Arizona State University (ASU) has introduced a new program called Operation Comeback, aimed at supporting Arizona residents who began their studies at ASU but did not finish their degrees. The initiative provides returning students with financial assistance, academic guidance, and personal support to help them complete their education.
As part of the program, ASU has established a fund to assist students with outstanding balances. In certain cases, these balances could be reduced to zero. The university estimates that approximately 500 former students qualify immediately, with more potentially eligible following additional account reviews.
Returning Arizona residents who are not currently enrolled at ASU and rejoin for the spring or fall 2026 semesters may receive several benefits: scholarships of $100 per credit for campus-based programs or $120 per credit for online degree programs; an extra $1,000 scholarship for those who have earned more than 90 credits; a personalized academic plan; and an assessment for Quick Re-Entry status, which allows some students to bypass the traditional readmission process.
“Every credit earned at ASU represents real effort and ambition,” said Nancy Gonzales, ASU executive vice president and university provost. “We want to help former students turn that investment into a completed degree that opens doors for them, their families and their communities.
“Like many Arizonans, I know personally the life-changing impact of earning my degree. My story, President Crow’s life story, and others like us who were the first in our families to earn a degree know firsthand how valuable a degree can be. Our charter states that we measure ourselves by whom we include and how they succeed. The goal of Operation Comeback is to remove barriers that are preventing former Sun Devils from realizing that success.”
Operation Comeback builds on the earlier AZ Comeback pilot program launched in May 2025 by the Arizona Board of Regents and Helios Education Foundation. That effort enabled 300 former students to return to ASU and complete their degrees.
Participants in Operation Comeback will work directly with reentry specialists who provide individualized advising—reviewing progress toward graduation, transferable credits, outstanding balances, and career planning—to identify the most efficient path back to earning a degree.
ASU notes that this initiative aligns with workforce needs across Arizona’s growing economy in fields such as technology, health care, business, science, and communications.
“One of the biggest predictors of upward mobility and career success is the completion of a degree,” Gonzales said. “We are responsible for helping students — who have already shown the drive to pursue a degree — to make sure that life circumstances don’t stand in the way of their goals.”
According to a press release from the City of Phoenix Street Transportation Department https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/street-transportation/2420, ASU is also involved in partnerships beyond academics; it collaborates with local tech startups on projects such as smart traffic cameras designed to improve public safety through advanced data collection.
ASU continues its reputation for innovation; it was named number one in innovation by U.S. News & World Report for eight consecutive years https://news.asu.edu/20220911-university-news-asu-no-1-innovation-us-news-world-report-eighth-year?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=asu&utm_campaign=ASURankings&utm_term=USNWR. The ranking recognized institutions making significant advancements according to college leaders nationwide.
