Pop" McKale in the 1930s, the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s most-famous coach and first official athletic director. During that time he was twice the baseball coach, and served stints as basketball and football coach. He is a charter member of the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Sports Hall of Fame.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in history

McKale Center from the air in 1976.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in history

McKale Center under construction on June 9, 1971.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in history

South Hall, University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, 1901.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in history

Students prepare to whitewash the "A" on Sentinel Peak, also known as "A" Mountain, Sept. 19, 1954.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in history

U.S. Navy occupied Bear Down Gym during WWII. University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Library Special Collections. HP-173
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in history

Jubilant University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ players hold their NCAA College Baseball World Series trophy over their heads in victory at Omaha, Nebraska, Saturday, June 19, 1976. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ defeated Eastern Michigan, 7-1, to take the 30th National NCAA crown. (AP Photo/Larry Stoddard)
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in history

The empty desert stretches out beyond the 40-acre University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus in 1922. The buildings identified are (1) Engineering College, built in 1919; (2) Old Main, built in 1891; and (3) ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Hall, a dormitory built in 1922. Today the campus has expanded to 180 acres from Park Avenue area to Campbell Avenue. Speedway cuts diagonally across the pictures. The intersection of Speedway and Campbell is marked.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Homecoming

1943: Football was suspended in 1943 and 1944 due to World War II. The Desert yearbook published pages of snapshots of former Wildcats now serving in the military. The campus became home to U.S. Navy cadet pilots, who lived in Yavapai Hall, had classroom instruction campus and flight instruction Gilpin Airfield at Kino and I-10, which is now home to Costco and Walmart.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in history

The Steward Observatory, July 1920. Courtesy University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ library special collections department.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in history

The Steward Observatory circa 1928. Courtesy University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ special collections.
UA Rush Week in 1968

Sorority sisters pose for a picture during Rush Week at University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in Sept. 1968.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in history

The Old University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Library.Â
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in history

A 1929 view of the square outside the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Main Gate looking towards downtown ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. The photo was taken from the library's upper floor.Â
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in history

Nils V. "Swede" Nelson, left, shows Art Luppino the "good sportsmanship" award he will receive at dinner given by the Gridiron Club of Boston on Jan. 8, 1955. Luppino, University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ tailback and one of the highest college scorers the nation has ever produced, was voted the award by sportswriters across the nation. It was the ninth award presented by Nelson, onetime Harvard football great. (AP Photo/Peter J. Carroll)
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in history

The beginning of construction of McKale Center dated January 1971, courtesy of the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Special Collections.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in history

Dr. Jack C. Copeland holds a Jarvik-7 artificial heart in the operating room of the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Medical Center in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on June 26, 1989. (AP Photo/Steve Mecker)
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in history

ARCHIVE PHOTO - Aerial view University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Bear Down building. February 14, 1929 at 11:05 am.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in history

ARCHIVE PHOTO - Aerial view University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Bear Down building and field. Taken at 9:55 am. February 14, 1929.Â
1997 NCAA Championship: ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs. Kentucky

UA coach Lute Olson hold the Division I NCAA Championship trophy with his team from left; Jason Lee, Miles Simon, Jason Terry, Lute, Justin Wessel, and Bennett Davison after they defeated Kentucky in the Final Four in Indianapolis.Â
Lute Olson

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ men's basketball coach Lute Olson holds up the NCAA trophy in front of 30,000 fans inside ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ stadium at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., Tuesday, April 1, 1997.Â
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in history

Comedian Jay Leno, right, gives University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ head coach Lute Olson a can of "Lute Spray" for his snow-white hair during a taping of the "Tonight Show With Jay Leno," Wednesday, April 2, 1997, at NBC studios in Burbank, California. Olson and his team won the National Championship at the NCAA on Monday against Kentucky.Â
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ homecoming

University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Homecoming

Nothing like a little deadline pressure in 1963: Gamma Phi Beta sorority members Carole Martin, left, Jackie Ellis and Sharon Boles prepare parts of their Homecoming float for the next day's parade.
Stewart Udall

Stewart Udall, secretary of the interior under Pres. Lyndon Johnson, speaks to students at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in October, 1968. Udall was a UA graduate. He was stumping for Sen. Hubert Humprhey, the Democratic nominee running for president against Republic Richard Nixon. Udall was one of history's best interior secretaries, working under presidents Kennedy and Johnson, from 1961-69. His brother Morris "Mo" Udall was the beloved U.S. congressman from Southern ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. He son Tom is a U.S. senator from New Mexico.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ State College

Kappa Sigma fraternity members won first place in the 1958 University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Homecoming Parade “Proposition 200†category with a funeral procession in protest of the controversial ballot initiative to change the name of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ State College in Tempe to ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ State University.
Julian Bond at University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥

Civil rights leader Julian Bond ponders a questions while talking in the student union at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ on Nov. 21, 1968. "The war in Vietnam takes black young men, in ever larger numbers, so crippled in life that they think it better than living in Harlem. With their white comrades, they burn down houses in a war 8,000 miles from home, but cannot live with whites at home."
Kennedy-Johnson presidential campaign in 1960

Lyndon B. Johnson, at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, shepherded social issues through Congress as president, but the GOP took over after he left office.
Sonora Hall at University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥

Anne Waaser of Syracuse, NY. checks here snow skis, hoping for a good winter on Mt. Lemmon. Coeds Bonnie Rahod from Oak Park, Ill., Mary Ellen Frost of Munster, Ind., Anne Waaser of Syracuse, NY., and Ann Page of Las Vegas, NV., shared a dorm room at Sonora Hall at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in 1973.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Homecoming

"Flush Marquette" float in the 1957 UA Homecoming parade in downtown ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥.
A-7D Corsair II jet fighter crash

Davis Monthan Air Force Base firefighters spray the area around the engine of an A-7D Corsair II jet fighter after it crashed near the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ on October 26, 1978 as it was approaching D-M. It crashed on to North Highland Avenue near East Sixth Street missing Mansfeld Junior High School, background, and the UA. A car carrying two sisters was engulfed in flames killing both women. The pilot safely ejected.Â
College World Series

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ baseball coach Jerry Kindall, left, celebrates with Chip Hale after ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ beat Florida State 10-2 on June 9, 1986 to win the NCAA College World Series in Omaha.Â
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats win College World Series

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ players dog pile on each other following their 4-1 victory over South Carolina in Game 2 to win the NCAA College World Series championship in Omaha, Neb., Monday, June 25, 2012.Â
Steve Kerr

University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ basketball coach Lute Olson with starting guard Steve Kerr in during a campus celebration of the team's 1988 NCAA Final Four appearance.
Savannah Guthrie

Savannah Guthrie in 1992 as a University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ journalism student. The photo was taken for a guest column in the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Citizen.Â
Snowball fight

A snowball fight on the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Mall on March 3, 1976.
Anderson Chevron gas station

Anderson Chevron gas station at 745 N. Park Ave. was located near the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ main gate at Third Street on June 25, 1971.Â
Graduation

University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ students listen to a commencement speaker during ceremonies at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Stadium on June 1, 1966.
UA Stadium

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Stadium starts to take shape as 10,000 new seats are added to the west side along Vine Street as part of the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s $1.4 million addition to structure on April 16, 1965. The completion date for the addition to the stadium was extended a month to October 2, 1965. The Wildcats were scheduled to play New Mexico after opening the season with three away games against Utah, Kansas and Wyoming.Â
1965 in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥

Nearly 1,000 University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ students rioted on May 6, 1965, after male students demanded "panties" at women's dorms. Rocks and bottles were thrown. Sixteen students were arrested.Â
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ pitcher Taryne Mowatt

Pitcher Taryne Mowatt is lifted by teamates after ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ beat Tennessee during game 3 of their championship series at the 2007 College World Series at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City.
Donald Trump in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥

Donald Trump with girlfriend Marla Maples at a University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ basketball game at McKale Center in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ on Dec. 27, 1990.Â
UA computing

Bruce Crow, an engineering student from Yuma, breaks down a graph on a analog machine at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ on March 7, 1957. Crow can turn the coordinates of the graph into numbers which can be put on a punch card and analyzed.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus, 1959

University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ students walk around campus mixing occasionally with traffic in front of the Social Sciences building in 1959. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Citizen file.
UA commencement

University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ graduates seek out friends and family in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Stadium during commencement ceremony on May 31, 1969.
John Hancock Bowl

University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ quarterback George Malauulu scores against Baylor during the John Hancock Bowl in El Paso, Texas on Dec 31, 1992. Rick Wiley / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Citizen
Famous people who visited ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥

Alabama Gov George Wallace addresses an audience at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ on January 9, 1964. Months before he had already announced his intention to be the presidential nominee for the 1964 Democratic Party. A year before, Wallace famously declared during his oath of office as governor,"...segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever." Photo by Jon Kamman / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Citizen
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Homecoming

UA cheerleaders ride in the back of a 1955 Chevy Bel Air during the 1966 UA Homecoming football game against BYU at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Stadium. It started in 1914, ebbed and flowed through the years due to wars, apathy or societal forces, but it remains strong today: The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Homecoming week. See 100 images from 100 years of UA Homecoming at