STAR Program

Email:
STARProgram​@nau.edu
Call:
928-523-6980
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STAR: Successful Transition and Academic Readiness

The Successful Transition and Academic Readiness (STAR) Scholarship Program ensures incoming first-year students who are first-generation, income eligible, and Arizona residents a successful transition from high school to NAU.

During a few weeks in the summer, students will live in one of our campus communities and take classes that apply toward their undergraduate degree. Students get to establish relationships with other students, participate in peer mentoring, and learn about resources that help them make a successful transition to NAU in the fall. STAR provides students with the ability to learn about campus, access resources needed to be successful, understand what it means to be a college student, and provide the support students need to thrive.

APPLY NOW

2026 STAR Scholarship Program dates

  • Students move-in on Saturday, May 30.
  • Classes begin Monday, June 1.
  • Classes end Friday, June 26.
  • Students celebrate completion of the program on Thursday, June 25, and move out on Friday, June 26.

*Students must commit to the entire time frame to ensure academic course completion.

Who can participate in the STAR Scholarship program?

The program is open to first-year students who are committed to earning their bachelor’s degree from Northern Arizona University. To be eligible for the STAR Program, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Arizona resident
  • accepted admission to NAU
  • first-generation college student
  • Pell-eligible

STAR Scholarship Program benefits  Accordion Closed
  • Classes that give students a head start in their program
  • Opportunities to develop relationships with STAR students, staff, and faculty
  • Academic support, including free tutoring
  • Opportunity to join Student Support Services (SSS), an academic year support program

All STAR Program services and opportunities are free. NAU financial aid pays for all meals, housing, tuition, and fees.

STAR Scholarship support systems Accordion Closed
  • A dynamic residential staff who will help students connect with one another, find resources on campus, and provide peer mentoring
  • A team of academic staff who understand the needs of our STAR students
  • Campus resources to help students get a head start on their NAU experience
  • Events and activities to provide information, and support for students to have fun, learn about campus, and engage with campus before they move here in the fall

Features of the academic year program for STAR Scholarship students Accordion Closed
  • An introduction to a wide array of campus resources
  • Events and activities to familiarize students with the academic and social opportunities on our campus and in the Flagstaff community
  • Connections with fellow STAR Program students
  • Connections with peer mentors

If you have any questions, please contact STARProgram@nau.edu.

Program cost Accordion Closed

Eligible students and families do not pay to participate in the STAR Scholarship program. Costs are paid for by the student’s financial aid and include:

  • housing
  • meal plan
  • tuition and fees
  • books

This program is for students who demonstrate they have financial need. Financial need is determined by the FAFSA or the CSS (College Scholarship Service) profile. To determine eligibility, students must complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA. If you have any questions, contact us at STARProgram@nau.edu. 

Why do I need to apply for both FAFSA years if the program is free? Accordion Closed

This scholarship program is free to every student who is accepted and Pell-eligible as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Filling out the FAFSA will help us determine if the student really meets that criteria.

We ask you to fill out both FAFSAs because summer 2026 falls within the 2025–2026 financial aid year. We rely on summer Pell grants and summer financial aid grants from NAU to pay for the program. It is vital to submit both FAFSAs asap and complete any additional steps required by the NAU Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.

Students will need to have completed their 2025-2026 FAFSA by March 15 and their 2026-2027 FAFSA by May 1 to determine their eligibility for STAR. Students should work to complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA immediately and the 2026-2027 FAFSA.

What resources are available to support me and my family in completing the FAFSA? Accordion Closed

There are numerous resources to support you and your family in completing your FAFSA.

What do you need to fill out the FAFSA?
Resources for filling out the FAFSA
What if our family needs one-on-one help filling out the FAFSA?

We understand that every family is different and that questions about your circumstances may arise. The following resources are available to help families:

 

What to expect STAR students on challenge course

First-Generation Programs
Location
Room 105 Building 30
University Union
1050 S. Knoles Dr.
Flagstaff, AZ 86011
Mailing Address
PO Box 6035
Flagstaff, AZ 86011