Utah offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities to help students fund their college education. From prestigious university awards to unique scholarships for Utah residents, there are many ways for students to alleviate the financial burden of higher education. When searching for Utah scholarships, students should explore merit-based and need-based aid from schools like the University of Utah, BYU, and Utah State. Utah-exclusive scholarships, like the Regents’ Scholarship and Utah Fits All, provide awards specifically for students attending college in-state. Students should also apply for national and local scholarships through community groups, companies, associations and other organizations. By casting a wide net and applying to as many relevant scholarships as possible, Utah students can find the funding needed to pursue their academic dreams. This guide provides an extensive overview of the types of scholarships available and strategies to maximize your chances of earning awards.
Search for University of Utah Scholarships
The University of Utah in Salt Lake City offers excellent merit and need-based scholarship opportunities. Incoming freshmen are automatically considered for merit scholarships like the Presidential and Honors awards based on GPA and test scores. Current students can apply for need-based aid like the Access Scholarship or specialized awards through their department or college. The school offers scholarships for both Utah residents and out-of-state students. Review eligibility and deadlines on the University of Utah scholarship website.
Find Scholarships for Top Utah Universities
In addition to the University of Utah, students should explore scholarships at other top in-state schools like Brigham Young University, Utah State University, Weber State University, and Southern Utah University. Each school provides academic and need-based scholarships for current and incoming students. BYU offers awards like the Founders Scholarship for new students. Utah State has merit-based Presidential Scholarships. Review institutional scholarship pages and check with your department for opportunities.
Apply for the Utah Fits All Scholarship
The Utah Fits All scholarship provides awards between $1,250 and $7,500 per year for Utah residents attending college in-state. It is open to students across all majors and schools. Eligibility requires Utah residency, a 3.3 GPA, and academic/extracurricular achievements. Apply by March 1st each year and review other Utah Education Savings Plan scholarships.
Search Locally and Nationally for Awards
Along with university and Utah-specific aid, students should apply more broadly. Check with community groups, professional associations, corporate foundations and national programs for awards in your field or demographic. Use free scholarship search tools to find relevant opportunities. Apply annually and consider both small and large scholarships.
Scholarships for Utah Residents
There are many scholarship opportunities available exclusively for students who are residents of Utah. These scholarships aim to provide financial assistance to Utah students attending colleges and universities within the state. Some popular Utah-exclusive scholarships include:
- Regents’ Scholarship – Covers tuition costs at public Utah universities for students with high GPAs and ACT/SAT scores.
- New Century Scholarship – Covers 75% of tuition costs at public Utah colleges for students who complete certain rigorous high school courses.
- Success Stipend – Provides $1,000 per semester for 2 years to students at Utah public colleges who complete FAFSA.
- Utah Educational Savings Plan – Allows Utah families to contribute to a tax-advantaged 529 college savings account.
- Utah Centennial Scholarship – Merit-based award for students attending Utah public colleges, awarded by individual institutions.
Utah Scholarships by Type
| Scholarship Type | Key Examples | Average Award Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Need-Based | Pell Grant, FSEOG, U of Utah Opportunity | $500 – $6,000 |
| Merit-Based | Presidential, Dean’s, Departmental | $1,000 – Full Tuition |
| Utah-Exclusive | Regents’, New Century, Success Stipend | Varies |
| Corporate/Private | Zions Bank, Intermountain Healthcare | $500 – $20,000 |
| Community | Local credit unions, foundations | $500 – $5,000 |
| Talent-Based | Athletics, arts, STEM, leadership | $1,000 – $10,000 |
This chart above categorizes some of the main scholarship types in Utah and provides examples, average awards, and other key details.
Need-Based Scholarships
Need-based scholarships provide financial assistance to students demonstrating financial need. Important need-based scholarships in Utah include:
- Pell Grants – Federal grants awarded based on financial need, up to $6,895 annually.
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants – Awards between $100-$4,000 for students with exceptional financial need.
- University of Utah Opportunity Scholarship – Need-based aid for full-time students, awards vary.
- BYU Financial Aid – Need-based grants, work-study programs, and loans administered by BYU. Amounts vary.
- Utah Education Savings Plan – Allows families earning under $75,000 to open a tax-advantaged college savings account.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit scholarships are awarded based on skills, accomplishments, and academic performance. Notable examples in Utah are:
- Presidential Scholarships – Full-tuition awards offered by the University of Utah and Utah State for exceptional students.
- Dean’s Scholarship – Awards between $1,000-$10,000 at schools like BYU and Westminster College for high-achieving students.
- Departmental Scholarships – Awarded by specific departments to students demonstrating talent in certain fields of study. Amounts vary.
- Leadership Scholarships – Rewards student leaders with awards up to $5,000 annually at schools like Southern Utah University.
- Talent Scholarships – Given to students excelling in areas like athletics, performing arts, or community service. Amounts vary by school.
Private/Corporate Scholarships
There are many scholarship opportunities from private companies and foundations. Some excellent options in Utah include:
- Zions Bank Scholarships
- Mountain America Credit Union Scholarships
- Intermountain Healthcare Scholarships
- Roots for Kids Foundation Scholarships
- Salt Lake City Skyrise Scholarships
- Lowe’s NCRS Scholarships
- Eccles Foundation Scholarships
- Daniels Fund Scholarships
Here are some popular Utah scholarships categorized by academic major or career path:
Nursing Scholarships in Utah
- Intermountain Healthcare Nursing Scholarships – Awards up to $6,000 per year.
- University of Utah College of Nursing Scholarships – Merit and need-based awards up to $2,500.
- Nightingale Scholarship – Up to $5,000 per year for nursing students in Utah.
Engineering Scholarships in Utah
- University of Utah College of Engineering Scholarships – Merit awards up to $5,000 per year.
- ASME Scholarships – Awards for mechanical engineering students nationwide.
- AIAA Foundation Scholarships – Rewards aerospace engineering students.
Computer Science Scholarships in Utah
- College of Engineering Scholarships – Awards for incoming CS majors at the U of Utah.
- STEM Scholarship Program – Scholarships for STEM majors at Utah public universities.
- AMS Scholarships – For applied math/CS students nationwide.
Here are some additional recommendations that can help students navigate Utah scholarships opportunities:
Scholarship Tips for Utah Students
- Start searching for scholarships early – at least 6 months before college starts. Deadlines vary.
- Look beyond just academic performance – many scholarships reward community service, leadership, talents, demographics, etc.
- Apply to as many scholarships as possible – more applications means more chances to win awards.
- Follow scholarship application instructions carefully and meet all deadlines.
- Look for scholarships both locally and nationally.
- Check with your school and community for scholarships.
- Create an organized system to track scholarship applications.
Commonly Asked Questions Related to Utah Scholarships
What are the top merit scholarships in Utah?
Some of Utah’s most prestigious merit scholarships are the University of Utah Presidential Scholarship, Utah State University Presidential Scholarship, and BYU Founders Scholarship. These provide full or partial tuition awards.
Where can I find scholarships for Utah residents?
Great options for Utah residents include the Regents’ Scholarship, New Century Scholarship, Success Stipend, and Utah Fits All Scholarship. Check StepUpUtah.com for in-state opportunities.
What is the average scholarship amount in Utah?
Scholarship amounts vary widely but average from $500 to $5,000 annually for smaller awards. Larger merit scholarships can provide full tuition coverage.
When should I apply for Utah scholarships?
Apply early, at least 6 months before you start college. Some Utah scholarships have deadlines as early as February while others are due in May or June before fall enrollment.
