State of Utah Programs
Opportunity Scholarship
The 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. Funding for this scholarship is provided by the State of Utah and is available at all USHE institutions. Learn more information on the Opportunity Scholarship.
For recipients who graduated from high school in 2022 or later, Opportunity Scholarship funds can only pay towards remaining tuition and fees after other tuition state aid has been taken into account. Students have a maximum of five (5) years from high school graduation to utilize their four (4) semesters of Opportunity awards. If a student has other tuition scholarships paying tuition and fees, they may request to defer use of the Opportunity award for a future term when they anticipate having less aid paying towards tuition and fees or greater financial need.
Public Safety Officer Career Advancement Reimbursement (PSOCAR) and Grant (PSOCAG) Programs
PSOCAR reimburses up to half of tuition and fees (maximum of $5,000 per year, subject to funding) for students enrolled in criminal justice-related programs at a Utah System of Higher Education institution, for up to 8 years. PSOCAG funds tuition and fees up to $5,000 per year, subject to funding, for students enrolled in criminal justice-related programs at a Utah System of Higher Education institution, for up to 4 years. Detailed rules and application for PSOCAR and PSOCAG.
Qualified applicants must:
- be a certified peace officer, currently employed by a law enforcement agency in Utah;
- be seeking a postsecondary degree in the area of criminal justice from a credit-granting USHE institution;
- have earned credit for all classes for which the applicant is seeking reimbursement;
- be employed by a law enforcement agency in Utah as a certified peace officer for three consecutive years prior to the completion of the academic year for which he or she is seeking reimbursement; and
- be employed by a law enforcement agency in Utah as a certified peace officer for one additional year after the completion of that academic year.
Talent Development Award Program
The Talent Development Award Program was established to provide additional financial support for students studying in certain majors approved by the State of Utah Governor’s Board of Education. At Utah State University, the two approved programs include Computer Science and Data Analytics & Information Systems. To apply, you must currently be pursuing a qualifying degree and intend to work in the state of Utah in a field related to Computer Sciences or Information Systems upon graduation.
In prior years, this program functioned as a loan with a repayment or forgiveness process, however the program moving forward will be issued as a scholarship with no repayment required.
If you’re interested in participating in the State of Utah TDAP, apply through the USU General Scholarship Application at your earliest convenience, as funding is limited.
Utah Police Officer's and Firefighters Survivor Tuition Act
Tuition waivers for surviving spouses and children of police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty.
Learn more about the Police Officer's and Firefighters Survivor Tuition Act.
To apply for the tuition waiver, contact Julie Gomez at juliegomez@utah.gov or 801.256.2324