Parents & Families
INFORMATION
FOR PARENTS
& FAMILIES
Join the Wildcat Family
When your student attends the University of Arizona, you'll be an active and engaged part of their journey throughout their college years. Explore how the University of Arizona supports families from application to acceptance - whether they're a first-generation student, moving to Tucson from out-of-state, or following in your alumni footsteps.
All About Our Admissions Process
Start by Applying
The first step to becoming a Wildcat is to apply for admission. Start by reviewing our application process. When they're ready to apply, your student can visit arizona.edu/apply to create a Future Wildcat account and access our online application. The application only takes about 30 minutes to complete, but if your student needs a break, they can save their progress and log back in later to finish. Here's what else you should know:
- SAT and/or ACT scores are not required. However, they may be used to supplement your student's application or to help fulfill our Core Competency Requirements.
- Your student will self-report their grades, so it can be helpful to have a copy of their unofficial high school transcripts.
- A completed application also includes an application fee of $50 for Arizona residents and $85 for non-Arizona residents. Fee waivers may be available to those who are eligible and can be requested within the application portal.
Apart from paperwork, the best way you can be there for your student is with support and encouragement – it’s most important that your child finds the college or university that feels like the right fit!
What Comes Next?
Your student will receive an admissions decision within 2-3 weeks with instructions on how to finish enrolling in the Next Steps Center. This is where they can pay their enrollment fee, sign up for orientation, and complete their housing application if they plan to live on campus. Once your student is admitted and has completed their senior year of coursework, they'll need to submit their final high school transcripts with the graduation date displayed to verify their self-reported grades. We accept electronic transcripts via secure, third-party vendors. Electronic submission of high school transcripts should be sent to admissions@arizona.edu.
Fund Their Future in Four Steps
We're ready to help you create a game plan for paying for college using financial aid like scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study.
Step 1 Apply to Arizona
When your student applies, they'll automatically be considered for these merit-based scholarships. Yes, we make it that easy!
Step 2 File Your FAFSA
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to help determine your student's financial aid options.
Visit studentaid.gov
Use Arizona school code: 001083
FAFSA application opens: by January 1
Priority submission deadline: April 1
Step 3 Visit Scholarship Universe
Once your student is admitted, they'll be able to create a profile on Scholarship Universe and get matched to additional funding opportunities they may be eligible for.
Step 4 Utilize OSFA for Support
If you have questions about financial aid, our Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid (OSA) has tons of helpful resources and friendly staff to answer your financial aid-related questions.
A Proactive Approach to Safety and Wellness
Your student's well-being is our first priority. Arizona offers a number of campus safety resources that contribute to a safe and secure environment, including its own police department and the Alert emergency notification system.
When it comes to their physical and mental health, your student will have access to innovative facilities and services. They'll have their choice of three state-of-the-art recreation centers, plus an array of services at our award-winning Campus Health, including mental health support through Counseling & Psych Services (CAPS).
Get Involved
When your student attends Arizona, you instantly become a valued member of the Wildcat family, too. Joining the Parent & Family Association is free - all you have to do is register.
Parent & Family Programs keeps you in the loop throughout your Wildcat's time on campus. Explore resources such as their Cat Tracks handbook, and connect with fellow Wildcat families on the University of Arizona Parents & Family Association's social media accounts.
Events
Apply to Arizona
What's it like to be a Wildcat? See for yourself! Our Student Life pages showcase where your future Wildcat could live, the campus spirit they'll embrace, the best things to do on-campus, and more.Current students share their favorite things about the University of Arizona on in-person and virtual campus tours that highlight historic red brick buildings, university traditions, and more.
Events for Parents and Families
What's it like to be a Wildcat? See for yourself! Our Student Life pages showcase where your future Wildcat could live, the campus spirit they'll embrace, the best things to do on-campus, and more. Current students share their favorite things about the University of Arizona on in-person and virtual campus tours that highlight historic red brick buildings, university traditions, and more.
Orientation
When your student is accepted to the University of Arizona, they'll attend an Orientation session where they will complete any final steps before the first day of classes.
Family Weekend
Experience Wildcat life with your student! Explore campus and learn what your student loves about the University of Arizona.
Additional Resources for Parents & Families
Information for Families of First-Year Students
Understand every aspect of being a Wildcat - from orientation to graduation. The Office of Parent & Family Programs has created a one-stop resources page with all you need to know as the parent of a first-year student. Visit the New Student & Family Programs page to learn about housing and residential life, meal plans, fraternity and sorority programs, and more.
Guest Center
Access can be provided to your student's financial and academic information via Guest Center. Your student can request access in the Next Steps Center or through their Access Student Center. Permission is required and granted by your student through their Access Student Center.
FERPA Compliance
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) restricts the amount of student information that advisors can share with outside parties, including parents. Get more information about FERPA compliance and how your student can grant you access to their educational records.
Downloadable Brochures
From preparing to pay for college to creating a plan for after graduation, the Family Acceptance Brochure [PDF] helps future Wildcats and their families better understand what's next - for the four years ahead, and beyond! Also, check out the Student/Family Agreement [PDF], a useful guide for navigating important conversations as your student prepares for college.
Early Academic Outreach
If you have an elementary or middle-school aged student visit Early Academic Outreach for resources to help you and your student prepare for the college application process.
University of Arizona Employees
Where you work is where they’ll thrive. Arizona Family Programs is available to guide your potential future Wildcat through the application process, help them explore major and degree options, and help them understand how best to take advantage of the University of Arizona’s qualified tuition reduction program.
“I chose to attend the University of Arizona because there are so many great opportunities in place for me and everyone is so helpful and kind. The campus is beautiful with a ton of school spirit, that is what I envision for my college experience.”
—Alyssa Marquez
“I am staying in Tucson to attend the University of Arizona and I am proud to call myself an Arizona Wildcat. Bear Down!”
—Mari Urquidez
“Going to Arizona will give me the opportunity to earn a world class education within a great community of tradition and spirit all in my backyard!”
–McKenzie Meza
Get in Touch
We are dedicated to facilitating a successful enrollment experience for you and your family members. We're ready to assist you with any and all steps in enrollment, and any questions you have along the way.
Contact Admissions
Contact the Office of Admissions to learn more about helping your student transition to the University of Arizona
Get in Touch With Your Student’s Recruiter
Our recruiters serve as admissions counselors who will guide you through the admissions process and answer any questions you might have along the way.
Contact Parent & Family Programs
Interested in getting involved with Parent & Family Programs? You can reach out by emailing UAFamily@email.arizona.edu or calling 520-621-0884.
Arizona Family Experience
Share all there is to love about being a student at the University of Arizona. If you or a family member would like to receive information on becoming a Wildcat, fill out this form for information on what is happening on campus, upcoming visit programs, application deadlines, and more.
