University of Utah Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on March 31, 2026- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~83%
- Middle 50% ACT: 26
- Middle 50% SAT: 1250
- Average GPA: 3.8
- Below the typical ranges: Utah is still very attainable. Focus on GPA improvement and applying early—this is a school where access is real.
- In the typical ranges: You’re in a strong position for admission and automatic merit. This is where Utah becomes a solid value option—especially for out-of-state students with WUE potential.
- Well above the ranges: You’ll likely maximize automatic merit and may be competitive for top awards like Presidential or Flagship scholarships.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 University of Utah at a Glance
- Automatic merit won’t fully close the gap: Awards up to about $12,000/year help—but out-of-state students still need additional aid or WUE.
- WUE is limited: It’s available for certain majors and students—not guaranteed for everyone.
- Top awards are competitive: Scholarships like Presidential and Flagship require strong academics and are not automatic.
- Merit deadline matters: Missing the December 1 priority deadline can significantly reduce scholarship opportunities.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — University of Utah is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 26; SAT: 1250.
Average net price? About $12,464/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? Yes — participates in WUE.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Utah 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) | $10,287 | $33,063 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $13,700 | $13,700 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $23,987 | $46,763 |
Average Federal Net Price: $12,464 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
🎓 WUE & Residency FAQ
Who qualifies for WUE?
Residents of WUE states and territories (AK, AZ, CA, CO, GU, HI, ID, MT, NV, NM, ND, OR, SD, WA, WY, and the Northern Mariana Islands)
who meet academic criteria and apply early for consideration.
Is WUE automatic?
No. WUE at Utah is competitive and space-limited. Strong academics (GPA ≥ 3.85 unweighted preferred)
and early applications increase your chances.
Can WUE be combined with other scholarships?
No. WUE cannot be stacked with Utah’s larger merit scholarships (like the Academic Excellence or Presidential awards).
The university will award whichever option provides the greater benefit.
Can I gain Utah residency later?
It’s possible but difficult. Utah requires 12 months of continuous residence, proof of financial independence,
and limited full-time enrollment during that period. Most out-of-state students don’t qualify until junior year—if at all.
Tuition & Fees (current schedules): https://registrar.utah.edu/tuition/
Net Price Calculator: https://financialaid.utah.edu/net-price-calculator/
Financial Aid — Cost of Attendance guidance: https://financialaid.utah.edu/cost-of-attendance/
Housing & Dining (rates & meal plans): https://housing.utah.edu/rates/
Health Insurance / Waiver information: https://studenthealth.utah.edu/insurance/
WUE program details (University of Utah): https://admissions.utah.edu/wue/
Residency classification (requirements): https://registrar.utah.edu/residency/
Automatic Scholarships at University of Utah
The University of Utah automatically considers Utah residents and out-of-state students for merit scholarships based on their high school GPA, with no separate scholarship application required as long as admissions deadlines are met.
Most major merit awards (such as WUE or the For Utah Scholarship) cannot be combined with other automatic University of Utah merit scholarships. Students receive only their highest-value offer, but smaller department or private awards may be stackable.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| President’s Scholarship | Up to $12,000/year + housing | Utah residents, ~3.9+ unweighted GPA, new freshmen | No | Yes (8 semesters, GPA/credit req.) | Highest academic Utah residents, top 5–10% of admits | Dec 1 |
| For Utah Scholarship | Full tuition + fees | Utah residents, 3.2+ unweighted GPA, Pell eligible, FAFSA | No (need FAFSA only) | Yes (8 semesters, maintain eligibility) | Lowest income Utah residents who meet GPA/aid cut-off | Dec 1 |
| Utah Academic Scholarship | Up to $8,000/year | Out-of-state, 3.9+ unweighted GPA, new freshmen | No | Yes (8 semesters, GPA/credit req.) | Top nonresident admits (approx. top 10%) | Dec 1 |
| Utah Academic Recognition | $6,000/year | Out-of-state, 3.85–3.89 unweighted GPA, new freshmen | No | Yes (8 semesters, GPA/credit req.) | Strong nonresident students, just below top Academic | Dec 1 |
| Utah Flagship Scholarship | $5,000/year | Out-of-state, 3.75–3.84 unweighted GPA, new freshmen | No | Yes (8 semesters, GPA/credit req.) | Admits with strong grades, not top Academic cutoff | Dec 1 |
| Academic Excellence Award | $1,500–$4,000/year | Out-of-state, 3.6–3.74 unweighted GPA, new freshmen | No | Yes (8 semesters, GPA/credit req.) | Solid nonresident applicants, not highest tier | Dec 1 |
FAQ: University of Utah Automatic Scholarships
No—automatic merit scholarships require only a complete admissions application submitted by the priority date. The For Utah Scholarship also requires a completed FAFSA.
Yes—Utah residents have one set of offerings (President’s, For Utah) and out-of-state students have their own (Utah Academic, Recognition, Flagship, Excellence).
Utah uses your unweighted GPA as calculated from your transcript. Honors/AP/IB coursework is factored into admissions but not into the numeric GPA for scholarship purposes.
Test submission is optional, but if your GPA is on the low end of a cutoff, a strong single-date test score may help. Utah never superscores for admission or scholarships.
Yes—awards are renewable for up to 8 semesters (4 years) as long as academic and credit-hour minimums are met. Details vary by award, but most require 12+ credits per semester and a cumulative GPA check at the end of each year.
Competitive Scholarships at University of Utah
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eccles Distinguished Scholar | Full tuition + enrichment | Top 1–2% of admits, Honors eligible, ACT 34+ or SAT 1500+ | Yes (separate Honors app/nomination) | Yes (up to 8 semesters) | Students with nearly perfect scores and strong leadership/service | Nov 1 |
| Honors College Research Awards | $1,000–$2,500 | Members of the Honors College | No—nominated/project-based | Sometimes (varies by project) | Honors students doing thesis or research | Spring/rolling |
| College/Department Scholarships | $500–$5,000 | Declared in major; departmental selection | Usually yes (college app/essay) | Yes (annual application) | Students with faculty involvement, research, or service | Feb–Mar |
| Outside Donor/Named Awards (via AcademicWorks) | $500–$5,000 | Varies: need or achievement by donor criteria | Yes (AcademicWorks/U search app) | Sometimes | Applicants who write strong essays, align with donor values | Feb–Mar |
FAQ: Competitive Scholarships at Utah
The Eccles Distinguished and full-tuition scholarships are given to fewer than 2% of applicants per year. Most recipients combine top GPAs, national test scores, and impactful extracurriculars.
For Eccles and most research awards, yes—being in Honors is required or heavily preferred. Departmental and outside/donor scholarships can be open to all admitted students.
Watch for the Honors app (Nov 1) and departmental scholarship calls by spring. Use U’s AcademicWorks system for searchable donor awards after admission.
Generally, no. Large awards like Eccles replace other major merit or WUE. Departmental or donor awards may be stackable, but read the terms closely or ask your scholarship office.
University of Utah Honors College
The Honors College is built for curious, purposeful learners: small seminars, priority registration, early research, and a close-knit, diverse community.
Admission is competitive—most students have a 3.75+ unweighted GPA and an ACT around 30 (or SAT 1350+); the 2024 class averaged a 3.90 GPA and ACT 30, with 17% first-generation students.
Honors students are automatically considered for scholarships like the Eccles Distinguished Scholarship and Honors College merit awards.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eccles Distinguished Scholarship | Full tuition, fees, books, on-campus housing, stipend | Utah-resident, 3.9+ GPA, Honors, top-tier scores/service | No (auto for admitted Honors) | Yes (8 semesters) | Top Honors admits, 20 awards/year; 1–2% of applicants | Jan 1 |
| Honors College Merit Awards | $1,000–$7,500/year | Honors admits, merit/leadership/service | No (auto on Honors admission) | Yes | All Honors freshmen with strong portfolio/essay | Jan 1 |
| Honors Thesis/Research Awards | $500–$2,000 | Honors College students working on senior projects | Yes (project proposal) | No (project based) | Juniors/seniors with strong project, faculty mentor | Feb/rolling |
| Honors College Opportunity/Access Grants | $500–$2,000 | Honors students with demonstrated financial need | Yes (FAFSA/ORSAA + short essay) | No | First-generation, Pell-eligible, or underrepresented | Mar 1 |
Honors is both an accelerated academic track and a launchpad to top scholarships and research opportunities.
FAQ: Utah Honors College
Yes, submit the Honors College application (via Common App or university portal) by the stated deadline; it also puts you in the running for Eccles and Honors merit aid.
For students seeking seminar-style classes, early research, and campus leadership, Honors is often deeply rewarding: it gives mentoring, priority registration, and scholarship access. It isn’t needed for all, but is highly valued by many.
Middle 50%: 3.75+ GPA and ACT 30 (or SAT 1350+). Most accepted applicants meet or exceed these numbers, even though Utah is test-optional.
Yes—major competitive scholarships (Eccles Distinguished, Honors Research Awards) go only to Honors students.
It’s highly competitive—only 20 awarded annually, almost always to the very top Honors admits. However, all Honors students are in the pool for other merit and departmental grants that can combine for significant aid.