College Facts
Many parents and students believe that the cost of college is much higher than it actually is. In reality, most 'in-state' colleges are very affordable, especially for Arizona residents! In addition Federal Financial Aid is available, and is easily applied for during your senior year and each year thereafter by filling out the FAFSA (Federal Application for Student Aid), available from your Counselor or your GEAR UP Site Coordinator. Click this link to go to the University of Arizona's Financial Aid Package Estimator, and estimate how much financial aid you would receive if you applied right now.
The following tuition samples are from selected Arizona colleges and universities and cover one full semester for an Arizona resident for the Spring 2008 Semester.
University of Arizona $2,523*
Arizona State University $2,486*
Northern Arizona University $2,421*
Cochise College $705*
Pima Community College $705*
*Tuition Only, assuming full-time status. Other costs such as fees, books, supplies, room, board, and transportation not included
Study Hard Early, and Start Saving Early!
Save $13.86 a day during your 4 years in high school, and you'll have enough to pay for 4 years of college at any of the 3 Arizona Universities!
For only $1.93 a day, you could pay for 2 full years at Cochise College or Pima College!
Additionally, students who study hard and continuously challenge themselves with advanced placement courses have a better chance of receiving scholarships.
Life Expectancy Tied to Education
How would you like to earn the equivalent of more than $20,000 for college by simply going to school?
If you answered YES, then all you need to do is
study hard,
apply yourself in each and every class, then take the time to prepare and
do your best on the AIMS Tests. The Arizona Department of Education provides a Tuition Waiver to any of the 3 Arizona Universities if you meet the eligibility standards in academic achievement. That's a potential
value of over $20,000! Heard enough, then
Click here to get more information about Arizona's Tuition Waiver program. Did you know?
Did you know that only a small percentage of graduating students in our area go on to college? Many times students and parents are simply not aware of the opportunities available to them or the preparation that is necessary to access the institutions of higher learning. Planning for college or other post-secondary educational options can never begin too early. Getting the help that you need with your academics and understanding the opportunities available to you can make a difference. Please feel free to contact a GEAR UP representative to discuss your options.
Do not view graduation from High School as an end, view it as only the beginning!
Definition of Degrees
Do you know what type of degree you want?
- Associates Degree
- Bachelors Degree
- Masters Degree
- Doctoral
Click here to find out about the differences between the different types of degrees available.
Choices for Post-Secondary Education
You have many options to choose from when considering higher education. Public and Private Colleges and Universities offer bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in a wide variety of subjects. Examples of some public universities are the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona State University in Tempe, and Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. Some examples of Private colleges are Harvard, Princeton, or Yale.
Community colleges offer 2-year Associate's Degree programs and certificates in specific areas. Most of these degrees are transferable to larger colleges and universities, or can be used for direct employment. Community colleges also present the opportunity to save on your college costs for the first two years, before transferring to the larger universities. Some 4-year colleges are even recommending it due to large enrollment numbers, so that you can be sure to get enrolled in the classes you need for those first two years. Examples of community colleges are Cochise College, Pima Community College, Rio Salado, and Mesa Community College.
Business, Technical, and Vocation Education schools are yet another option to consider. These schools may offer degrees or certificates/diplomas in specific areas and may be used for direct employment. Examples of these are Apollo College, The Art Center Design College, or ITT Technical Institute.
Click the school of your choice to view some of the areas of study that they specialize in:
University of ArizonaArizona State UniversityNorthern Arizona UniversityCochise College College Admission Requirements
The following are a general list of requirements for Arizona universities, and requirements may vary. Please contact the univerisities directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information available.
Aptitude Requirements for Guaranteed Admission to Arizona Universities
- Class rank in top 25%
- Composite ACT score of 22 or SAT score of 1040
- GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale of academic core courses)
Coursework Requirements
- 4 years of English (Literature, Grammer and Composition)
- 4 years of Math (Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and an Advanced Math course with a pre-requisite of Algebra II)
- 2 years of Social Studies ( 1 year of American History, and 1 year of World History, Economics, Sociology, or Geography)
- 3 years Laboratory Science (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, or Physics)
- 2 years Foreign Language (must be same language)
- 1 year Fine Arts
College Entrance Exams
Did you know you should be planning to take the PSAT in your sophomore year? What about taking the ACT and/or SAT in your junior year? Or the SAT II in your senior year?
These standard college entrance exams are what is used by most colleges and universities as part of their own admission requirements. Both the ACT and SAT are 3 to 4 hour, multiple choice exams taken in the fall of your junior year and/or your senior year that measure verbal and mathematical reasoning.
The SAT II: Subject Tests are 1 hour multiple choice exams, taken in June of your sophomore or junior year, that measure your knowledge of particular academic subjects. It is a good idea to take the SAT II: Subject Tests after you've completed a course so that the material is still fresh in your mind. Many colleges and universities require you to take these tests.
See your guidance counselor or a GEAR UP representative for more information about these important tests.
You've Got to Know How! You have big plans. Big dreams. You know college is where to start. But a dream is not enough. College doesn’t just happen; you have to work to make it a reality. Visit www.knowhowtogo.org to find out specific steps you should be taking along the way through high school.