Utah State University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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Paying for college shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. This guide breaks down Utah State’s real costs, automatic awards, competitive programs, and hidden gems—so first‑gen families can plan with confidence. When you’re ready, pair these campus options with Utah aid in our Utah State Aid Guide and browse more opportunities at the CRP Scholarships Hub.
- 💰 Cost of Attendance
- ✅ Automatic Merit
- 🏆 Competitive Scholarships
- 💎 Hidden Gems
- ⭐ College Specialty
- 🎖️ Honors College
💰 Cost of Attendance (Logan campus, per semester)
Assumes full‑time enrollment (12–18 credits). Multiply by 2 for the academic year.
| Item | In‑State | Out‑of‑State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits) | $4,389.59 | $12,828.75 |
| Housing & Meal Plan (on‑campus average) | $3,789 | $3,789 |
| Books & Supplies (standard allowance) | $420 | $420 |
| Travel (standard allowance) | $176 | $176 |
| Personal/Misc. (standard allowance) | $1,113 | $1,113 |
| Total (per semester) | $9,887.59 | $18,326.75 |
Regional Discounts: Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)
Nonresidents from WUE states can pay 150% of resident tuition (plus standard fees), up to 8 semesters. Cannot stack with other USU tuition waivers/tuition‑reduction awards; time on WUE does not count toward Utah residency.
Real‑$ example (12–18 credits, per semester): Resident tuition = $3,915.52 ⇒ WUE tuition = 1.5×$3,915.52 = $5,873.28; add student fees ≈ $474.07 ⇒ ~$6,347 total. Compared to the standard nonresident $12,829, that’s ~$6,481 saved per semester (~$12,963/year).For more information, check out our plain english WUE Guide
Who qualifies?
How much is the discount?
Apply or automatic?
✅ Automatic Merit (Admission-based, Fall 2025–Spring 2026)
Your admissions application is your scholarship application. Awards use the USU Scholarship Index (GPA + ACT/SAT) unless noted.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (Index/GPA) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Presidential | 100% Tuition & Student Fees (4 yrs) | Index 96–100 | No | Yes — maintain ~3.5 GPA & 24 credits/yr | Top academic admits (near-perfect Index; strongest rigor/tests) |
| Resident Deans | $7,000/yr (4 yrs) | Index 93–95 | No | Yes — typical 3.5 GPA & 24 credits/yr | High Index, strong A/B record with solid rigor |
| Resident Scholar | $5,000/yr (4 yrs) | Index 89–92 | No | Yes | Solid A/B students; consistent upper-level coursework |
| Resident Merit | $3,500/yr (4 yrs) | Index 85–88 | No | Yes | B+/A- students with strong trend |
| Resident Land Grant | $2,500/yr (4 yrs) | Index 83–84 | No | Yes | Good A/B mix; solid Index fit |
| Resident Trustee | $1,500/yr (4 yrs) | Index 78–82 | No | Yes | Admits meeting Index floor with positive trajectory |
| Nonresident Presidential | 100% Tuition & Fees (4 yrs) | Index 96–100 | No | Yes | Top nonresident admits (highest Index) |
| Nonresident Deans | $24,000 (yr 1) + $7,000 (yr 2) | Index 93–95 | No | 2 years total | Very strong Index; plan to establish residency after yr 1–2 |
| Nonresident Scholar | $17,000 (yr 1) | Index 87–92 | No | 1 year | Strong Index; residency plan encouraged |
| Nonresident Merit | $15,000 (yr 1) | Index 81–86 | No | 1 year | Solid academics; strong fit to Index range |
| 100-Mile Radius (Logan only) | $11,500 (yr 1) | Index 60–80 | No | 1 year | Nearby nonresidents within radius; plan to gain residency |
| WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange) | Pays 150% of resident tuition (≈$11.5k/yr) | Index 60–80 + WUE residency | No (invite/accept) | Up to 8 semesters | Nonresidents from WUE states; cannot stack with USU tuition waivers |
| Aggie (Logan only) | $15,000 (yr 1) | GPA-only 3.4–4.0 | No | 1 year | Strong unweighted GPA; test-optional friendly |
| Trustee (Logan only) | $8,000 (yr 1) | GPA-only 3.0–3.39 | No | 1 year | Solid GPAs; good test-optional pathway |
Note on the Scholarship Index: USU’s Scholarship Index combines your unweighted high school GPA with ACT/SAT scores to assign a score that determines your award tier. If you apply test-optional, you may qualify for GPA-only awards or request a Comprehensive Scholarship Review for placement.
Why ranges differ: nonresident awards are front-loaded (bigger year-1 amounts) because USU encourages students to establish Utah residency after the first year when eligible. WUE is a tuition rate (not a cash scholarship) and can’t stack with other USU tuition waivers/reductions.
FAQ
- Do I need tests? USU is test-optional. If you’re missing ACT/SAT, you’ll be reviewed by GPA or via a Comprehensive Scholarship Review (CSR) if requested by the deadline.
- Superscore? USU uses the Scholarship Index; when tests are submitted, the best section scores are considered per USU policy. If test-optional, GPA-only awards (Aggie/Trustee) or CSR can apply.
- Stacking rules? Tuition can only be covered once. WUE cannot be combined with other USU tuition-waiver/tuition-reduction awards; private outside scholarships usually stack.
Priority dates that affect auto-merit consideration (Fall 2025): Apply by Dec 1, 2024 (Logan/Statewide). WUE & 100-Mile Radius acceptances due by Aug 1, 2025.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships (selective, limited slots)
These require extra steps (essays, interviews, portfolios, leadership records) and are awarded to a smaller cohort. Numbers vary, but most programs name only a few dozen recipients each year, making them significantly more selective than automatic merit awards.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | What Makes It Competitive | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USU Ambassador Program (Logan/Eastern) | 100% Tuition & Student Fees (up to 4 yrs; varies by campus) | Application, interview, service commitment; limited to ~50–60 new Ambassadors university-wide each year | First-year admits; resident or nonresident; placement by campus | Yes — Ambassador portal; selection days | Yes — must remain in good standing & complete service |
| Huntsman Scholar Program (Business) | ~$2,000/yr (up to 4 yrs) + cohort experience and global trip | Selective program; essays, resume, leadership record; admits ~35–45 students per year | Business/Econ-interested students (Logan) | Yes — Huntsman Scholar application (Jan cycle) | Yes — program standing |
| Caine Scholars for Excellence (Arts) | Significant multi-year funding; audition/portfolio driven | Audition/portfolio; faculty review; ~10–15 new awards annually | Art + Design, Music, Theatre Arts majors | Yes — College of Arts application (Mar priority) | Yes — academic & participation requirements |
- USU Ambassador: Typically top 15–20% of the applicant pool with GPAs 3.5+, strong public speaking skills, and a history of sustained community service or leadership roles in high school.
- Huntsman Scholar: Students with GPAs 3.7+, rigorous business/econ coursework, leadership in FBLA/DECA or similar, and demonstrated global or service interest through travel, projects, or internships.
- Caine Scholars: Students in the top tier of their art form, with competitive audition/portfolio scores, faculty recommendations, and documented achievements such as lead performance roles, juried art exhibitions, or national competition placements.
FAQ
- Stacking: Competitive awards that pay tuition typically do not stack with other tuition waivers/tuition-reduction offers (outside/private cash may stack).
- Deadlines: Ambassadors recruit on a fall/winter cycle; Huntsman Scholar applications are typically due in early January; Caine Scholars mid-March. Always confirm the current year’s portal dates.
- Test-optional: These are holistic — essays, interviews, artistic review, and leadership matter as much as scores.
⭐ College Specialty
Beyond research opportunities, these programs also enjoy national visibility and high rankings:
- Online Bachelor’s Programs: Ranked in the top 10 percent nationwide, including 18th best for Psychology and 20th best for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report.
- Education: Ranked No. 35 (tie) in the nation among graduate schools of Education by U.S. News & World Report.
- Engineering (Graduate): Ranked No. 111 overall among U.S. graduate engineering programs by U.S. News & World Report. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- MBA and Business Programs (Eccles School):
- Executive MBA: No. 24 nationally (Financial Times)—only program in Utah in the top 100.
- Professional MBA: No. 60 in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report).
- Full-Time MBA: No. 44 overall, No. 22 among public schools (U.S. News & World Report).
- Online MBA: No. 14 globally (Princeton Review) and No. 25 in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report).
🎖️ Honors Program (University Honors)
Utah State’s University Honors Program is a campus‑wide, self‑apply program. Expect small seminars, close faculty mentorship, and targeted funding for research and global learning — without adding time to most degrees when planned well.
GPA around 3.5+; strong course rigor (AP/IB/DE or advanced tracks); thoughtful essays that show curiosity; steady involvement or leadership; a plan for research, creative work, or community impact. (Exact cutoffs vary by cycle.)
- Priority registration and small, discussion‑based Honors sections
- One‑on‑one mentoring; guidance for national scholarships and grad prep
- Dedicated research and conference travel funds; study‑abroad support
- Honors housing/community options and transcript/ diploma notation
Honors‑Linked Scholarships & Funds
| Scholarship / Fund | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors Access Scholarship | Hundreds to low thousands per year (based on funds & need) | Enrolled in Honors; satisfactory progress; financial need may be considered | Yes — Honors application | Annual or one‑time (varies) | Engaged Honors students maintaining GPA and completing milestones on time |
| Honors Research & Travel Fund (HRTF) | Up to ~$500 per term for research/conferences; up to ~$1,000 once for study abroad; lifetime cap applies | Honors students with an approved project, presentation, or program | Yes — proposal & brief budget | Per‑term/award until cap | Students with a clear plan (mentor confirmed, timeline, outcomes) who apply ahead of travel |
Amounts shown reflect typical ranges; some donor‑funded Honors awards vary by year and available funding.
Honors Program FAQ
- Is Honors admission automatic? No. You must apply; review is holistic (GPA, rigor, essays, involvement). Competitive applicants are often around 3.5+ GPA, but the committee weighs fit and curiosity heavily.
- Does Honors add time to graduation? Not usually. With early planning, Honors points/portfolio or capstone fit inside the degree map. Advising helps sequence courses so you graduate on time.
- What scholarships are available through Honors? In addition to the funds listed above, Honors students may be matched to additional donor or departmental awards that rotate by year, major, and available funding.
- How are funds awarded? Clear proposals and demonstrated progress win: defined goals, faculty/mentor confirmation, timelines, and a concise budget for research, conferences, or study abroad.
Final Thoughts
Take the win where it’s easiest: apply by the priority date, let auto‑merit do its work, then layer in WUE or a residency plan, plus niche aid like AFS, research, study abroad, and (if it fits) ROTC. If your student loves small classes and mentorship, Honors can be a great value add. You’ve got options — and we’re here to help you stack them wisely.