Hello!

AFFCF is pleased to bring you the latest information about the resources you need to help you and your student get ready for post-secondary studies.

If you are caring or working with a student interested in attending the University of Arizona (UA), please see below for new admission information and deadlines.

FAFSA COMPLETION RESOURCES

The 2026-2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open and October is a great time for high school seniors who will be starting college or vocational studies after high school to complete the FAFSA.

Especially for those who were in foster care at age 13+ (classified as independent students -- only their income information is needed), competing the FAFSA is very streamlined process. Plus, the FAFSA itself has been simplified to make it more user-friendly.

If students are in need of assistance to complete the FAFSA, there are a lot of options:

College Depot - whether you are in the Phoenix area or not, College Depot is a great resource for assistance completing the FAFSA and learning about post-secondary education. College Depot is located on the 2nd floor of Phoenix's Burton Barr Library, however due to the library's fire sprinkler system being replaced, the 2nd floor will be closed through early 2026.

College Depot continues to offer virtual appointments and is now utilizing space on the library's 4th floor (computer lab next to Teen Central) for one-on-one appointments and FAFSA completion workshops!

Visit their events page for upcoming FAFSA completion labs by clicking the button below!

Are you seeking FAFSA assistance in Flagstaff? The Flagstaff-Coconino County Public Library will be holding upcoming FAFSA workshops, including one tomorrow!

THE 2026-2027 ETV APPLICATION IS OPEN!

Are you caring for or working with a young adult who is a U.S. Citizen or an eligible non-citizen who reached age 14+ in foster care and who will be enrolled in post-secondary education during the 2026-2027 academic year?

If so, the 2026-2027 Education and Training Voucher (ETV) program application is open! Those caring for or working with students who were in foster care age 14+ who did not reach age 16 in foster care, please see the last four points.

• Students who were in foster care at age 16+ and who are under the age of 26 are eligible to apply for ETV funds.

• ETV funds are federal funds (up to $5,000 per academic year) for post-secondary education costs (college or eligible vocational programs) that are administered by each state.

• Applying for ETV funds also makes students eligible for the Arizona Tuition Waiver, which is available to Arizona students who were in foster care at age 14+ and who are under the age of 23.

• The Arizona Tuition Waiver waives tuition not covered by the Pell grant or institutional aid at public Arizona institutions.

• The Arizona Tuition Waiver does not waive any room and board (housing or meal plan) costs.

• Students who were in foster care at age 14+ should complete an ETV application to be eligible for the Arizona Tuition Waiver.

IMPORTANT DEADLINES FOR AZ UNIVERSITIES

If you are working with or caring for a student who is planning on attending one of Arizona's three state universities (Arizona State University (ASU), Northern Arizona University (NAU) or the University of Arizona (UA)), it is important to be aware of the below.

Students should complete the FAFSA early to be sure to have it submitted prior to each university's FAFSA Priority filing deadline:

ASU: January 15th, 2026 - It is especially important for future Sun Devils to complete the

FAFSA by 1/15/26 to be eligible for ASU's Obama Scholarship and have the most access

to financial aid! Don't miss out!

NAU: April 1st - Don't be fooled by April 1st, complete the FAFSA even earlier since NAU

encourages students to complete their FAFSA as early as possible to access the most

funding options.

UA: April 1st - Don't be fooled by April 1st, complete the FAFSA even earlier since UA

encourages students to complete their FAFSA as early as possible to access the most

funding options.

Changes to the University of Arizona's admissions policy:

Future Wildcats need to be aware of changes to UA's Admissions policy.

Essentially the sooner a student can apply to UA (ideally by 11/1/25) and enroll at UA (by 5/1/26 - required), the better!

11/1/25 - This is UA's Priority application submission date - the best date for anyone serious about applying to UA to submit their application for admission. It's important to apply to UA early because only a certain number of applicants for each college will be considered.

Applying to UA by 11/1/25 will give students priority consideration for admission, merit aid, and Honors College admission.

1/15/26 - This is the date that UA will inform those who applied by 11/1/25 of their admission decisions and provide admitted students with merit aid offers.

5/1/26 - Applicants who were extended an offer of admission to the UA MUST commit to attend, including paying the enrollment fee by 5/1/26 or their application will be canceled.

So Future Wildcats, Bear Down on the UA Admissions process and to let UA you are serious about your future as a Wildcat!

Thank you for taking the time to familiarize yourself with post-secondary resources!

Another way to learn more about different financial aid options for post-secondary education for students with foster care backgrounds is by downloading the AFFCF Post-Secondary Education Resource Guide. All of the links are clickable.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,



Erika Klotz

Post-Secondary Program Manager

Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation

Office: (602) 775-5786

Cell: (480) 881-1354

www.affcf.org