Beginning with the fall 2026 incoming class, the University of Arizona will be updating its admissions process and adopting an Early Action and Regular Decision model.
Learn more about the reasons for these changes and the long-term benefits for students and the university.
As outlined in our strategic imperatives, the University of Arizona is committed to Success for Every Student. This commitment is reflected in our updated admissions process, which is intentionally designed to support student success and retention from the moment of application.
Early Action is a deadline-driven admissions model. Students who apply by our Early Action deadline of November 1 will maximize their consideration for admission, merit aid, and W.A. Franke Honors College admission.
August 1: Application Opens
November 1: Early Action Application Deadline
Mid-January: Admission Decision and Merit Aid Release for Early Action Applicants
Applications received after November 1 will move to a Regular Decision timeline. Regular Decisions will be released in batches on a space-available basis during the spring after Early Action decisions have been announced.
Additional Updates
- The university will utilize a holistic application review process that considers each student’s full academic history, in the context of where a student lived and learned, and other life experiences, allowing us to have a more comprehensive understanding of the student’s college preparation.
- This approach will be used to assess eligibility for both admission and merit aid.
- Merit scholarship eligibility will now be based on a variety of factors in addition to GPA. Please refer to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid for additional details about financial aid and deadlines.
With these changes, our goal is to admit students who have demonstrated they are ready to be successful and supported along their entire degree journey – from application to graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the university’s admissions requirements will remain the same.
Yes, a complete application (including the application fee or fee waiver request and self-reported grades) must be submitted by November 1 to meet the Early Action deadline. If your application is not completed by November 1, it will move to the Regular Decision timeline.
No, these changes are only for incoming first-year undergraduate students who plan to enroll at Main Campus.
In April 2025, the Arizona Board of Regents adopted an updated policy that changes the statewide Assured Admission framework, giving each public university discretion on this criteria. This update occurred separately and independently to the changes within our admissions process.
All applicants will be holistically reviewed for both admission and merit aid, with a continued focus on admitting students who are academically prepared to succeed.
Faculty & Staff
Are you a member of our campus community? Learn more details for internal audiences.