Paying for College
Whether you're using your GI Bill or not, paying for college is a topic of discussion that all students should explore. Here are some things to consider as you prepare to come to UArizona.
Financial Aid
Many veterans assume they won’t qualify for federal financial aid — but that’s often not the case. Because FAFSA uses income from two years ago, your current financial situation may look very different after separating from the military. Each year, veterans leave thousands of dollars in free grant funding unclaimed simply because they don’t apply.
Explore your options, complete the FAFSA, and let OSFA review your actual circumstances. You may qualify for far more than you think.
Financial Aid Appeals for Veterans
Many veterans find that their FAFSA doesn’t reflect their current financial situation—especially since FAFSA uses income from two years ago. If you’re no longer earning military pay, your Student Aid Index may be higher than it should be. OSFA allows students to submit a FAFSA Data Appeal when their present circumstances differ from what FAFSA reports.
For veterans, it’s important to know that GI Bill® payments and stipends are not counted as income, so many student veterans effectively qualify as having little to no income while enrolled. An appeal helps OSFA re‑evaluate your aid package based on your actual financial picture today.
To start your appeal, contact OSFA:
Phone: 520‑621‑1858
Scholarship Universe
The University of Arizona’s Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid (OSFA) hosts a huge database of scholarships from across the country — and many are created specifically for veterans, active‑duty service members, ROTC cadets, and military families. Once you’re a student, you can log in, explore the options, and apply directly.
There are lots of scholarships out there, so take time to explore and apply to as many as you can. Most cycles open in January and close in April, giving you a solid window to submit applications and maximize your opportunities.