10 Utah Scholarships to Save You Thousands on College
What’s Covered:
Are you a Utah resident? If you’re looking for ways to help pay for college, look no further — we’ve rounded up some of the best scholarships to support students in Utah.
10 Utah Scholarships
1. Opportunity Scholarship
Amount: Based on available funding and the number of qualified applicants
Deadline: December 3 (priority)/February 1 (final)
Eligibility: Utah high school seniors with a minimum 3.3 GPA who have completed three advanced courses
Application Requirements: FAFSA, application
In 2021, the Opportunity Scholarship was established as a simplified, statewide, achievement-based scholarship. Students graduating in 2022 and beyond may qualify. The scholarship can be used at one of a handful of institutions in Utah, including state colleges and universities and nonprofit institutions.
NB: Students are encouraged to meet the priority deadline.
2. Utah Association of Independent Insurance Agents Scholarship
Amount: $500-$2,000
Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: High school seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA
Application Requirements: Application, financial information form, transcript, recent photo
The Utah Independent Agents (UIA) offers a minimum of three scholarships to Utah students who are active in extracurricular activities through their school, church, community or work. Financial need will be considered. Interviews are held for selected candidates (last year, interviews were suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions).
3. Access Utah Promise Scholarship
Amount: Up to cost of published tuition and fees for the institution
Deadline: N/A
Eligibility: Must demonstrate financial need
Application Requirements: Documentation of financial need, other materials vary by institution
This award, which depends on different criteria as established by the candidate’s chosen college or university, benefits students who attend school in Utah. Each institution performs an individual evaluation of the recipient’s knowledge, skills, and competencies.
4. Jeff Green & Equality Utah LGBTQ Student Scholarship
Amount: Varies by school
Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Students who have experienced isolation or ostracization due to their sexual orientation or gender identity and demonstrate financial need
Application Requirements: Application, transcript
The Jeff Green/Equality Utah Scholarship provides financial support to students who have experienced isolation or ostracization due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Preference will be given to students with the greatest financial need, who also have the greatest potential. In additional to the scholarship itself, students will receive mentorship from the Equality Utah staff and free tickets to annual events.
5. T. H. Bell Education Scholarship
Amount: N/A
Deadline: Contact the institution
Eligibility: Students who intend to enter the teaching profession in Utah
Application Requirements: Contact the institution
The T.H. Bell Scholarship is awarded to students who intend to become teachers in Utah. It can be applied to an institution offering an approved program in Utah. Priority is given to first-generation students.
6. Higher Education Success Stipend Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline: N/A
Eligibility: Must attend a Utah institution and demonstrate financial need
Application Requirements: N/A
Recognizing that education and success are linked, the state offers the HESSP to supplement financial aid for students who attend a Utah institution to pursue an Associate or Bachelor’s degree, or to a diploma or certificate in an applied technology or other occupational specialty.
7. The Utah EMBA Alumni Service Scholarship
Amount: N/A
Deadline: N/A
Eligibility: N/A
Application Requirements: N/A
This unique scholarship program is designed and funded by EMBA students at the University of Utah. Despite being the product of EMBA students and alumni at this state University, the program is available to any graduating high school senior, current undergraduate student, or graduate student, studying any major at any university in Utah. Successful applicants must show how they give back to the community when writing short essay questions required for the application. Four awards are given each year, but the amounts vary based on the program’s fundraising success.
8. Willy the Plumber Scholarship
Amount: Depends on donations
Deadline: N/A
Eligibility: Must be the child of a current or “habitual” inmate
Application Requirements: N/A
The Willy the Plumber Scholarship is intended for Utah children of inmates, offered as part of an effort to “break the cycle” and incentivize these students to pursue higher education. Students must have excellent grades and strong motivation.
9. First Degree Scholarship
Amount: Tuition and fees at a qualified Utah university
Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Must be high school sophomores who has no parents or stepparents who have graduated with a bachelor’s degree from a US institution; must have a household income below $75,000
Application Requirements: Application, essays, two letters of recommendation
First Degree Scholarship supports students who will be the first in their family to obtain a college degree. In addition to the award, winners will receive mentoring through the rest of high school and college to help prepare them for success.
10. Utah Jump$tart Coalition Scholarship
Amount: $1,250
Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Must be pursuing postsecondary education at a university, college, trade school, or similar institution
Application Requirements: CompleteScholarships.org application
The Utah Jump$tart Coalition offers this scholarship to recognize students who can demonstrate a solid understanding of financial literacy concepts. Candidates may create a CompleteScholarships.org account to apply.
Tips for Applying for Scholarships
1. Begin with institutional aid.
Your best source of financial aid is the college or university you attend. Many institutions offer generous merit and need-based packages. Outside scholarships, like those on this list, can fill in the gaps.
2. Look for awards that target niche audiences.
There are many awards that appeal to members of certain demographics, people with special talents and competencies, those who intend to pursue specific majors and careers, and more. If you meet the criteria, these scholarships will be easier to win since you’re competing against a smaller audience.
3. Keep applying.
Apply for as many scholarships as you can without taxing yourself. There’s no limit to how many outside awards you can win, and you’ll increase your chances of offsetting the cost of your education by continue to apply.