Figuring out how to pay for college can stop some students in their tracks. The maze of tuition, fees, books, housing and financial aid often feels overwhelming. But here’s the good news: The number of scholarships available to students has grown by 45% in the last decade. Despite that increase, the National Scholarship Providers Association estimates that more than $10 billion in Pell Grants, private scholarships and fellowships go unawarded each year.

So, why does so much money go unused? The answer is simple: Too few students apply. Some scholarships have narrow eligibility requirements, and others ask for time-consuming applications that discourage students from trying. But most often, students simply don’t know that these scholarships exist, or they don’t realize they might qualify.

CAC’s scholarship shortcut

To help remove these barriers, Central Arizona College has partnered with AwardSpring to streamline the scholarship process. With one simple application, CAC students can be matched with multiple opportunities, saving time and effort. By answering a few questions and uploading an essay (when required), students can apply for more than 50 scholarships — including institutional scholarships, CAC Foundation awards and the Pinal Promise Tuition Program — all through one online portal. Explore at CentralAZ.AwardSpring.com.

Don’t forget FAFSA

While scholarships can be an important piece of the puzzle, they’re only part of the financial aid picture. Each year, billions of dollars in federal and state grants go unclaimed because students don’t complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Submitting the FAFSA is free, and it’s the gateway to Pell Grants, work-study opportunities and many scholarships, including institutional and CAC Foundation scholarships at Central Arizona College. Completing the FAFSA early can maximize eligibility and open doors to funding that might otherwise go unused.

The FAFSA for the 2026–27 school year is now open. If you plan to attend college in Fall 2026, Spring 2027 or Summer 2027, complete it today at StudentAid.gov.

Take action this month

The money is out there — you just have to apply. With November as National Scholarship Month, there’s no better time to explore scholarships and complete your FAFSA. Learn more about financial aid and scholarships at CentralAZ.edu/PayForCollege.

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