Brigham Young University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- BYU tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- How BYU scholarships really work (and what’s competitive)
- Hidden and need-based aid many families overlook
- How BYU’s Church-membership tuition structure affects cost
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~69%
- Middle 50% ACT: 28–32
- Middle 50% SAT: ~1300–1430
- Average GPA (HS): ~3.9
Source: BYU Common Data Set & federal IPEDS 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 →
BYU at a Glance
https://enrollment.byu.edu/admissions/entrance-stats
https://data.byu.edu/00000196-5e69-d4e6-a3bf-5eed34f00001/cds-2024-2025-pdf
https://enrollment.byu.edu/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?230038-Brigham-Young-University
💰 Cost of Attendance at Brigham Young University (2025–2026)
These are the direct, billed costs for a full-time undergraduate student living on campus. One BYU-specific twist: BYU’s tuition is based on Church membership (Latter-day Saint vs. non–Latter-day Saint), not state residency. So in the table below, we show the lower “member” tuition in the In-State column and the higher “non-member” tuition in the Out-of-State column to make the comparison easy.
| Category | In-State (Member Tuition) | Out-of-State (Non-Member Tuition) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (2 semesters) | $6,888 | $13,776 |
| Housing & Meals (on-campus, combined) | $10,716 | $10,716 |
| Total (Direct/Billed) | $17,604 | $24,492 |
Why only these items? We include the costs you typically pay directly to BYU — tuition and on-campus food/housing. BYU’s full Cost of Attendance also includes other “indirect” costs used for financial aid eligibility, such as:
- Books & supplies
- Transportation
- Personal/miscellaneous expenses
Using BYU’s published COA totals, these indirect items add roughly $5,000–$6,000 per year on top of the billed amounts (depending on tuition category).
📉 Average Net Price (What Families Actually Pay)
The average net price is approximately $14,643 per year (federal College Scorecard data). Net price is the average cost
after grants and scholarships — so it’s usually a better “reality check” than sticker price.
If you want the plain-English version of how this works, see our
Net Price & SAI Guide.
Brigham Young University is a private university sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Tuition is not based on state residency. Instead, it’s based on whether a student is a member of the Church.
- Members (Latter-day Saint students): Pay the lower tuition rate because Church members support BYU through tithing and other contributions. This rate applies regardless of what state a student lives in.
- Non-members: Pay the higher tuition rate, which reflects the full, unsubsidized cost of attendance. Residency (Utah vs. out-of-state) does not change this price.
Bottom line: A student from another state who is a Church member pays the same lower tuition as a Utah member, while a Utah resident who is not a member pays the higher non-member rate.
FAQ — Cost of Attendance at Brigham Young University
Why does this page show “in-state” and “out-of-state” if BYU is private?
BYU is a private university and does not price tuition by residency. We use “in-state” as shorthand for the
lower member tuition rate and “out-of-state” as shorthand for the higher non-member tuition rate so families can see the difference clearly.
Do Utah residents automatically get the lower tuition rate?
No. The lower tuition rate is based on Church membership, not on living in Utah.
Does BYU participate in WUE, ACM, MSEP, or other regional tuition exchanges?
BYU’s tuition structure is not residency-based, so regional exchange programs (like WUE or MSEP) typically aren’t part of the pricing picture here.
The main built-in discount is the member tuition rate.
What costs are “billed” vs. “not billed” by BYU?
Billed costs usually include tuition and (if you live on campus) housing and meals. BYU’s full Cost of Attendance also includes indirect costs like books, transportation, and personal expenses.
Those aren’t billed by BYU, but they matter for financial aid eligibility and planning.
Is the average net price ($14,643) what most families will pay?
It’s a federal average across all students. Some families pay less (especially with need-based aid or strong scholarships),
and some pay more (especially without aid). Use BYU’s published cost tables and your aid offers to estimate your real number.
https://enrollment.byu.edu/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance
https://enrollment.byu.edu/tuition
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?230038-Brigham-Young-University
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
At many colleges, students qualify for merit scholarships automatically based on GPA and test scores. BYU works differently. All institutional scholarships require a separate scholarship application and are reviewed competitively.
Even top students — including those with near-perfect GPAs and ACT/SAT scores — must:
- Submit BYU’s general scholarship application
- Meet specific scholarship criteria (academic, need-based, or program-specific)
- Be selected from a competitive pool rather than qualifying automatically
FAQ — Automatic Merit at BYU
Does BYU really offer no automatic merit scholarships?
Correct. BYU does not publish GPA or test-score cutoffs that automatically award merit money.
All scholarships — including top academic awards — require a separate application and competitive review.
If my student has a 4.0 GPA and high ACT/SAT scores, do they still need to apply?
Yes. Strong academics help, but they don’t guarantee funding.
Students must complete the scholarship application to be considered for any BYU institutional aid.
Why doesn’t BYU offer automatic merit like other schools?
BYU uses a centralized, competitive scholarship process that weighs academics,
financial need, and institutional priorities rather than automatic score-based formulas.
Are BYU scholarships still worth applying for?
Yes — but families should understand the odds.
Top awards are limited and competitive, and many students receive partial or need-based aid rather than large merit packages.
Where does automatic aid show up at BYU instead?
BYU’s biggest built-in cost difference is member vs. non-member tuition,
not automatic scholarships. That tuition structure often matters more than merit awards.
🏆 Flagship (Competitive) Scholarships
These are BYU’s most competitive, high-impact scholarships. None are automatic. All require the BYU scholarship application and are awarded to a limited number of students each year.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Freshman University Scholarship – Full Tuition (1 Year) |
100% of Latter-day Saint tuition for 1 year Non-renewable after year one |
Incoming freshmen; competitive academic profile; completion of BYU scholarship application | Yes | No | Students near the top of BYU’s admitted pool (often GPA ~3.9+ and ACT ~30+ / SAT ~1400+*) | Dec 15 (admission) • Feb 1 (scholarship app) |
| New Freshman University Scholarship – Half Tuition (1 Year) |
~50% of Latter-day Saint tuition for 1 year Students must reapply after year one |
Incoming freshmen with strong academics; awarded through BYU’s central scholarship process | Yes | No | Strong admitted students (often GPA ~3.7–3.9 and ACT ~27–30 / SAT ~1300–1400*) | Dec 15 (admission) • Feb 1 (scholarship app) |
| Presidential / Russell M. Nelson–Type Scholarship |
~100%–150% of member tuition (multi-year; up to 8 semesters) Note: BYU’s current freshman scholarship page does not consistently publish the “150%” figure by name each year; treat this as a top-tier estimate. |
Incoming freshmen; scholarship application + essays; strong academics; testing often required for top tiers | Yes | Yes (up to 8 semesters) | Typically GPA 3.9–4.0* with ACT 31–32* / SAT 1400–1450* plus strong essays and fit | Scholarship app due ~Feb 1 |
| Heritage Scholarship | Full member tuition (up to 8 semesters) | Incoming freshmen; ACT/SAT required + scholarship application | Yes | Yes (up to 8 semesters) | Typically GPA 3.85–4.0* with ACT 29–31* / SAT 1340–1410* (plus strong application) | Scholarship app due ~Feb 1 |
| BYU-Sponsored National Merit Scholarship | Full member tuition (up to 8 semesters) | National Merit Finalists who list BYU as first choice and qualify for a Presidential/Heritage-level award | Yes | Yes (up to 8 semesters) | National Merit Finalists who also meet BYU’s top scholarship criteria (academics + application) | Scholarship app due ~Feb 1 |
| Sterling Scholarship Competition Awards (Utah Sterling Scholar) |
~$3,000–$7,000 per year* (can approach full member tuition in some cases) Note: BYU confirms awards for Utah Sterling Scholar winners but does not publish a single fixed amount. |
Utah Sterling Scholar regional/final winners (program-based selection) + BYU scholarship process | Yes | Sometimes | Sterling Scholar winners (regional/final) with competitive academics (often GPA 3.8+*) | Scholarship app due ~Feb 1 |
*GPA/test ranges are estimates based on past recipients and published profiles; actual thresholds can change by year.
FAQ — Flagship Scholarships at BYU
Do these scholarships require a separate application?
Yes. BYU does not award merit automatically at admission. Students must complete BYU’s scholarship application (and often essays)
to be considered for Presidential/Heritage/National Merit and related top awards.
BYU is test-optional — so why do test scores still matter here?
Test-optional applies to admission, but BYU’s scholarship materials indicate that some top tiers still use ACT/SAT for selection.
If your student has strong scores, submit them — and remember BYU superscores both tests.
Can a National Merit Finalist stack this award with another BYU tuition scholarship?
Usually no. BYU describes the BYU-sponsored National Merit scholarship as an alternative award for Finalists who also qualify
for a Presidential/Heritage-level scholarship — meaning it often replaces another tuition award rather than stacking on top of it.
What’s the biggest mistake families make with BYU scholarships?
Assuming a high GPA triggers automatic merit. At BYU, the application and essays matter.
Plan your budget as if you’ll get no flagship scholarship — then treat any award as a bonus.
If my student is close to a “top tier,” should they retest?
Possibly. Because BYU superscores ACT and SAT, a small improvement in one section can raise the superscore.
If your student is targeting the highest tiers, retesting can be one of the few “high leverage” moves.
https://enrollment.byu.edu/financial-aid/new-freshman-scholarships
https://enrollment.byu.edu/financial-aid/former-continuing-student-scholarships
https://enrollment.byu.edu/admissions/act-sat-test-scores
🎖 Honors Program & Scholarships
Brigham Young University does not have a separate, stand-alone Honors College. Instead, BYU operates an Honors Program that runs alongside a student’s major. Honors participation can unlock small but meaningful scholarships, research funding, and academic perks — especially for students who stay engaged beyond their first year.
| Scholarship / Funding | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Receives It? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors Program Scholarships |
~$1,000–$4,000 per year* Note: Awards may be tuition-based or tied to Honors participation. |
Students accepted into the BYU Honors Program; typically after the first year | Yes | Sometimes | Strong BYU students (often GPA ~3.7+*) who actively participate in Honors coursework and projects | Varies (often spring) |
| Honors Thesis & Research Funding | ~$500–$3,000 per project* | Upper-division Honors students completing an Honors thesis or approved research project | Yes | No | Students proposing clear research or thesis plans with faculty support | Varies by funding round |
*Award amounts and GPA ranges are estimates based on Honors Program descriptions and past recipient patterns; actual funding and thresholds can change by year.
FAQ — Honors at Brigham Young University
Is BYU’s Honors Program the same as an Honors College?
No. BYU runs an Honors Program rather than a separate Honors College.
Students complete Honors requirements alongside their major instead of enrolling in a separate college.
Do Honors students automatically receive scholarships?
No. Honors participation can open doors to scholarships and funding, but awards are competitive
and usually require a separate application.
When do students usually apply to the Honors Program?
Some students enter as freshmen, but many join after their first year once they’ve established a strong BYU GPA.
Is the Honors Program worth it if the scholarships are small?
Often yes — especially for students planning graduate school.
The research experience, thesis option, faculty mentoring, and priority opportunities
can matter more long-term than the dollar amount alone.
Can Honors funding stack with other BYU scholarships?
Usually yes, but total aid may be capped at tuition or cost-of-attendance limits.
Always review the financial aid award notice carefully.
https://honors.byu.edu/scholarships
https://honors.byu.edu/thesis
https://catalog.byu.edu/academic-programs/honors-program
⭐ What Brigham Young University Is Known For
Brigham Young University is known for pairing strong academics with a distinctive mission and campus culture. While scholarships are competitive, many families choose BYU for its academic depth, outcomes, and unusually low tuition (relative to peer private universities).
- Business & Accounting: BYU’s Marriott School of Business is nationally recognized, particularly for accounting, finance, and entrepreneurship. Graduates are heavily recruited by major firms and employers.
- Engineering: Strong undergraduate programs in mechanical, electrical, civil, and chemical engineering, with an emphasis on hands-on learning and applied research.
- Computer Science & Technology: Well-regarded computer science and information technology programs feeding into software, data, and tech roles.
- Languages & International Studies: One of BYU’s standout strengths. Many students graduate with advanced proficiency in a second language, supported by immersive programs and a globally focused curriculum.
- Pre-Professional Preparation: Strong placement into graduate programs (law, business, and other professional schools), aided by rigorous coursework and faculty mentoring.
For students who align with BYU’s expectations and culture, these strengths can matter as much as — or more than — the availability of large merit scholarships.
🔗 Official Brigham Young University Links
Use BYU’s official university 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://enrollment.byu.edu/admissions -
How to Apply (First-Year Students):
https://enrollment.byu.edu/admissions/apply -
Application Deadlines & Requirements:
https://enrollment.byu.edu/admissions/apply/deadlines -
Scholarships & Financial Aid (New & Continuing Students):
https://enrollment.byu.edu/financial-aid/scholarships -
New Freshman Scholarships:
https://enrollment.byu.edu/financial-aid/new-freshman-scholarships -
Tuition & Cost of Attendance:
https://enrollment.byu.edu/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance -
Net Price Calculator:
https://npc.collegeboard.org/app/byu -
Admitted Student Profile / Common Data Set:
https://data.byu.edu/00000196-5e69-d4e6-a3bf-5eed34f00001/cds-2024-2025-pdf