Are you interested in exploring the Obama Scholarship ASU? This article has all you need to know including the Requirements, Application Process, and Impact. Find out about eligibility, application guidelines, and the significance of the Obama Scholarship ASU.
The Obama Scholarship at ASU stands as a testament to the commitment toward educational excellence and social impact.
This scholarship program, inspired by President Barack Obama’s dedication to leadership and service, offers students the opportunity to pursue their academic ambitions at Arizona State University.
Let’s delve into the specifics of this prestigious scholarship, exploring its criteria, application process, and the transformative opportunities it provides to deserving candidates.
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About ASU President Barack Obama Scholars Program
The Barack Obama Scholars Program at ASU blends various aid sources—federal, state, private, and institutional—alongside Federal Work-Study opportunities.
It’s important to note that study abroad expenses or summer tuition fees aren’t encompassed within the program. However, participants have the option to spend one semester in an ASU-sponsored study abroad program after completing their initial year in the Obama Scholars Program.
This semester counts toward the maximum of eight semesters, with funding remaining aligned with ASU’s cost of attendance and exclusive of study abroad program fees.
Recipients of this program will receive aid from multiple sources, all of which are non-repayable awards.
FSEOG and LEAP Grants
Undergraduate students showing financial need can access gift aid.
Federal Work-Study
The Obama Scholars Program incorporates a student employment initiative aimed at helping students cover their educational expenses through earned funds. Specifically, individuals enrolled in the program automatically receive a $3,000 federal work-study allocation.
This funding is intended to support students in managing their educational costs through employment opportunities within the program.
External Resources
External sources contribute funds to support students in covering their educational costs. These funds, derived from various external entities or sources, aim to alleviate the financial burden associated with educational expenses. They serve as crucial financial aid that students can utilize toward tuition, fees, books, and other educational necessities.
Pell Grants
This program specifically caters to students facing significant financial constraints. It’s a federal initiative designed to aid individuals with extraordinary financial needs. Through this program, eligible students receive financial assistance to alleviate the burden of educational expenses, ensuring they can pursue their academic goals despite facing challenging financial circumstances.
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Institutional Grants
ASU offers gift assistance to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need, including University Grants. For first-time freshmen, it’s required to reside on campus. Failing to confirm on-campus housing through ASU’s portal may limit the housing allowance to a maximum of $1,300.
If you confirm on-campus housing, the Obama Scholarship will consider the standardized on-campus housing allowance. However, if the actual housing cost differs—either lower or higher—than the standard allowance, the scholarship adjusts accordingly. If the actual housing charge is lower, the scholarship reduces to match it. Conversely, if it’s higher, the scholarship won’t increase to cover the difference.
For continuing students, any changes in housing status reported on the FAFSA impact the Obama Scholarship, adjusting it to reflect altered housing and meal costs. These adjustments are typically made in July. Detailed standard allowances can be reviewed on the cost of attendance.
Why at Arizona State University?
Arizona State University (ASU) stands as a prominent public metropolitan research university with five campuses dispersed across the Phoenix metropolitan area, accompanied by four regional learning centers spread across Arizona.
ASU holds a significant position among the largest public universities in the United States in terms of enrollment, demonstrating its extensive educational reach and influence.
Yet, within Arizona, numerous driven and high-achieving students encounter obstacles in accessing higher education due to limited family resources.
Recognizing the potential and aspirations of these students, ASU is dedicated to breaking down these barriers and offering the necessary support. The university strongly believes in providing opportunities to empower these students, enabling them to succeed academically, contribute to their communities, and effect positive transformations.
How Much is the President Barack Obama Scholars Program Worth?
Arizona State University pledges to grant an award that effectively covers the anticipated direct expenses associated with attending ASU for a span of up to eight uninterrupted full-time fall and spring semesters (summer sessions are not inclusive).
These estimated direct costs encompass the real tuition fees, undergraduate college expenses (inclusive of Barrett Honors fee), and fees initiated by students, alongside standardized allowances earmarked for housing, meals, and books/supplies.
What is President Barack Obama Scholarship Program Criteria?
To qualify for enrollment in this Scholars Program, you need to fulfill the following criteria:
To be eligible for the Scholars Program, you need to meet these requirements:
- Enroll as a full-time first-year student pursuing your first undergraduate degree.
- Fulfill all course competencies and meet at least one of the aptitude criteria for admission.
- Note that non-enrollment at ASU for the fall semester will result in the forfeiture of future program eligibility.
- Demonstrate an annual family income of $42,400 or less on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Assets are factored into the Obama program’s determination. The program will close for the year once funds are depleted.
- Qualify to receive a Federal Pell Grant.
- ASU Online degree programs are not eligible. Switching majors to an ASU Online program will lead to removal from the Obama Scholars Program, with adjustments to your awards.
Students continuing in the ASU Obama Scholar Program must meet the following criteria:
To stay in the program, you must:
- Complete a minimum of 24 ASU credit hours each academic year (12 credits in both fall and spring).
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.50 by the end of each academic year (spring semester).
- Utilize the award for up to eight full-time consecutive fall and spring semesters, while ASU recommends enrolling in 15 credit hours for a four-year degree completion.
- Retain Federal Pell Grant eligibility.
- Be aware that scholarships or external resources might impose additional annual renewal criteria.
- Uphold satisfactory academic progress; however, the GPA criteria for this program takes precedence over the Satisfactory Academic Progress GPA.
- Abide by ASU’s Student Code of Conduct. A breach leading to suspension, expulsion, or administrative withdrawal will result in scholarship loss without an option for appeal. Violation doesn’t impact FAFSA filing or receiving need-based aid otherwise.
This initiative encompasses bachelor’s degree programs across all fields of study.
Administered by Arizona State University in the United States, the Scholars Program is accessible to Arizona State University students who are residents of Arizona. This includes Native American high school seniors not currently residing in Arizona but meeting the state’s residency criteria.
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How to apply
No separate application is necessary for this program. Students who submit their FAFSA and have a comprehensive ASU
admissions application on file (including application, transcripts, and fee) by the specified dates will be automatically reviewed for consideration.
Conclusion on Obama Scholarship Asu
The Obama Scholarship at Arizona State University serves as a transformative opportunity for high-achieving students with financial need. This program not only supports students financially but also enables them to excel academically and contribute positively to their communities. It underscores ASU’s commitment to providing equitable access to education and fostering an environment where all students can thrive.
FAQs on Obama Scholarship Asu
- Who is eligible for the Obama Scholarship at ASU?
– The scholarship is available to full-time first-year undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need and specific income criteria.
- How do I apply for the Obama Scholarship at ASU?
– There’s no separate application for the program. Students need to submit the FAFSA and have a complete ASU admissions application by specified deadlines to be considered automatically.
- What costs does the Obama Scholarship cover?
– The award covers tuition, fees, standardized allowances for housing, meals, books/supplies, but not study abroad or summer tuition fees.
- Are ASU Online degree programs eligible for the Obama Scholarship?
– No, ASU Online degree programs are not eligible for this scholarship.
- How many semesters does the Obama Scholarship cover?
– Recipients are eligible for up to eight full-time, consecutive fall and spring semesters, excluding summer sessions.
- Are there GPA and credit requirements to maintain the scholarship?
– Yes, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.50 and complete a minimum of 24 ASU credit hours each academic year.
- What happens if I violate the Student Code of Conduct while on the scholarship?
– Violations resulting in suspension, expulsion, or administrative withdrawal will lead to the loss of the scholarship.
- Can I apply for the Obama Scholarship after the deadline?
– No, students must ensure their FAFSA and ASU admissions application are submitted by the specified dates for automatic consideration.
- What happens if the program funds are exhausted for the year?
– The program closes for the year once the funds are exhausted.
- Is the scholarship open only to Arizona residents?
– Yes, it’s primarily for ASU students who are Arizona residents or meet the Arizona residency criteria.