Tempe Promise

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City of Tempe

City of Tempe and Rio Salado College Proudly Offer the Tempe Promise

The Tempe Promise provides financial support to City of Tempe residents with demonstrated financial need to attend Rio Salado College. Eligible students will receive funds to cover “last dollar” tuition and fee expenses.

Last dollar means that any Pell grant funds that the student has been awarded are applied first to the student's tuition and fees. If after the Pell grant is applied a balance is still owed, then the scholarship would be applied to that remaining balance.

Eligible students also receive a $500 per semester student support stipend to cover non-direct educational expenses such as books, supplies, transportation and childcare.

Application Information

Applications will be accepted beginning Jan. 6 for Spring 2025. The deadline to apply is April 21, 2025.

Current students who meet the qualifications are also eligible.

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Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be a resident of Tempe, AZ, at the time of application, who qualifies for Arizona/Maricopa County resident tuition at Rio Salado College and is a United States citizen or legal resident of the United States. Please see Tuition and Fees for more information.
  • Have an income at or below 80% of the household Area Median Income (AMI).
  • Demonstrate financial need as shown on the FAFSA application and any supporting documentation as needed by Rio Salado.
  • Have not earned a postsecondary degree.
  • Be 25 years of age or older at the time of application.
  • Declare a certificate or degree program at Rio Salado.
  • Students must enroll in at least one (1) credit course for Spring 2025 term.

What is “Demonstrated Financial Need?”

Tempe Promise is a need-based program that provides financial support to eligible students after federal financial aid (Pell grants) have been awarded to cover any remaining tuition and fees.

All Promise students are required to submit a FAFSA. After submitting the FAFSA, students may be asked to provide supporting documentation to confirm eligibility for funding.

Funds will be disbursed on a first come, first served basis for those who are eligible until exhausted.

Dedicated Student Support

As a Tempe Promise program participant, you receive personalized support while attending Rio Salado College. Benefits include:

  • Academic advising
  • Workshops to assist with your academic success
  • Tutoring, counseling, and other student support services
  • Career services assistance with building essential job readiness skills, resume development, and more
  • General financial aid guidance

Tempe Promise Support Team Contact Info:

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How Do I Apply for the Tempe Promise Program?

If you are a current or recent (in the last three terms) student at Rio Salado:

  1. Submit the Tempe Promise application online.  *Students must be logged in to complete the form.
  2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2024-2025, if you have not already done so.
  3. Register for classes and complete all enrollment tasks in your Student Center.

If you are a new student to Rio Salado:

  1. Explore Rio Salado certificate and degree opportunities.
  2. Complete the admissions process for Rio Salado College.
  3. Submit the Tempe Promise application online. (Applicant must be an admitted student and logged in to complete the form.).
  4. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2024-2025.
  5. Register for classes and complete all enrollment tasks in your Student Center.