The Arizona Board of Regents empowers community college students to realize their educational and career goals through tuition waivers and scholarships awarded to members of the All-Arizona Academic Team for leadership and excelling academic achievements.
Each year, the Arizona Board of Regents provides tuition scholarships to exceptional Arizona resident community college transfer students, based on outstanding academic performance and community service. Students are nominated by their community college and submit their applications directly to the Phi Theta Kappa International Honorary organization. Phi Theta Kappa conducts three rounds of judging. First-round judges consist of business, civic, education, and government leaders. The second and third rounds are held in Washington, D.C., and the judges are representatives of various federal agencies and national education associations. Scholarships cover resident tuition for 10 consecutive undergraduate semesters or 60 credits (whichever the student meets first), fall and spring semesters only, provided the student meets the renewal criteria each year. This scholarship can be combined with other tuition scholarships as long as it does not exceed the cost of resident tuition.
During the fall semester, Arizona community college students may apply to be named to the All-Arizona Academic Team to receive tuition waivers and scholarships from Arizona’s public universities. Each Arizona community college may nominate two students per campus as All-Arizona Academic Team members to the international Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society for the All-USA Scholarship program. Nominees to the academic teams are evaluated on academic performance and service to their college and community. Criteria for selection include:
- Maintains a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale;
- Good academic standing;
- Working toward an associate degree;
- Demonstrates leadership; and
- Interacts with their community as a college ambassador.
Judging for the national competition consists of three rounds. First-round judges include local business, civic, education and government leaders. The second and third rounds take place in Washington, D.C., with judges from federal agencies and national education associations.
Review the All-USA Academic Team Applicant Guide for detailed information on eligibility requirements here.
Every spring semester, new All-Arizona Academic Team members are celebrated for their outstanding academic achievements, community service and distinguished leadership during a recognition ceremony coordinated by Mesa Community College on behalf of ABOR and Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society.
Learn about recent honorees in the recognition ceremony program booklets:
View recent recognition ceremony videos:
Q: How do I use my waiver?
A: You must apply and be admitted to Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University or the University of Arizona. Contact the financial aid office of the institution you choose to attend for instructions on using your waiver.
Q: I am planning to stay at the community college and take additional classes before I transfer. When am I required to transfer to the university to use my waiver?
A: You have up to one year to begin using your resident tuition waiver. The waiver covers a maximum of 60 credit hours, not to exceed 10 semesters, excluding summer. Work with academic advisors at the universities and community colleges to take the classes you need before you transfer. Students are encouraged to complete your associate degree before transferring to one of the public universities.
Q: Can I use the waiver if I attend the university part-time?
A: Yes, the waiver can be used for part-time or full-time enrollment. Students are encouraged to attend full-time and are required to take a minimum of six credit hours per semester.
Q: Can I use the waiver for more than 60 credit hours at the university if I attended less than two years of classes at the community college before transferring?
A: No, the waiver covers a maximum of 60 credit hours, not to exceed 10 semesters. If you need more than 60 credit hours to complete your university degree, you will be required to pay for those credits with your own funds, or other financial aid for which you may be eligible.
Q: Can I use the waiver for summer sessions?
A: No, the waiver can only be used for fall or spring semesters.
Q: Can I use the waiver for distance education, a university branch campus or other site?
A: Yes, the waiver can be applied to all Arizona public university classes as long as the total semester enrollment is at least six credit hours.
Q: I am an undocumented student. Am I eligible for the All Arizona Academic Team scholarship?
A: Undocumented students are not eligible for this scholarship and/or tuition waiver.
Community college students are encouraged to visit the All-USA Academic Team section of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) website to apply and learn more about the program.
Nominators from individual community colleges may be able to assist interested students. Click here to search for a nominator from your college.
Arizona Board of Regents
2700 N. Central Avenue, Suite 400
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
Debbie Sale: debbie.sale@azregents.edu ● (602) 229-2531