The University of Utah is moving to a simplified scholarship application process.
Using a simple grid system based on a student's GPA, the Office of Enrollment Management is creating a more transparent process for potential students which could result in more students receiving merit scholarships. In previous years, merit scholarships typically were awarded to students with a 3.8 GPA or higher. The new structure will recognize the hard work and achievements of students with a 3.5 GPA or higher.
The changes will take effect during the 2026-2027 academic year-that is, for first-time, first-year students beginning in the Fall 2026 Semester or Summer 2026 Semester.
"We believe this improved structure does a superior job of acknowledging and rewarding the academic accomplishment of our future students," said Paul Kohn, senior vice provost for strategic enrollment and student success. "Parents, counselors, and students will find it simpler and more straight-forward."
Under the previous structure, several merit-based scholarships were available to a multitude of student populations-all with varying eligibility requirements and award amounts. Consideration was given to GPA and other academic factors, including the rigor and challenge of a prospective student's high school curriculum.
The new structure consolidates multiple programs into a single grid based on high school GPA.
| Scholarship | GPA | Amount |
| President John R. Park Scholarship | 4.0 | $10,000 |
| Provost's Scholarship | 3.9 | $8,000 |
| Bonneville Scholarship | 3.8 | $6,000 |
| Red Rock Scholarship | 3.7 | $4,000 |
| Great Salt Lake Scholarship | 3.5 | $3,000 |
"This redesign will enable us to attract the most academically qualified students to the University of Utah and support them throughout their journey at the U," Kohn added.
The scholarship grid also applies to non-resident students who are admitted to the university and are not from states eligible for the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) tuition rate. Students from WUE states are only eligible for the WUE tuition rate if they meet the Dec. 1 priority application deadline and have a minimum 3.3 GPA at the time of their application.
The For Utah and Utah Direct scholarships will continue as previously structured. These scholarships are not stackable, meaning if a student qualifies for one of the five scholarships above and either For Utah or Utah Direct, they will receive the scholarship of greater value.
For transfer students, Transfer Merit Scholarships will continue to exist for 2026-27 and beyond under the same terms and conditions for initial and renewal eligibility. Transfer students who are permanent residents of WUE states are eligible only for the Transfer WUE Tuition Rate (assuming they meet all other eligibility criteria such as transfer hours and GPA).
