UTAH Opportunity Scholarship: Your Ticket to Affordable College Education

The Utah Opportunity Scholarship is a simplified, statewide, achievement-based program that encourages students to complete advanced courses in core subject areas while in high school, aims to make higher education more accessible, and rewards students for preparing academically for college.

🕐When is the application deadline for the Utah Opportunity Scholarship?

For the 2025 cycle, the priority deadline is usually in December, with a final deadline in early spring 2025 (around February or March). Always check the USHE website for exact dates.

🎓 Describe the award to me:

There are two related scholarships referred to as the “Utah Opportunity Scholarship”:

1. University of Utah’s UOS:
   A need-based scholarship that supports students from racially/ethnically diverse backgrounds to succeed academically.
2. Statewide Utah Opportunity Scholarship (administered by Utah System of Higher Education):
   An achievement-based scholarship that encourages completion of advanced high school coursework in preparation for college.

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📘 Which fields qualify?

All fields of study offered at the University of Utah are eligible. The scholarship is not restricted to a specific academic major.

📌 The type:

• University of Utah UOS: Need-based
• Statewide UOS: Merit-based on academic achievement

🧑‍💼 Who is eligible for the Utah Opportunity Scholarship?

University of Utah UOS (CESB):

• Graduated from a Utah high school
• First-time, incoming freshmen at the University of Utah
• Must be admitted to the University of Utah
• Must have financial need (FAFSA required)
• Must enroll full-time (12+ credit hours)
• No GPA requirement

Statewide UOS:

• Graduate from a Utah high school
• Earn a minimum 3.3 cumulative GPA
• Complete three advanced courses (grades 9–12)
• Take one AP, IB, or CE course in each core area: Math, Science, and Language Arts
• Submit the FAFSA

🔍 How Do They Choose Applicants?

University of Utah UOS (CESB):

• Preference given to students who show:
  • Leadership or service in communities of the Black/African Diaspora, Pacific Islander, American Indian/Indigenous, Latinx, or Asian/Asian American heritage
  • Financial need or first-generation college student status
• Evaluation based on essay, resume, and recommendations

Statewide UOS:

• Based on meeting coursework, GPA, and FAFSA criteria
• Automatically awarded to eligible students

🌍 Which nations are qualified?

Only U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens who are residents of Utah and graduate from a Utah high school.

📍 Where will the prize be accepted?

• University of Utah for the CESB-administered UOS
• Any public college/university in Utah.

🏅 How Many Honors?

• University of Utah UOS: A Limited number awarded by CESB
• Statewide UOS: Varies based on state funding; all qualified applicants may receive it if funding allows

💰 What Advantage Does the Award Offer?

University of Utah UOS:

• $8,000 per academic year (renewable up to 4 years)
• Total value: $32,000

Statewide UOS:

• Amount varies annually depending on the state budget and tuition costs

⏳ What’s the Duration of the Award?

University of Utah UOS:

• Up to 4 years of continuous full-time enrollment
• Renewal requires maintaining eligibility and full-time status

Statewide UOS:

• Up to 4 semesters (2 years) if eligibility is maintained

📝 How do I Apply?

University of Utah UOS (CESB):

1. Apply for admission to the University of Utah
2. Submit the UOS application via the CESB portal
3. Submit:
   • Personal statement on cultural strengths and college preparation
   • Resume
   • Two references with recommendation letters
   • FAFSA application

Statewide UOS:

1. Graduate from a Utah high school
2. Complete the required advanced courses
3. Maintain at least a 3.3 GPA
4. Submit the FAFSA
5. Apply through your high school counselor or the Utah System of Higher Education website

🌐 Visit the Award Webpage for Details:

• University of Utah UOS (CESB): https://utah.academicworks.com/opportunities/37135
• Statewide UOS:
  https://ushe.edu/state-scholarships-aid/opportunity-scholarship/

🎓 Utah Opportunity Scholarship FAQs

1. What is the Utah Opportunity Scholarship?

The Utah Opportunity Scholarship is a state-funded financial aid program that helps eligible Utah high school graduates pay for college. It is administered by the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) and can be used at public colleges and universities in Utah.

2. What is the Utah PRIME Scholarship?

The Utah PRIME Scholarship was the former name of the Opportunity Scholarship. It has since been merged into a single program—the Utah Opportunity Scholarship—to streamline state-level aid for students.

4. How much money does the Utah Opportunity Scholarship provide?

Award amounts vary based on state funding and the number of eligible applicants. Typically, it offers around $1,000–$1,500 per semester for full-time students, renewable for up to 4 semesters (2 years).

5. How do I apply for the Utah Opportunity Scholarship?

• Complete the online application via the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) website 
• Submit your high school transcript and other required documentation 
• Apply for admission to an eligible Utah college/university (e.g., University of Utah, BYU, USU, etc.)

6. Is there a special needs version of the Utah Opportunity Scholarship?

Yes. The Special Needs Opportunity Scholarship Program in Utah provides additional support or accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Requirements and application processes may vary slightly.

7. Where can I find more information about the Utah Opportunity Scholarship?

You can visit the official website of the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) or consult your school counselor for assistance with eligibility and application.