The University of Utah has announced a new scholarship program, named Utah Promise, which will provide full tuition and fee coverage for eligible students starting in the Fall 2026 semester. The program is designed to support first-year students from Utah whose families have an annual household income and assets of less than $100,000.
Key Takeaways
- The Utah Promise scholarship begins in Fall 2026 and covers full tuition and mandatory fees.
- It is available to first-time, first-year Utah students from families with an income and assets under $100,000 each.
- Applicants must have a minimum high school GPA of 3.5 and meet specific deadlines for admission and financial aid applications.
- The program aims to increase access to higher education and reduce the financial burden on middle-class families.
A New Initiative for College Affordability
The University of Utah is launching the Utah Promise scholarship to expand access to higher education for residents across the state. This initiative directly addresses the financial challenges that can prevent students from pursuing a college degree.
By covering the full cost of tuition and mandatory fees, the university hopes to enable more students from working and middle-class backgrounds to enroll, graduate on time, and enter the workforce without significant debt.
“This is a transformative step for the University of Utah,” said President Taylor Randall. “No student should have to choose between pursuing a college education and their family’s financial security. Utah Promise ensures that higher education is within reach for thousands of talented students across our state.”
The program is a key component of the university's broader strategy to enhance student success and make education more affordable. It represents a significant investment in the state's future workforce.
Who Qualifies for the Utah Promise Scholarship?
To be eligible for the Utah Promise scholarship, students must meet several specific criteria. The program targets first-time, first-year undergraduate students who are residents of Utah.
Eligibility at a Glance
- Income Level: Family household income and assets must each be less than $100,000 per year, as defined by federal student aid guidelines.
- Academic Standing: Applicants must graduate from high school with an unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher.
- Student Status: Must be a first-time, first-year undergraduate student.
These requirements are designed to identify high-achieving students from families who may not qualify for federal Pell Grants but still face substantial financial hurdles when paying for college. The scholarship provides support for up to four years of full-time enrollment.
Application Process and Deadlines
Students interested in the Utah Promise program must complete a series of steps within specified timelines. The process is integrated with the university's standard application procedures to ensure a smooth experience for applicants.
First, prospective students must submit a free application for admission to the University of Utah by the December 1 priority deadline. This ensures they are considered for a wide range of scholarships and aid.
Following the admission application, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The deadline to submit the FAFSA for Utah Promise consideration is February 1. The FAFSA is used to verify the family's income and asset levels.
Maintaining Eligibility and Long-Term Goals
Once a student receives the Utah Promise scholarship, they must meet certain requirements to maintain it for up to four years. These standards are in place to encourage academic progress and timely graduation.
Recipients are required to submit the FAFSA each year to re-verify their family's income and asset eligibility. They must also enroll as a full-time student each semester and successfully complete their coursework.
Academically, students need to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher throughout their four years. These measures are intended to support students in focusing on their studies and completing their degrees on schedule.
“Utahns deserve affordable, high-quality education that prepares them for their eventual careers,” stated Provost Mitzi Montoya. “Utah Promise is about investing in the people and future of our state. It gives more students the freedom to focus on learning, leadership and discovery without the stress of overwhelming tuition bills.”
Building on a Foundation of Student Support
The Utah Promise scholarship is not a standalone program but rather an expansion of the university's existing financial aid framework. It leverages a combination of public funds and private donations to cover costs for qualifying students.
Complementary Programs
The new initiative builds on the success of the For Utah scholarship, which already covers tuition and fees for students who are eligible for the federal Pell Grant. Utah Promise extends similar support to students from families with slightly higher incomes who still face financial need.
This program is also part of a larger effort by the university to simplify its merit scholarship application process, making it easier for students to access financial support. The primary goal is to improve college completion rates, particularly for first-generation students who may find navigating the complexities of higher education challenging.
By removing a significant financial barrier, the University of Utah aims to foster a more diverse and accessible campus environment, empowering more Utahns to achieve their academic and career aspirations.