Southern Utah University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on January 25, 2026- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~82%
- Middle 50% ACT: 20–27 (test-optional)
- Middle 50% SAT: ~1030–1240 (test-optional)
- Average GPA (HS): 3.48
Source: SUU admissions and scholarship materials plus national college data sources (compiled 2024–2026). Middle 50% = the range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Southern Utah University at a Glance
🧠 CRP Strategy: How to Pay the Least at SUU
- Treat December 1 like the real “money deadline.” That’s when SUU’s most valuable full-tuition consideration (President’s) and the best early aid review tends to happen.
- WUE is a rate, not a scholarship check. If you’re in a WUE state, your best deal may be the discounted tuition rate — unless your GPA is high enough to qualify for a stronger non-resident merit tier.
- Automatic merit is your baseline. It’s the “floor” discount you can plan around early.
- Hidden gems are where upperclassmen find extra money. Housing, departmental, aviation, and program awards often show up after year 1 — and can stack on top of your baseline.
- Full tuition ≠ full cost. Even with tuition covered, housing and meals are still real — so housing-related awards can be the next biggest savings.
https://www.suu.edu/finaid/scholarships.html
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/southern-utah-university/admissions
https://www.suu.edu/finaid/newstudents/tbird-promise.html
💰 Cost of Attendance at Southern Utah University (2026–2027)
These are the direct, billed costs for a full-time undergraduate student living on campus at SUU. Additional expenses like transportation, books, and personal costs are not billed by the university but still factor into aid eligibility.
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $7,159 | $21,816 |
| Housing & Meals | $10,500 | $10,500 |
| Total (Direct/Billed) | $17,659 | $32,316 |
Why only these items? We include the costs you typically pay directly to Southern Utah University — tuition, fees, housing, and meals. Other indirect costs vary a lot by student, but SUU’s full Cost of Attendance usually also includes things like:
- Books & supplies
- Transportation (especially if you travel home out-of-state)
- Personal/miscellaneous expenses
📉 Average Net Price (What Families Actually Pay)
The average net price is approximately $11,432 per year after grants and scholarships (federal/IPEDS average).
If you want a personalized estimate based on your income and household size, use SUU’s Net Price Calculator.
- Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE): SUU participates in WUE for WICHE states. WUE sets tuition at about 150% of resident tuition (instead of full non-resident rates).
- Real-dollar impact: Based on the tuition figures above, resident tuition is $7,159, so a 150% WUE tuition estimate is about $10,739 — versus $21,816 out-of-state. That’s roughly $11,100/year in tuition savings before fees and housing.
- Alumni Legacy (if applicable): SUU also lists an Alumni Legacy Scholarship that can waive the non-resident portion of tuition for children/grandchildren of alumni (rules and award amounts vary).
Parent tip: If you’re eligible for WUE, it’s often the single biggest lever for reducing the out-of-state price tag — even before merit scholarships are applied.
🧮 WUE vs. Non-Resident Merit: Which Usually Saves More?
This is one of the biggest points of confusion for out-of-state families. WUE is a discounted tuition rate, while SUU’s non-resident awards are fixed-dollar scholarships. The better deal depends on your student’s academics and whether they’re coming from a WUE-eligible state.
- If you’re WUE-eligible and your GPA is in the “solid” range: WUE is often the simplest and safest discount to plan around.
- If your GPA is high (often ~3.7+): a top non-resident merit tier may beat WUE — especially if SUU tuition rises and the scholarship remains strong.
- If you’re not WUE-eligible: non-resident merit matters a lot more, and the price can swing dramatically based on GPA.
Parent tip: When in doubt, ask SUU financial aid one specific question: “If my student is eligible for WUE and also earns non-resident merit, which one will you apply?”
FAQ — Cost of Attendance at Southern Utah University
Why is out-of-state tuition so much higher?
Like most public universities, SUU charges higher tuition to non-residents because Utah families support the school through state taxes. The good news is SUU participates in WUE, which can reduce tuition dramatically for students from eligible western states.
Is WUE the same thing as in-state tuition?
Not exactly. WUE is a discounted out-of-state rate (often described as about 150% of resident tuition). It usually costs more than true in-state, but far less than standard out-of-state.
Can WUE stack with SUU merit scholarships?
Sometimes — but stacking rules vary by scholarship type. Many colleges apply large tuition discounts (like WUE) first and then apply merit awards on top, while other awards may replace part of the discount. We call this out in the scholarship sections so families don’t assume everything stacks automatically.
What’s the difference between billed costs and total cost of attendance?
Billed costs are what you pay directly to SUU (tuition/fees + housing/meals). Total cost of attendance also includes indirect costs like books, travel, and personal expenses, which affect financial aid eligibility even though the university doesn’t bill you for them.
Does “full tuition” mean everything is covered?
Usually not. “Full tuition” typically covers the tuition portion, but students may still owe fees, housing, meals, books, and personal costs unless a separate award (or need-based aid) covers those items too.
What FAFSA date matters most for max aid at SUU?
If you’re aiming for the most consideration (especially for competitive full-tuition programs and priority review), filing by December 1 is the safest move. SUU’s broader institutional priority window may extend later, but earlier FAFSA filing generally improves your options.
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/southern-utah-university/tuition-and-costs
https://www.suu.edu/finaid/scholarships.html
https://www.suu.edu/finaid/newstudents/tbird-promise.html
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships at Southern Utah University (2026–2027)
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility / Criteria | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Typically Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fellow’s Eight-Semester Renewable (Resident) | $4,456/yr ($2,228/semester) | Utah resident; ~3.9+ GPA or ACT 33+ (or SAT equivalent)* | No | Yes — up to 8 semesters | Top academic admits with near-perfect GPAs | Admission file complete by Mar 1 |
| Founders’ Eight-Semester Renewable (Resident) | $3,230/yr ($1,615/semester) | Utah resident; ~3.8–3.89 GPA or ACT 30–32 (or SAT equivalent)* | No | Yes — up to 8 semesters | Strong honors-level students | Admission file complete by Mar 1 |
| Dean’s Eight-Semester Renewable (Resident) | $2,000/yr ($1,000/semester) | Utah resident; ~3.6–3.79 GPA or ACT 27–29 (or SAT equivalent)* | No | Yes — up to 8 semesters | College-ready students meeting published bands | Admission file complete by Mar 1 |
| Centurium Eight-Semester Renewable (Resident) | $1,000/yr ($500/semester) | Utah resident; ~3.4–3.59 GPA or ACT 23–26 (or SAT equivalent)* | No | Yes — up to 8 semesters | Students meeting minimum academic thresholds | Admission file complete by Mar 1 |
| Founders Non-Resident Eight-Semester Renewable | $14,800/yr ($7,400/semester) | Non-resident; ~3.7+ GPA or ACT 31+ (or SAT equivalent)* | No | Yes — up to 8 semesters | High-achieving out-of-state students | Admission file complete by Mar 1 |
| Centurium Non-Resident (East / Non-WUE States) | $12,000/yr ($6,000/semester) | Non-resident; 2.5+ GPA (higher GPAs typical)* | No | Yes — up to 8 semesters | Broad range of academically admissible OOS students | Admission file complete by Mar 1 |
| Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) | $12,000/yr ($6,000/semester) | Resident of a WICHE state; ~2.5–3.69 GPA or ACT 18–30 (or SAT equivalent)* | No | Yes — with continued eligibility | Western-state students seeking reduced OOS tuition | Apply early; limited seats |
*GPA/test ranges are estimates based on past recipients and published profiles; actual thresholds can change by year.
⏰ SUU Scholarship Timeline (The Dates Families Miss)
- By Dec 1: Have your admissions file complete if you want to be considered for SUU’s most competitive full-tuition options (and the earliest aid review).
- Feb 1: Priority deadline for Scholarship Housing (Leavitt Foundation) — a big deal if tuition is already reduced.
- Mar 1: General scholarship deadline for incoming students and many campus-wide awards.
- Ongoing: Departmental and program scholarships often show up later — especially after a student has a declared major and SUU GPA.
If your family wants “maximum aid,” your best strategy is to move early — even though admission is rolling.
FAQ — Automatic Merit at Southern Utah University
Do I need a separate application?
No. Automatic merit awards are granted when your admission file is complete by the published deadline.
Can I qualify without test scores?
Yes. Many students qualify using GPA alone. Test scores are optional and only used if they improve the award tier.
Do WUE and merit scholarships stack?
Sometimes. WUE sets a discounted tuition rate; some merit awards apply on top, while others may replace part of that discount.
Are these awards guaranteed?
They are reliable but not contractual. Awarding depends on funding levels and the applicant pool each year.
How long do these scholarships last?
Most are renewable for up to eight semesters, provided renewal GPA and enrollment requirements are met.
https://www.suu.edu/finaid/schol-wue.html
https://www.suu.edu/finaid/scholarships.html
🏆 Flagship (Competitive) Scholarships at Southern Utah University (2026–2027)
These scholarships are not automatic. They are limited in number and awarded through a competitive or holistic review of a student’s admission file, FAFSA, and (in some cases) financial need. Meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee an award.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility / Criteria | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| President’s Eight-Semester Renewable Scholarship (Resident) | Full tuition | Utah resident; top academic profile; GPA and/or test scores well above automatic tiers; strong overall admission file* | No separate app (competitive review) | Yes — up to 8 semesters | A small number of the strongest resident applicants — typically near the top of SUU’s incoming class academically | Admission file complete by Dec 1 |
| President’s Non-Resident Eight-Semester Renewable Scholarship | Full tuition (non-resident) | Non-resident; exceptional academic profile; GPA and/or ACT/SAT well above typical automatic merit levels* | No separate app (competitive review) | Yes — up to 8 semesters | Highly selective OOS applicants — far fewer awards than automatic non-resident merit | Admission file complete by Dec 1 |
| T-Bird Promise Scholarship | Up to full tuition (last-dollar) | FAFSA required; Pell-eligible or high financial need; admitted student who does not receive top automatic merit | No separate app (FAFSA-based) | Typically renewable (with FAFSA & enrollment) | Students with financial need whose remaining tuition gap persists after grants and merit aid | FAFSA + admission file by Dec 1 (priority) |
| Utah Promise Scholarship | Full tuition (last-dollar, residents) | Utah resident; FAFSA required; Pell-eligible; covers remaining tuition after other aid | No separate app (state-aligned) | Yes — with continued eligibility | Lower-income Utah residents whose grants and merit do not fully cover tuition | FAFSA by Dec 1 recommended |
*Competitive awards are based on a holistic or comparative review of the applicant pool. Exact GPA/test cutoffs are not published and can change each year.
⚠️ What Most Scholarship Lists Don’t Explain
- “Last-dollar” scholarships don’t stack the way parents expect. Programs that fill tuition gaps may shrink if other grants or scholarships already cover tuition.
- Full tuition doesn’t include housing and meals. Even “full tuition” awards usually leave room/board and living costs untouched.
- WUE is a rate — and sometimes replaces other discounts. If two discounts overlap, SUU may apply the one that creates the best (or allowed) tuition outcome.
- Renewal rules matter more than freshman awards. Always confirm the GPA/credit requirements to keep your scholarship for years 2–4.
FAQ — Flagship Scholarships at Southern Utah University
Are these scholarships automatic if my GPA is high enough?
No. Unlike SUU’s academic merit tiers, flagship scholarships are limited in number and awarded by competitive review.
Even very strong students are not guaranteed an award.
Is there a separate scholarship application?
Usually no. President’s Scholarships and Promise programs are awarded based on your admission file and FAFSA.
That means deadlines matter more than extra essays.
How competitive are the President’s Scholarships?
Very. These are among SUU’s most selective awards and go to a small number of students at the very top of the applicant pool,
especially for non-residents.
Do promise scholarships stack with merit?
Promise programs are typically last-dollar. They fill remaining tuition gaps after grants and merit aid
rather than stacking on top.
What’s the single biggest mistake families make?
Missing the December 1 deadline. Even strong applicants are removed from consideration if their
admission file or FAFSA isn’t complete on time.
https://www.suu.edu/finaid/scholarships.html
https://www.suu.edu/finaid/newstudents/tbird-promise.html
https://www.suu.edu/finaid/
🎖 Honors Program at Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University offers an Honors Program for students who want smaller, discussion-based courses, priority registration, and a more “plugged-in” academic experience. Honors participation can also open the door to research/travel support and community perks — but it is not a guaranteed tuition scholarship.
- Separate application required after admission (includes an essay)
- Priority registration (often earlier access to classes than typical underclassmen)
- Honors courses + “Honors Contract” option to earn Honors credit in regular classes
- Honors Commons perks (study space, community resources, and practical benefits like printing)
- Honors housing priority for an Honors Living-Learning Community (LLC) — space-limited
| Honors Opportunity | Award / Benefit | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors Program Admission | Priority registration, Honors coursework, advising, community perks | Published benchmark: 3.5+ GPA and 26+ ACT (or 1200+ SAT) | Yes | N/A | Includes an essay; selection can still be holistic |
| Honors Living-Learning Community (Housing Priority) | Priority placement (typically Cedar Hall South LLC) | Admitted Honors students | No (space-limited placement) | N/A | This is a housing perk, not a guaranteed scholarship |
| Honors Undergraduate Research & Travel Grants | $300–$1,000 (typical) | Honors students pursuing research, projects, or conference travel | Yes | Varies | Great for pre-med, pre-law, grad school applicants |
To graduate with the Honors distinction, students typically maintain a 3.5 cumulative SUU GPA and complete about 21 Honors credits.
FAQ — Honors Program at Southern Utah University
Does the Honors Program guarantee extra scholarship money?
No. Honors is primarily an academic and community program. The biggest “financial” perks tend to be indirect —
priority registration (better course access), housing priority (space-limited), and eligibility for small grants.
What does “priority registration” actually mean?
It usually means Honors students register earlier than typical freshmen/sophomores.
That matters most for competitive majors, scheduling, and getting required classes without delays.
What is the Honors “Contract” option?
If a student needs Honors credit but an Honors section isn’t offered for their major,
they can often complete an Honors Contract — basically “Honors-ify” a regular class with an extra project or research component.
Is Honors housing a scholarship?
Not automatically. Honors students may receive priority placement in an Honors Living-Learning Community (LLC),
but housing costs still apply unless a separate housing scholarship is awarded.
What’s the best reason to apply?
If your student wants a more structured academic experience, early registration, a built-in peer community,
and the option to pursue research/travel funding, Honors is usually worth it.
https://www.suu.edu/honors/
https://www.suu.edu/honors/pdf/application.pdf
⭐ College Specialty
Southern Utah University is a public university that quietly punches above its weight in a few very specific areas. Families often discover SUU through its affordability or scholarship stackability, but students tend to stay because of the hands-on learning, strong faculty access, and programs that translate directly into real-world careers. SUU is especially well known for aviation, outdoor and recreation leadership, and the performing arts — all supported by small class sizes and unusually early access to experiential learning.
Aviation, Outdoor Leadership, and Performing Arts — SUU is regularly recognized for programs that emphasize hands-on training, applied learning, and professional preparation rather than large lecture-based instruction.
- Aviation & Flight Sciences: One of SUU’s most distinctive programs, offering professional pilot training with strong airline and industry pathways. Students benefit from early flight hours, structured labs, and program-specific scholarships that help offset high flight costs.
- Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Tourism: Nationally respected for preparing students for careers in outdoor leadership, recreation management, and tourism. SUU’s location near national parks gives students real-world field experience that many programs can’t replicate.
- Performing Arts (Theatre, Music, Dance): Known for intensive, performance-based training with strong faculty mentorship. Students often gain stage experience early, making this a solid option for those pursuing professional or graduate-level arts paths.
- Education & Human Services: SUU has a long track record of preparing teachers, counselors, and human service professionals, with practical classroom and field placements built into the curriculum.
🔗 Official Southern Utah University Links
Use Southern Utah University’s official resources below to confirm admissions requirements, automatic and competitive scholarship policies, cost details, and academic programs. Always rely on these pages for final deadlines and award terms.
-
Undergraduate Admissions:
https://www.suu.edu/admissions/ -
Application Deadlines & Requirements:
https://www.suu.edu/admissions/apply/ -
Scholarships & Financial Aid (Automatic + Competitive):
https://www.suu.edu/finaid/scholarships.html -
WUE & Non-Resident Scholarships:
https://www.suu.edu/finaid/schol-wue.html -
Cost of Attendance & Tuition:
https://www.suu.edu/finaid/coa/ -
Net Price Calculator:
https://npc.collegeboard.org/app/suu -
Honors Program:
https://www.suu.edu/honors/ -
Common Data Set / Student Profile:
https://www.suu.edu/instres/cds.html