The great state of Utah has a simple motto, abstaining from the flowery Latin language of states like Michigan (“Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam, circumspice,” that is, “if you seek a pleasant peninsula, look around you,”) and the ironclad absolutes of the New Hampshires of the world (“Live free or die.”). No, the motto of Utah is one word, a simple English noun many of us know well: “Industry.”
Utahans have a reason to feel as if their industry is on the rise. Coinciding with the recent uptick in the economy, Utah currently holds the 8th-best public school system in the country, according to US News. When it comes time for Utahans to move on to secondary education, many hope to attend a school that will continue the academic paths their high schools set them upon. Here are a few scholarships residents of the Beehive State can apply for to help them move forward towards a degree in their chosen industry:
Centennial Scholarship for Early Graduation Program
Deadline: Varying
Amount: $2,000
Increasingly, students around the country are opting to graduate high school early, eager to begin the college experience and the next chapter of their lives. Utah is no different, and in order to help these students along their path to success, the state legislature has established the Centennial Scholarship for Early Graduation. The scholarship was founded on the basis of “allow[ing] for high school graduation to be flexible and appropriate to meet the individual students’ needs,” and promises a financial award of $1,000 for junior year tuition and, following, an additional $1,000 for senior year, awarded one at a time.
In order to be eligible, students must graduate early from high school and file a Student Educational Occupation Plan (SEOP), a form filled out by Utah college students to help establish their future goals and manage their own educational tracks. The deadline for application varies based on the institution applied to, which must be an accredited institution in the state of Utah.
New Century Scholarship
Deadline: February 1, 2021 (Opens November 16, 2020)
Amount: $1,250
Funded by the StepUp to Higher Education campaign, this scholarship encourages Utahans to pursue higher education within their own state, starting with courses concurrent with their high school curriculum. StepUp, a division of the Utah Higher Education Assistance Authority, promotes social awareness and “dreaming big” through preparation and completion of college. To this end, the foundation’s New Century Scholarship awards a student who demonstrates academic excellence, both in their high school (or homeschooling program) and in an auxiliary academic program.
In order to apply, students must graduate from high school with a 3.5 GPA as well as complete an associate’s degree program (or alternative STEM courses) by their graduation date. The winner is awarded a maximum of $1,250 per semester, renewable for four semesters, and must put the money towards tuition at one of the following four-year institutions: Dixie State University, Southern Utah University, the University of Utah, Utah State University, Utah Valley University, Weber State University, Brigham Young University, and Westminster College.
JUMP$TART Coalition Financial Literacy Scholarship
Deadline: March 20, 2020
Amount: $1,250
Don’t let the text-lingo stylized name fool you: This scholarship is all business; specifically, the business of finance. The JUMP$TART Coalition, a Utah-based foundation which sponsors General Financial Literacy classes in Utah schools, partners with the America First Credit Union to offer this award to four students through an essay-based application. There are three eligibility guidelines: Students must be high school seniors at a Utah secondary school, have successfully completed a General Financial Literacy course, and plan to attend college.
Applicants are given a prompt, which they must answer in less than 750 words. The prompt will always relate to the foundation’s mission; for example, 2016’s prompt was “”Explain how you plan to pay for college and related expenses while keeping debt to a minimum.” The four winners gave detailed, fact-based with a sprinkle of stylistic writing and strong voice, leading each to gain $1,250 towards college tuition. The winning essays are available on the coalition’s website, and are definitely worth a read for anyone interested in applying for this interesting opportunity.
Regents Scholarship Program
Deadline: February 1, 2021 (Opens November 16, 2020)
Amount: $1,250
Another scholarship offered by the aforementioned StepUp to Higher Education campaign, this scholarship rewards outstanding performance in core areas of study among Utah students that plan to attend college in-state. In order to be eligible, students must complete a college preparatory curriculum consisting of advanced science and math courses available in Utah secondary schools. Following that, budding scholars must sit the ACT exam and fill out a brief application to throw their name in the ring.
There are three awards within the scholarship program, each with varying qualifications, but the highest award is the Exemplary Academic Achievement Award, which requires a 3.5 GPA for consideration and doles out $1,250 for up to four semesters. Any of the three awards can be used for tuition at certain schools within the state of Utah, including but not limited to Brigham Young University, the University of Utah, and Weber State University.
Utah Jiffy Lube Teen Driver Scholarship Program
Deadline: March 16, 2020
Amount: Varying
Jiffy Lube sponsors a scholarship for Utah teens either currently in Driver’s Ed or already have their permit or license. Students aged between 15 and 17 may apply, as well as 18-year-olds. For students between 15 and 17-years-old, you must also be currently enrolled in a driver’s ed program.
Interested students must submit a 500-word essay answering Jiffy Lube’s prompt. The scholarship selects three finalists and those three students must submit a 1 to 2-minute video expanding on their essay. The overall winner receives $6,500, but the other two finalists receive a $1,500 reward.
University of Utah Scholarships
Deadline: Varying
Amount: Varying
Camped on over a thousand acres of urban real estate in the bustling metropolis of Salt Lake City, the University of Utah is the largest institution of higher learning in the Beehive State, home to over 30,000 students and over one hundred majors. The university’s hall of accomplished alumni includes former presidential candidate Jon Huntsman Jr., science fiction writer Orson Scott Card, hotel magnate J. Willard Marriott, and star Baltimore Ravens football player Steve Smith, Sr. According to the CollegeBoard, nearly 80% of all University of Utah students come from within the state, leading to a very competitive environment among seniors hoping to become a Utah Ute.
The University of Utah also offers a wide variety of scholarships to its students. From need-based scholarships to grants, to additional outside scholarships, check out the University of Utah’s page for any scholarships you may qualify for.
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.63% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
