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🎓 University of Utah Scholarships: What Parents Need to Know
The University of Utah is growing in national appeal, drawing students from across the West with its mountain campus, strong health sciences, and tech-adjacent programs. But here’s what many families don’t hear up front: Utah can be affordable — but only if you understand how the aid works, especially for out-of-state students.
Utah does offer automatic merit scholarships, but they’re limited — and often don’t close the full gap for out-of-state tuition. And unless you qualify for the WUE or gain residency after a year, the sticker price can sting.
If you’re a Utah resident, start with the Utah state grant and scholarship programs that could reduce your cost. But for everyone else — especially out-of-state families — this page breaks down the real numbers, who qualifies for aid, and what kind of scholarships might actually make a difference.
📚 Cost of Attendance | 🧮 Automatic Scholarships | 🏆 Competitive Scholarships | 💎 Hidden Gems | 🎓 Honors College | 📝 What To Do Next
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Utah (2025–2026)
Here’s what families can expect to pay before scholarships or aid are applied:
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $10,287 | $33,063 |
| Room & Board | $13,700 | $13,700 |
| Books, Supplies, Misc. | $4,100 | $4,100 |
| 📊 Estimated Total | $28,087 | $50,863 |
📘 Residency Matters: What to Know About WUE
The University of Utah does not automatically reduce tuition for out-of-state students — but some may qualify for a lower rate through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)competitive and space-limited.
✅ Who Can Qualify for WUE?
Students from the following WUE states and territories may be eligible:
Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, Wyoming, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
📊 Academic Profile for Competitive WUE Applicants:
💡 Bottom Line: If your child is from a WUE state and has a strong academic record, apply early and ask about WUE consideration. It’s not guaranteed — but it can save your family thousands.
The University of Utah does not automatically reduce tuition for out-of-state students — but some may qualify for a lower rate through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)competitive and space-limited.
✅ Who Can Qualify for WUE?
Students from the following WUE states and territories may be eligible:
Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, Wyoming, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
📊 Academic Profile for Competitive WUE Applicants:
- GPA 3.85+ (unweighted): Strongest chance
- GPA 3.6–3.84: Possible, especially with strong test scores
- ACT 28+ / SAT 1310+: May strengthen borderline applicants
- ACT 24–27 / SAT 1180–1300: Might help if GPA is close
💡 Bottom Line: If your child is from a WUE state and has a strong academic record, apply early and ask about WUE consideration. It’s not guaranteed — but it can save your family thousands.
💸 Net Price (What Families Actually Pay)
Utah’s average net price for in-state students is around $12,500/year after scholarships and grants. Out-of-state students typically pay between $27,000–$34,000/year depending on merit awards or WUE eligibility.
Utah’s average net price for in-state students is around $12,500/year after scholarships and grants. Out-of-state students typically pay between $27,000–$34,000/year depending on merit awards or WUE eligibility.
What is the WUE tuition rate at Utah?
WUE stands for the Western Undergraduate Exchange, and it means students from certain states may pay around 150% of in-state tuition instead of the full out-of-state price.
At Utah, in-state tuition is about $10,287. So with WUE, the cost would be approximately:
At Utah, in-state tuition is about $10,287. So with WUE, the cost would be approximately:
- In-state tuition: $10,287
- WUE tuition (approx. 150%): ~$15,430
- Full out-of-state tuition: $33,063
Is WUE guaranteed at the University of Utah?
No. WUE at Utah is not automatic — it’s competitive and space-limited. You’ll need strong academics and an early application to be considered.
Do I have to apply separately for WUE?
In most cases, students are automatically considered for WUE when they apply for admission — but you may still need to meet priority deadlines or indicate interest. It’s a good idea to confirm this directly with the admissions office.
Can I use WUE and other scholarships together?
No — WUE can’t be stacked with Utah’s larger merit scholarships. If your student qualifies for both, the university will usually award whichever option provides the bigger discount.
Can I become a Utah resident after my first year?
It’s possible, but tricky. Utah has strict rules for residency, including living in the state for 12 months, being financially independent, and not being in school full time during that year. Most out-of-state students don’t qualify for in-state residency until junior year — if at all.
🧮 Automatic Scholarships at University of Utah
📌 Note on Test Scores: Utah does not superscore ACT or SAT for any admission or scholarship decision. Only the highest composite score from a single test date is considered—no mixing sections across multiple dates.
Utah is test-optional, so submitting scores is entirely your choice—just know that a strong single-date score can help if your GPA is near a cutoff.
The University of Utah automatically considers both Utah residents and out-of-state students for certain merit-based scholarships based on high school GPA. No separate application is needed — your child will be reviewed when they apply for admission by the priority deadline.
⚠️ Can You Stack Scholarships?
Most automatic merit scholarships at the University of Utah cannot be combined with other major awards like WUE or the For Utah Scholarship. Students typically receive the highest-value award they qualify for — not a combination. However, smaller departmental or private scholarships may still stack on top.
Most automatic merit scholarships at the University of Utah cannot be combined with other major awards like WUE or the For Utah Scholarship. Students typically receive the highest-value award they qualify for — not a combination. However, smaller departmental or private scholarships may still stack on top.
| Scholarship Name | Award Amount | Eligibility (GPA) | Renewable? | Residency | Separate App? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| President’s Scholarship | Up to $12,000/year + housing | ~3.9+ GPA (estimated) | Yes (up to 8 semesters) | Utah Residents | No |
| For Utah Scholarship | Full tuition + fees | 3.2+ GPA + Pell-eligible | Yes (up to 8 semesters) | Utah Residents | FAFSA Required |
| Utah Academic Scholarship | Up to $8,000/year | 3.9+ GPA | Yes (up to 8 semesters) | Out-of-State | No |
| Utah Academic Recognition | $6,000/year | 3.85–3.89 GPA | Yes (up to 8 semesters) | Out-of-State | No |
| Utah Flagship Scholarship | $5,000/year | 3.75–3.84 GPA | Yes (up to 8 semesters) | Out-of-State | No |
| Academic Excellence Award | $1,500–$4,000/year | 3.6–3.74 GPA | Yes (up to 8 semesters) | Out-of-State | No |
📝 Note: Utah residents and non-residents are reviewed for different merit scholarships. Awards are based primarily on high school GPA. Test scores may help borderline applicants, but Utah does not superscore — only the highest score from a single test date is considered.
Do I need to apply separately for these scholarships?
No. All automatic merit scholarships are awarded through the regular admissions process — as long as you apply by the priority deadline. There’s no extra application required unless you’re applying for financial aid (e.g. the For Utah Scholarship, which requires the FAFSA).
Can Utah residents and out-of-state students both get automatic scholarships?
Yes. Utah residents are considered for awards like the President’s and For Utah scholarships, while out-of-state students are reviewed for separate awards like the Utah Academic and Flagship scholarships. Each group has different criteria and award levels.
What GPA is used — weighted or unweighted?
Utah reviews your **unweighted high school GPA** on a 4.0 scale when determining automatic scholarship eligibility. They may look at academic rigor during holistic review, but GPA remains the key metric.
Do I need to submit ACT or SAT scores?
No — Utah is test-optional. But if your GPA is slightly below a scholarship cutoff, a strong test score (from a single sitting) could help. Utah does not superscore tests when evaluating scholarships.
Are these scholarships renewable?
Yes — most automatic merit scholarships at Utah are renewable for up to 8 semesters (4 years) as long as your student meets GPA and credit-hour requirements each year. Check each award’s terms for specific renewal criteria.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships at University of Utah
⚠️ Top-tier scholarship alert: These awards are highly competitive. Most require a separate application, high test scores, or Honors College eligibility. Strong grades alone usually aren’t enough — students need a standout application and strong extracurriculars.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eccles Distinguished Scholar | Full tuition + enrichment | Top 1–2% academics, Honors-eligible | ✅ | ✅ | ACT 34+/SAT 1500+, leadership, Honors invite |
| Honors College Research Awards | $1,000–$2,500 | Must be in Honors College | ❌ | Sometimes | Honors students engaged in research or creative projects |
| College/Department Scholarships | Varies by major | Admitted students by major | ❌ | ✅ | Students in STEM, Business, or Honors-level majors |
| Outside Donor Awards (via AcademicWorks) | $500–$5,000 | Current or incoming students | ✅ | Sometimes | Students who match specific criteria (e.g. first-gen, major, service) |
🎯 Reality Check: Full-tuition scholarships like Eccles are incredibly competitive — we’re talking top 1–2% of applicants, often with near-perfect academics, leadership roles, and strong Honors College involvement.
If your child isn’t in that range, that doesn’t mean Utah is off the table — it just means it’s time to focus on automatic merit, hidden departmental awards, and smart financial planning. Big awards are rare, but strategic stacking and early action can still save your family thousands.
If your child isn’t in that range, that doesn’t mean Utah is off the table — it just means it’s time to focus on automatic merit, hidden departmental awards, and smart financial planning. Big awards are rare, but strategic stacking and early action can still save your family thousands.
Are these competitive scholarships actually realistic?
These awards are real — but extremely limited. Full-tuition scholarships like the Eccles Scholar typically go to students in the top 1–2% of applicants, often with a 34+ ACT, 4.0 GPA, leadership roles, and Honors College involvement. That said, students outside this range can still earn meaningful awards through academic departments, donor funds, and automatic merit — so it’s still worth applying.
Do I have to be in the Honors College to win these?
For the most prestigious scholarships like Eccles and Honors Research Awards, yes — being in the Honors College is often required or strongly preferred. However, many departmental or private donor awards are open to all admitted students, regardless of Honors status.
How do I apply for these scholarships?
Some awards (like Eccles) require a separate application, typically through the Honors College or AcademicWorks system. Others are awarded automatically based on your admissions materials or major. To be safe, apply early and check your UMail and Utah scholarship portals regularly after admission.
Can I stack these with other scholarships?
Usually not. Large competitive scholarships like Eccles replace automatic merit or WUE. However, smaller awards — like research stipends or departmental grants — may stack depending on the terms. Always read the fine print.
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships at University of Utah
Not every scholarship at Utah is listed in the big brochures — but these smaller awards can really stretch your dollar. Some come with a bit of extra effort, like applying or showing proof of involvement, and many stack neatly with larger scholarships like automatic merit or WUE.
You don’t have to be a music major or honors student to qualify. These awards support students across identities, majors, and campus involvement — and can help cover the gaps that big merit aid leaves behind.
| Scholarship / Program | Award Range | Who It’s For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCESS Scholars Program | Full first-year tuition | Women and nonbinary students in STEM | Includes mentorship and cohort experience |
| Hinckley Institute Awards | $500–$3,000 | Students doing internships (Utah or D.C.) | Especially for poli sci, pre-law, or public service majors |
| Student Leadership Awards | Tuition waivers or stipends | Resident assistants, student gov, ambassadors | Often includes housing discounts or salaries |
| AcademicWorks Donor Awards | $500–$5,000 | Varies by donor, major, service, identity | Apply annually through Utah’s portal |
| Veteran & Dream Center Scholarships | $500–$3,000 | Veteran, military-affiliated, DACA, undocumented students | Apply through respective campus centers |
| Marching Band Performance Scholarship | ~$500–$2,000 | Full-time students (any major) with 2.0+ GPA | Audition required; reapply annually |
| Alumni Marching Band Leadership Scholarship | ~$1,000–$2,500 | Section leaders, drumline leaders | Requires leadership role + GPA 2.0+ |
| School of Music General Scholarships | Up to $5,000 | Music majors and minors | Audition + application due by Feb 15 |
| Department Ensemble Awards | $500–$2,500 | Ensemble participants (choir, jazz, orchestra) | Audition required; may stack with merit |
| Music Donor Awards via AcademicWorks | $500–$5,000 | Music students by major, identity, or service | Apply through Utah’s AcademicWorks portal |
Can I stack these with my merit or WUE scholarship?
In many cases, yes. Most of these “hidden gem” awards — like band scholarships, departmental donor funds, or leadership stipends — can stack on top of your automatic merit or WUE award. Just be sure to check the fine print for each scholarship to confirm.
Do I have to be a music major to get a marching band or ensemble scholarship?
No — many music and ensemble scholarships are open to any full-time student, regardless of major. You do have to audition, maintain a minimum GPA, and participate consistently, but you don’t have to major in music to qualify.
Where do I apply for these hidden scholarships?
Most are listed in the AcademicWorks portal or through specific campus offices (like the School of Music, Honors College, or Veterans Support Center). Once you’re admitted, keep an eye on your UMail and scholarship dashboard — many apps open in January or February.
Do I need to be in the Honors College to qualify for these?
Not at all. Some scholarships (like Honors research grants) do require Honors participation, but most hidden awards — like departmental scholarships, marching band aid, or ACCESS STEM — are open to all admitted students who meet the basic requirements.
How much time do these scholarships take to apply for?
It varies. Some require just a resume upload or a short paragraph about your involvement. Others (like marching band or ACCESS) require an audition, recommendation, or separate application. But in general, most take less than an hour — and can be well worth the effort.
| Offer | Details |
|---|---|
| Honors Admission Credential Expectations | ~3.75+ GPA and ~ACT 30 (even test-optional bodies often exceed this) |
| Eccles Distinguished Scholarship | Full tuition, fees, books + on-campus housing + stipend; awarded to ~20 Utah-resident Honors students per year |
| Honors College Merit Awards | All Honors-admitted freshmen receive Honors-linked merit scholarships automatically—based on GPA and rigor, layered on top of regular aid |
📌 Note on Test Scores: The University of Utah does not superscore the ACT or SAT for Honors admission or scholarship consideration. They’ll use your highest composite score from a single test date — not a combination of section scores.
That said, Utah is test-optional, so submitting scores is up to you — but a strong one-test composite can still boost borderline applications.
That said, Utah is test-optional, so submitting scores is up to you — but a strong one-test composite can still boost borderline applications.
Bottom line: Honors works as both an accelerated academic track and a launchpad to high-level scholarships and undergraduate opportunities.
Do I need to apply separately to Honors College?
Yes, students must complete the **Honors College application**—usually through the Honors portal or Common App—by the stated deadline (often Jan–Feb). Being in Honors also automatically puts you in consideration for scholarships like Eccles.
Is Honors College worth the extra effort?
If your child enjoys discussion-based classes, research, or stronger academic community — yes. Honors offers priority registration, smaller classes, mentoring, and scholarship access. It may not be worth it for everyone, but for curious students it can really elevate their experience.
What GPA and test scores does Honors expect?
Competitive applicants typically have around a **3.75+ unweighted GPA** and ACT around **30** (or SAT ~1350) — even though Utah is test-optional, most accepted students submit scores around this level.
Do I have to be in Honors to get Eccles or other top scholarships?
Yes — major competitive scholarships, like the Eccles Distinguished Scholar, are awarded **only to Honors College students**, often through separate application or invitation.
Is the Eccles scholarship realistic?
It’s very competitive — typically awarded to the top 1–2% of Honors students with strong leadership, academics, and community involvement. Even if it feels out of reach, students in Honors may qualify for other merit awards or departmental scholarships that stack.
📊 Compare Offers Like a Pro: Use our
College Offer Comparison Sheet
to line up scholarships, costs, and net price side by side — especially if Utah is one of several options your student is considering.
📝 What To Do Next
- Apply Early Action (Dec 1) for best scholarship consideration
- Submit both the FAFSA for need-based aid
- Complete the Honors College application by the published deadline if interested
- Look for departmental and talent-based scholarships — especially in music, arts, or research
- Use our Brag Sheet Builder to help your kid stand out
🧰 Parent Tools: These free resources can help you stay organized and give your kid an edge:
If you’ve made it this far, you already know the University of Utah isn’t handing out full rides to everyone. But if your kid’s a strong fit — and you can make the numbers work — it can be an incredible place to grow, learn, and launch. Just don’t let the zip code or football program distract you from the math.