The University of Arizona has announced the launch of the Pell Pledge Grant, which will make college more accessible for all Arizona students. Beginning with the fall 2020 semester, all Arizona-resident, Pell-eligible freshmen attending the main campus will have the full cost of their tuition covered for four years.

"Student success is the most important way the University of Arizona serves our state, and it is crucial that all students who wish to pursue their higher education goals at Arizona have the support needed to make that happen," said UA President Robert C. Robbins. "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."

"The Pell Pledge Grant represents an essential bond that our university holds with every family and student across our great state," said Kasey Urquidez, vice president of enrollment management and dean of undergraduate admissions. "I came to the University of Arizona as a first-generation student from a small Arizona town, so I personally understand the impact that recruiting, enrolling and supporting Arizona's diverse and high-potential students can have."

To receive the Pell Pledge Grant, a student must:

• Apply to the University of Arizona and file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid by March 1
• Qualify for Federal Pell Grants, which are given to students with financial need
• Hold Arizona residency
• Be a domestic, first-time freshman
• Attend the University of Arizona's main campus in Tucson

As part of its 2018 strategic plan, the University of Arizona sought to create new recruitment and financial aid strategies that meet the unique needs of the region and state. By filling the gap between a student's base tuition and all other gift aid, the Pell Pledge Grant is specifically designed to address the statewide need for tuition assistance for low-income families and students, who experience poverty at higher rates than the national average.

The Pell Pledge Grant follows a number of significant investments in financial aid in recent years, including Arizona Assurance, one-time Silver and Sage awards and Wildcat Tuition Awards. In the past year, national outlets such as U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, Money Magazine and Forbes have recognized the UA for its commitment to academic quality and financial value.

Last year, nearly 9 out of 10 University of Arizona students received financial aid and roughly one-third were eligible for Pell Grants.