Utah Valley University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on January 28, 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: ~100%
- Middle 50% ACT: 19–25
- Middle 50% SAT: Not reported
- Average GPA (HS): 3.43
Source: Utah Valley University Office of Admissions and aggregate admissions datasets (2025–2026 data). 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 →
👪 Is UVU a good fit for your student?
- Wants a realistic admit with solid career programs (aviation, business, tech, digital media, nursing)
- Is cost-sensitive and prefers automatic merit + waivers over “prestige” scholarships
- Likes a campus with lots of working and first-gen students (commuter-friendly culture)
- Wants a highly selective, traditional residential campus experience
- Is looking for a single “full-ride flagship” scholarship with a big competitive process
- Is set on leaving the region immediately and wants a nationally selective brand-name campus
Parent note: UVU is often a “smart money” school — families win here by meeting deadlines and using the right cost lever (resident merit, WUE, or waivers).
UVU at a Glance
https://www.uvu.edu/financialaid/scholarships/freshman.html
https://www.uvu.edu/financialaid/scholarships/
https://www.uvu.edu/admissions/undergrad/
https://www.uvu.edu/admissions/docs/wuevsresidency.pdf
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/utah-valley-university/tuition-and-costs
💰 Cost of Attendance at Utah Valley University (2026–2027)
These are the direct, billed costs for a full-time undergraduate student. 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 & Required Fees | $6,674 | $18,992 |
| Housing & Meals (median) | $12,150 | $12,150 |
| Total (Direct/Billed) | $18,824 | $31,142 |
Why only these items? We include the costs you typically pay directly to UVU — tuition, required fees, housing, and meals. UVU’s official Cost of Attendance also includes indirect expenses such as books, transportation, and personal costs, which vary by student.
- Books & supplies
- Transportation/travel (commuting, flights home, parking, etc.)
- Personal/miscellaneous (phone, laundry, toiletries, entertainment)
- Loan fees (only if borrowing federal loans)
📉 Average Net Price (What Families Actually Pay)
The average net price is approximately $8,463 per year after grants and scholarships (federal/IPEDS average).
Keep in mind: net price can vary a lot by family income and whether a student lives at home or on campus.
Use UVU’s official Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Learn how net price and the Student Aid Index (SAI) work in our
Net Price & SAI Guide.
- Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE): UVU participates in WUE, which allows eligible students from WICHE states to pay no more than 150% of resident tuition. Using the tuition numbers above, that’s roughly a $8,981/year discount compared to full out-of-state tuition (about $4,490 per semester), before aid.
- Non-Resident Academic Waiver (merit-based): UVU also offers merit-based non-resident waivers that can reduce or remove the non-resident tuition portion so a student pays closer to the resident rate. The real-dollar value varies by year, but the gap between resident and non-resident tuition above is about $12,318/year.
- Important nuance: WUE is a separate eligibility path from residency reclassification (and rules can differ by program/term), so families should verify eligibility early.
Example: UVU’s billed total is about $18.8K in-state vs $31.1K out-of-state. Programs like WUE or a non-resident waiver can close a big part of that gap before you even factor in scholarships or need-based aid.
⚠️ UVU “Gotchas” parents don’t expect
- The 15-credit rule: Many scholarships/waivers expect 15 credits per term (not just “full-time” 12). Always confirm the terms for your specific award.
- Aviation can cost more than tuition: Flight labs and program fees can add significant costs beyond the basic billed tuition line.
- Housing isn’t always billed like a traditional dorm: Some “on-campus” housing options operate more like private rentals with separate contracts and billing timelines.
- Greenlight is gap funding: If eligible, it fills remaining tuition after other gift aid — it’s not usually “extra money” that stacks on top of everything.
FAQ — Cost of Attendance at Utah Valley University
Why is out-of-state tuition so much higher at UVU?
Like most public universities, UVU’s in-state tuition is subsidized by Utah tax support. Out-of-state students typically pay a higher rate unless they qualify for WUE or a non-resident waiver.
What costs are “billed” vs. “not billed”?
Billed costs are what you pay directly to UVU: tuition/required fees and (if living on campus) housing and meals. The full cost of attendance also includes indirect costs like books, transportation, and personal expenses, which still matter for financial aid eligibility.
How much can WUE actually save at UVU?
WUE caps tuition at 150% of resident tuition. Using UVU’s current resident and non-resident tuition figures, that’s roughly $8,981 per year in savings compared to full out-of-state tuition (before other aid). Exact savings can vary by year and enrollment.
Can out-of-state students get close to in-state rates without WUE?
Sometimes. UVU offers merit-based non-resident waivers that can reduce or remove the non-resident tuition portion. Requirements can include GPA and (for some awards) ACT/SAT scores, so it’s smart to apply early and submit strong academics.
Does the $8,463 net price mean most families pay under $10K?
Not necessarily. That number is an average across students receiving different amounts of grant aid. Families with higher income (or students living on campus without need-based aid) may pay more, while students with strong need-based aid or stacked scholarships can pay less.
What’s the best next step if we’re trying to estimate our real UVU cost?
Start with UVU’s Net Price Calculator, then compare scenarios: living at home vs. campus housing, WUE vs. non-WUE, and whether a student is likely to qualify for a non-resident waiver or other scholarships.
https://www.uvu.edu/financialaid/cost/
https://www.uvu.edu/admissions/docs/wuevsresidency.pdf
https://www.wiche.edu/tuition-savings/wue/
https://www.uvu.edu/financialaid/lib/widgets/federal_net_cost_calculator/index.html
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships at Utah Valley University (2026–2027)
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Presidential Scholarship | Full resident tuition + general student fees | Utah resident; typically 3.9+ GPA and 31+ ACT / 1400+ SAT | No (admission-based) | Yes — up to 8 semesters | Top Utah academic admits with elite GPA + test scores | Feb 01 (priority) |
| Resident Exemplary Scholarship | $4,000 per year ($2,000/semester) | Utah resident; typically 3.7+ GPA and ~27–30 ACT* | No (admission-based) | Yes — up to 8 semesters | Strong Utah applicants just below Presidential tier | Feb 01 (priority) |
| Resident Outstanding Scholarship | $3,500 per year ($1,750/semester) | Utah resident; typically 3.6+ GPA and 21–26 ACT* | No (admission-based) | 2 years initially; potential renewal to 4 years with ~3.5 UVU GPA | Solid Utah admits meeting mid-range merit thresholds | Feb 01 (priority) |
| Non-Resident Academic Waiver | Pays the non-resident portion of tuition (value ≈ the resident/non-resident gap, currently about $12,300/year)* | Non-resident; typically high-3s GPA (≈3.6–3.8) and mid-20s ACT* | No (admission-based) | Varies by award; renewal requires meeting standards | Out-of-state students with strong academics seeking near in-state rates | Feb 01 (priority) |
| Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) | Tuition capped at 150% of resident rate (≈ $9,000/year savings vs full OOS)* | Eligible WUE-state residents; program eligibility may vary | No | Yes (while eligible) | WUE-state students who verify eligibility early | Feb 01 (best practice) |
| Transfer Academic Merit — Outstanding | $7,000 total ($3,500/year for 2 years) | Transfer with 60+ credits and 3.7+ GPA | No | Yes — up to 4 semesters | High-performing community-college transfers | Rolling |
| Transfer Academic Merit — Distinguished | $2,000 total ($1,000/semester for 1 year) | Transfer with 24+ credits and 3.5+ GPA | No | No — one-year award | Transfers with solid GPAs seeking first-year cost relief | Rolling |
*GPA/test ranges and dollar values are estimates based on published grids, past recipients, and current tuition gaps; actual thresholds can change by year.
⚠️ How scholarship stacking works at UVU (important)
UVU is generally a “stacking-friendly” school, but it enforces a few rules that can surprise families. Understanding these up front helps avoid confusion later.
- Institutional tuition cap: UVU-funded scholarships and waivers can stack together, but only up to 100% of tuition. Even when tuition is fully covered, students usually still owe student fees and program-specific costs.
- No “double dipping” on tuition waivers: You can’t use two tuition waivers at the same time. For example, WUE pricing does not combine with the Greenlight Scholarship. UVU applies the single option that gives the highest tuition benefit.
- Housing awards are separate: The Honors Housing Scholarship is not a tuition waiver, so it can stack on top of full-tuition scholarships or waivers.
- Outside scholarships still help: Private or community scholarships act like cash and can be used for fees, books, and housing. These usually only reduce UVU aid if your total package exceeds the official cost of attendance.
Bottom line: UVU rewards planning. The goal isn’t stacking everything — it’s choosing the right tuition lever and using outside aid to cover what tuition awards don’t.
FAQ — Automatic Merit Scholarships at UVU
Do UVU automatic scholarships require a separate application?
Usually no. Most listed awards are admission-based, but students must apply by the priority deadline and have transcripts (and test scores, if used) on file.
If UVU is test-optional, should scores still be submitted?
Often yes for top tiers. Strong ACT/SAT scores can help unlock higher awards, while some lower tiers may rely more heavily on GPA alone.
Does UVU superscore ACT or SAT?
UVU does not advertise universal superscoring. However, some scholarships (such as Exemplary) may consider an ACT superscore if submitted and coordinated with Financial Aid by roughly March 1.
What credit load is required to keep merit awards?
Many UVU merit scholarships and waivers require 15 credit hours per semester. Dropping to 12 credits can jeopardize renewal — always check the specific award terms.
What’s the biggest “automatic merit” mistake families make?
Assuming automatic means no deadlines. Applying early and confirming documents are received is critical.
https://www.uvu.edu/financialaid/scholarships/freshman.html
https://www.uvu.edu/financialaid/scholarships/graduate.html
https://www.uvu.edu/admissions/docs/wuevsresidency.pdf
🧭 UVU Scholarship Playbook (Parents’ Version)
- Apply early: Submit the UVU application and make sure transcripts are received (don’t assume “rolling” means “no urgency”).
- By Feb 1: Have admissions + transcripts + any ACT/SAT scores on file to be considered for the best automatic merit and waiver options.
- By Mar 1 (if applicable): If your student improves a test score, submit the update quickly — and ask Financial Aid if it can bump the merit tier for your year.
- File the FAFSA early: Even if you think you won’t qualify, FAFSA can unlock need-based and program-based aid (and helps with eligibility checks).
- Layer hidden gems: Apply for department awards (music/auditions, major-based scholarships, first-gen opportunities) — these are where extra dollars often show up.
- Protect renewal: Double-check credit-load and GPA requirements so your student doesn’t lose a scholarship by accident.
The goal isn’t chasing every scholarship — it’s pulling the right lever (resident merit vs WUE vs waivers) and meeting the priority timeline.
🏆 Flagship & Targeted Competitive Scholarships at Utah Valley University
At many public universities, “flagship” scholarships refer to a school’s most selective, prestige-driven awards. UVU takes a different approach.
Instead of one universal flagship, UVU uses a mix of automatic merit, targeted access programs, and credential-based awards to reduce costs for specific student populations.
UVU’s Closest Equivalents to Flagship Awards
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenlight Scholarship |
Covers remaining tuition after Pell and other gift aid (fees not covered) |
Utah residents with Pell-eligible financial need; funding is limited | Yes (program participation required) | Varies (continued eligibility + funding) | High-need Utah residents who file FAFSA early and meet program criteria | Varies (apply as early as possible) |
| Sterling Scholar — Region Winner |
$4,000 per year ($2,000 per semester) |
Utah Sterling Scholar Region Winners | No (credential verification required) | Yes — up to 4 years (with continued eligibility) | Students who earned Sterling Scholar recognition in high school | Feb 01 (priority) |
FAQ — Flagship & Targeted Competitive Scholarships at UVU
Are these the same as flagship scholarships at other universities?
No. These are targeted programs designed for specific groups (high-need residents or credentialed Utah students),
not broad prestige-based recruiting awards.
Does Greenlight stack with other UVU scholarships?
Sometimes. Because Greenlight is gap-funding, other gift aid may reduce the amount it covers rather than stack cleanly.
Is Sterling Scholar money something students apply for at UVU?
No. Once a student is verified as a Sterling Scholar Region Winner, UVU awards the scholarship automatically.
Should strong students skip this section and focus on automatic merit?
For most families, yes. Automatic merit, WUE pricing, and residency waivers typically have a larger and more predictable impact.
https://www.uvu.edu/financialaid/scholarships/greenlight/index.html
https://www.uvu.edu/financialaid/scholarships/freshman.html
🎖 Honors at Utah Valley University
For most families, UVU’s biggest cost reductions come from automatic merit, WUE pricing, and tuition waivers. Honors is different: the main value is the academic experience (smaller classes, priority registration, mentoring) — with a few targeted scholarships that may help on top.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors Tuition Scholarship | $1,000 (base award) | Honors Program students; award may increase based on academic profile | Yes (Honors participation required) | Varies (based on continued Honors standing) | Students accepted into Honors who follow through on program requirements | Varies (see Honors scholarship page) |
| Honors Housing Scholarship | Covers ~50% of Honors Living-Learning Community rent* (typical) | Honors students living in the Honors Living-Learning Community (LLC) | Yes (housing + Honors requirements) | Varies | Honors students who choose the Honors LLC and meet participation expectations | Varies (housing timeline applies) |
*Housing scholarship amounts vary by housing rates and availability; UVU describes it as covering roughly half of Honors LLC rent.
FAQ — Honors at Utah Valley University
Is this an “Honors College” with extra admissions selectivity?
Not exactly. UVU runs a campus-wide Honors Program rather than a separate Honors College.
Students typically apply after admission and must meet program expectations to remain eligible.
Will Honors meaningfully reduce the cost of attendance?
Sometimes — but it’s usually not the main lever. The Honors Tuition Scholarship is relatively modest,
and the Housing Scholarship depends on living in the Honors LLC. For most students, automatic merit + WUE/waivers drive bigger savings.
Do Honors scholarships stack with other UVU aid?
Often yes, but stacking can be limited by tuition caps and program rules. Always confirm whether an award reduces other institutional aid
or is capped so total scholarships do not exceed tuition.
Who should seriously consider Honors at UVU?
Students who want smaller classes, priority registration, research/mentoring opportunities, and an academic cohort —
especially if they’re thinking about graduate school or competitive internships.
What’s the biggest “miss” families make with Honors?
Assuming it’s automatic. Honors requires follow-through: participation, course requirements, and sometimes housing commitments
if the student wants the housing scholarship path.
https://www.uvu.edu/honors/
https://www.uvu.edu/honors/scholarships.html
⭐ College Specialty
Utah Valley University is best known for combining career-focused programs with unusually strong access and affordability. Rather than leaning on prestige branding, UVU has built a national reputation in a handful of applied fields where graduates move directly into the workforce with practical experience already on their résumé.
Aviation Science & Professional Pilot Programs — UVU operates one of the largest university-based aviation programs in the western U.S., with FAA-aligned training, fleet access, and direct pipelines into commercial and corporate aviation careers. The program is frequently cited for its scale, affordability relative to private flight schools, and strong job placement.
- Digital Media, Animation & Game Development: UVU’s digital media programs are well known in the region for blending creative design with technical production skills, feeding graduates into animation studios, UX/UI roles, and interactive media jobs.
- Business & Entrepreneurship: The Woodbury School of Business emphasizes applied learning, internships, and startup development, with strong outcomes in accounting, finance, and entrepreneurship — especially for students seeking regional employment pipelines.
- Technology & Computing (Software, IT, Engineering Technology): UVU has invested heavily in hands-on tech education, with programs designed to move students quickly into software development, cybersecurity, and applied engineering roles.
- Health Sciences & Nursing: Competitive admission programs with strong clinical partnerships across Utah, preparing students for direct entry into healthcare careers.
🔗 Official Utah Valley University Links
Use Utah Valley University’s official resources below to verify admissions details, scholarship policies, costs, and academic programs. Always rely on these pages for final deadlines, eligibility rules, and award terms.
-
Undergraduate Admissions:
https://www.uvu.edu/admissions/undergrad/ -
Application Deadlines & Requirements:
https://www.uvu.edu/admissions/undergrad/ -
Freshman & Transfer Scholarships:
https://www.uvu.edu/financialaid/scholarships/freshman.html -
Tuition, Fees & Cost of Attendance:
https://www.uvu.edu/financialaid/cost/ -
Net Price Calculator:
https://www.uvu.edu/financialaid/lib/widgets/federal_net_cost_calculator/index.html -
Honors Program & Scholarships:
https://www.uvu.edu/honors/ -
Institutional Research & Data:
https://www.uvu.edu/ir/