Key Points:
- ASU Operation Comeback offers financial aid, balance relief, and per-credit scholarships.
- Provides personalized academic plans and dedicated reentry advisors.
- Supports workforce needs and improves long-term career outcomes.
Arizona State University has launched ASU Operation Comeback, a new initiative designed to help Arizona residents return to college and complete degrees they began but never finished. The program, called Operation Comeback, offers financial assistance, personalized academic advising, and targeted support for former ASU students who left before earning a degree.
University leaders say the initiative focuses on removing practical barriers that often prevent students from returning to higher education. These barriers include past due balances, uncertainty about credit transfers, and a lack of clear guidance on how to finish a degree efficiently.
Financial and Academic Support for Returning Students
ASU Operation Comeback provides several forms of financial support for eligible students. ASU has created a dedicated fund to assist former students who left the university with unpaid balances. In some cases, those balances may be reduced or reset to zero. The university estimates that about 500 former students qualify immediately, with more expected after further account reviews.
Students who return in the spring or fall 2026 semesters may also qualify for per credit scholarships. Campus based students can receive a $100 per credit scholarship, while online learners may qualify for $120 per credit. Students who have already completed more than 90 credits may be eligible for an additional $1,000 scholarship upon reenrollment.
Beyond financial aid, ASU Operation Comeback offers returning students a customized academic plan. This plan is designed to help them complete their degree in the most direct way possible. Some students may also qualify for Quick Re Entry, which allows them to bypass the standard admissions process.
Each participant is matched with a dedicated reentry specialist. These advisors review degree progress, evaluate transferable credits, assess outstanding balances, and help students align their academic path with career goals. The aim is to provide clear direction and reduce delays on the road to graduation.
Building on a Successful Pilot Program
Operation Comeback builds on the AZ Comeback pilot program launched in May 2025 by the Arizona Board of Regents and the Helios Education Foundation. That earlier effort helped 300 former ASU students return to complete their degrees. University officials say the success of the pilot demonstrated strong demand for structured reentry support.
ASU leaders note that many students who leave college do so because of financial pressure, family responsibilities, or health challenges, rather than a lack of ability or motivation. Operation Comeback is designed to address those realities while recognizing the effort students have already invested in their education.
The initiative also aligns with workforce needs in Arizona. The state’s economy continues to grow across sectors such as technology, health care, business, science, and communications. University officials say degree completion plays a key role in meeting demand for skilled workers and improving long term career outcomes.
Focus on Access and Degree Completion
ASU leaders emphasized that every completed credit represents time, effort, and ambition. ASU Operation Comeback aims to ensure that those efforts lead to a finished degree. By offering financial relief, clear academic pathways, and personal advising, the university hopes to help former students convert past progress into meaningful credentials.
The program reflects ASU’s broader focus on inclusion and student success. University leaders say helping students return and graduate benefits not only individuals, but also families, communities, and the state’s workforce.
Former ASU students who are interested in returning can explore their options through the university’s outreach channels and connect directly with reentry specialists. The university encourages eligible students to take advantage of ASU Operation Comeback and continue their education with structured support in place.