The state symbol of Utah is a beehive, which symbolizes thrift, industry, and hard work. It’s no wonder you’re looking for ways to help fund your higher education! There are a variety of scholarships available to students who reside and attend school in Utah. Continue reading to learn more about the top Utah scholarships!
How to win Utah scholarships
Utah has beautiful red rocks, mountainous skiing terrain, and many urban hubs. All of these features mean there is something for everyone to enjoy in Utah! If you want to study in this beautiful state, then let’s read how to win Utah scholarships!
In order to win Utah scholarships, you will need to respond to specific scholarship essays about your passions. While responding to these essay prompts, you should be connecting back to Utah as a state and how it has helped you to realize and reach your goals.
For example, perhaps you enjoy hiking in Zion National Park, which in turn inspired you to think about becoming a park ranger. Or perhaps walking around the hustle and bustle of Salt Lake City has you thinking of business as a major.
Whatever your passion is, be sure to connect it back to Utah! Doing so will reveal how much Utah means to you and demonstrate that you are a great candidate for a Utah scholarship!
Writing resources for acing Utah scholarship essays
Many Utah scholarships may require you to write an essay about yourself which can range anywhere from a 250 word essay to a 500 word essay. Therefore, read over our Scholarships360 guide to finding and winning scholarships. Additionally, check out how to start and how to end a scholarship essay to ensure your scholarship essay will be perfect from beginning to end!
Utah student debt snapshot
According to the Department of Education, in total, Utah residents owe $10.1 billion in federal student loan debt. Student borrowers owe an average of $32,835 each (those numbers do not include private loans). Around 55.6% of loan borrowers are under the age of 35. As you are starting your higher education journey, remember that scholarships allow students to take fewer loans. Make sure that you apply to as many scholarships as you qualify for!
Merit scholarships at Utah colleges and universities
The University of Utah
- Eligibility: First year freshmen with academically strong applications
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Admission to the University of Utah
Brigham Young University
- Eligibility: Prospective new freshmen with academic consideration as well as financial need
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Admission to BYU
Utah State University
- Eligibility: Incoming first year students based on scholarship index which is a combination of GPA and ACT/SAT test scores
- Amount: $1,000 up to full tuition
- Deadline: Admission to Utah State University
Southern Utah University
- Eligibility: New freshmen students based on cumulative unweighted GPA or ACT/SAT score
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Fall = March 1, Spring = November 1
Consider in-state tuition and tuition reciprocity
In-state tuition allows residents of a state to receive cheaper tuition for a college or university in their state. Additionally, many universities and colleges reserve scholarships and financial aid for in-state students, which helps reduce the cost of attending college for those who live there.
Here are a few well-known Utah universities and their in-state vs out-of-state tuition costs:
- In-state tuition: $9,400
- Out-of-state tuition: $31,104
- In-state tuition: $9,228
- Out-of-state tuition: $24,802
How do you get in-state tuition?
Being a Utah resident can significantly reduce the cost of tuition for Utah colleges and universities. In order to become a Utah resident for tuition purposes, you will need to physically reside in Utah for 12 continuous months prior to the beginning of the semester in which you want residency status. Additionally, you will need to establish a domicile in Utah which means obtaining a Utah driver’s license, proof of Utah voter registration and Utah vehicle registration.
Does Utah offer tuition reciprocity?
Yes, Utah is a member of the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) which is a limited tuition reciprocity agreement among Western States. This means that students in Utah can attend college or university in nearby states with favorable college tuition rates. However, some restrictions may apply, so contact your intended institution to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements.
Utah scholarship spotlight
Utah Jiffy Lube “Your Turn Behind the Wheel” Scholarship
- Eligibility: Students between the ages of 15-17 currently attending high school and currently enrolled in a driver’s education program either in the private sector or in Utah’s public high schools
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Mid-April
Navajo Tribal Utility Authority Scholarships
- Eligibility: Navajo students who are pursuing either a bachelors or graduate degree in a field relating to the multi-service utility industry such as business, accounting, engineering, chemistry, computer science and informatics
- Amount: $2,000
- Deadline: Mid April
American First Charitable Foundation Scholarships
- Eligibility: Members of American First Credit Union who play an active role in giving back to the community, whether through volunteering or other meaningful contributions of time, effort, and care
- Amount: $5,000
- Deadline: End of April
Korean American Scholarship Foundation Western Regional Chapter
- Eligibility: Students of Korean heritage (i.e., have a Korean parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent, or be adopted from Korea) who are full-time students at a school in one of the designated Western region states (Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington)
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: End of June
Geneva Rock Scholarship Essay Contest
- Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in accredited university, college, trade, or vocational schools who are pursuing construction-related careers. Applicants must have earned (or be in the process of earning) a high school diploma or GED
- Amount: $2,000
- Deadline: July 1 and November 15
Utah Promise Scholarship
- Eligibility: Utah students with financial need attending Utah public colleges, universities, and technical colleges
- Amount: Up to full tuition and fees for up to two years
- Deadline: Ask your institution for more information
Utah System of Higher Education Opportunity Scholarship
- Eligibility: Utah high school graduates with a 3.3+ GPA who completed 3 advanced courses, (AP, IB, CE) in each of the core areas of high school: math, science, and language arts
- Amount: $4,000
- Opens: Early February
Utah State Board of Education Career and Technical Education Scholarships
- Eligibility: Utah residents and high school seniors planning to attend one of 14 qualifying Utah technical colleges
- Amount: Varies
- Opens: End of January
Additional Utah resources
Utah System of Higher Education Scholarships
The Utah System of Higher Education highlights additional scholarships for veterans, exchange students, and first-generation students pursuing a career in teaching.
Utah Jump$tart! Coalition
This scholarship competition is designed to recognize students who can demonstrate a solid understanding of financial literacy concepts and are pursuing a post-secondary education either at a university, college, trade school or similar institution of higher learning. Must make an account to see more information about this scholarship.
Utah Child and Family Services Scholarships
The Utah Department of Human Services Child and Family Services offers scholarships for students who have been in foster care.
FAFSA guide
On October 1st of every year, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens nationwide. Utah students should complete the FAFSA to be eligible for federal student aid as well as some scholarships.
Frequently asked questions about Utah scholarships
Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
Are there Utah scholarships for certain fields of study?
What types of scholarships does Utah offer?
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