Pinal Promise
The Pinal Promise (formerly known as Promise for the Future) educational initiative was launched in 2001 by a caring community that believed that college should be a reality for every Pinal County student. This program was developed to encourage young people to stay in high school, graduate, and pursue their college education through Central Arizona College.
All students who reside in Pinal County and graduate from an approved public or charter Pinal County high school are eligible for the Pinal Promise Program and will receive two academic years of tuition (fall/spring, fall/spring) covered by CAC and the CAC Foundation. There are no high school GPA eligibility required to apply. This is a last-dollar scholarship and students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year.
Stipulations:
- Students must reside and graduate from an approved public or charter high school in Pinal County. (both are required)
- An online high school must have a physical presence in Pinal County for graduate students to be eligible.
- Students who are home-schooled are not eligible.
The Pinal Promise
The Pinal Promise Educational Initiative provides funding for any tuition need that has not been met. Pinal Promise tuition funds will be applied after all other financial aid has been applied to the individual student account (excluding student loans)
*Fall 2025 Promise Application Opens April 2025
The Guidelines for May 2025 High School Graduates Only.
To be eligible for the Pinal Promise scholarship tuition program, the student must: (links are highlighted in red)
- Begin the fall semester after high school graduation – Fall 2025
- Have completed 20 hours of community service (Community Service Form (PDF). Students who have not completed their community hours, may do so during their first year at CAC. However, we strongly encourage students to complete their hours prior to high school graduation.
- Complete the 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online.
- Upon high school graduation complete and submit the online CAC Scholarship Application
- Submit a copy of high school diploma OR an unofficial high school transcript with date of graduation.(upload through CAC scholarship application or through student portal)
- Enroll and attend a minimum of 12 credit hours but no more than 20 credit hours per semester (unless approved by Registrar)
- Pursue a CAC degree or certificate program
The financial aid office will review eligibility and acceptance of the Pinal Promise program when all the guidelines above are met. Students will be contacted via CAC student email.
This funding is for four (4) consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring, Fall/Spring) providing you maintain the renewal eligibility requirements listed below. You need only apply once.
Important Note: Before awarding Promise funds, your CAC financial aid file (FAFSA) must be completed. Once our financial aid office receives your FAFSA application, you will be notified via CAC student email. Please follow the instructions provided in the email to check if there are any outstanding documents required to finalize your financial aid application.
To renew eligibility for Pinal Promise funds each semester, the student must:
- Maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA or above
- Enroll and attend a minimum of 12 or more credit hours per semester
- Successfully complete a minimum of 9 credits each semester
- Maintain continuous enrollment each semester Fall/Spring, Fall/Spring (does not include summer semesters)
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online each new Academic Year.
- Allow the Financial Aid office to verify and ensure student meets eligibility requirements at the end of each semester. If the student is unable to meet the requirements he/she will permanently lose the tuition fund
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligible Pinal County High Schools
Pinal Promise Contact Information
Phone: 520.494.5111
E-Mail: outreach@centralaz.edu
Address: Central Arizona College
8470 N. Overfield Road
Coolidge, AZ 85128