Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
Is it required for first-year students to live on campus?
No, but it is highly recommended. Students who live on campus have a great support structure to help them through their transition to college. Resident assistants are trained to help their residents with USU questions, roommate conflicts, and other transitional issues. The Residence Life program also holds several events to help students make friends and feel connected to the university. More on-campus housing information can be found at www.usu.edu/housing.
Does my student need a car?
No. Having a car is nice, but not necessary. Logan city has a bus system called CVTD that will transport students anywhere in Cache Valley at zero-fare. The Aggie Shuttle system will transport them around campus for free as well. City bus schedules can be found at cvtdbus.org and Aggie Shuttle schedules can be found at parking.usu.edu.
Does my student need a computer and a print?
No. USU has 11 open-access computer labs on campus that are equipped with the latest hardware and software. Many students have their own computer out of convenience, but those who don't, get by using the on-campus computer labs. Students are able to print in the on-campus labs and can even print wirelessly from their laptop or desktop to the on-campus computer lab printers.
Should my student purchase a meal plan?
Some on-campus housing contracts require the purchase of a basic residential meal plan. All students can purchase residential or block meal plans. Residential meal plans give the student a fixed number of meals per week, and those meals do not carry over and cannot be used for friends and family. Block meal plans are a set number of meals purchased at a discount that do carry over and can be used anytime and by anyone who accompanies your student to a meal. Many students purchase a residential meal plan for a set number of meals per week, and then also purchase a supplemental block meal plan that they can use if they run out of meals one week or if they want to take a friend to dinner. Specific prices can be found at dining.usu.edu/meal-plans.
Students can also add money to their Aggie Express account on the USU ID Card. Aggie Express is a campus debit account (or like a pre-paid card) that can be used at all Dining Services locations, copy centers, computer labs, the parking office, the Bookstore, and just about anywhere on campus. Most students add money to their account at usucard.usu.edu and then use that to pay for food on campus. As an added bonus, students receive a 10% discount at all Dining Services locations on campus!
What do you recommend for airport transportation?
The Salt Lake Express is the main shuttle company that offers transportation between the Salt Lake International Airport and Logan. You can find more information at (www.saltlakeexpress.com) or call 1-800-356-9796 to make reservations.
How much does it cost to attend USU?
For up-to-date tuition tables and information go to usu.edu/registrar/tuition/index. You can find specific on-campus housing prices at www.usu.edu/housing.
Student Resources
Are student resources free?
No... and Yes. USU has a variety of student resources that are funded through student fees. Your student receives information about these services during the New Student Orientation (NSO) modules and Aggie Orientation. These include, but are not limited to: Aggie Shuttle, Student Health and Services, Aggie Recreation Center, Library, etc. Look at the break-down of fees. You can also find more information about student services at www.usu.edu/campus-life/services.
Where should my student go if they get sick? Is medical insurance required?
Student fees cover the Student Health and Wellness Center. Registered USU students, their spouses, and dependents can receive health care for little to no cost. The center is staffed with fully certified nurses and doctors. Students are not required to have health insurance to use the services or to receive prescriptions. If a student does have health insurance and needs prescriptions or specialized services, the doctors will help the student price options and recommend the best provider. More information is available at health.usu.edu.
How do I add money to my students Aggie Express debit account?
Students can add money to their account at usucard.usu.edu. Parents can add money to their student's account over the phone by calling the USU Card Office at (435) 797-3852. Be sure you know your student's A-number and security phrase to get any information you may need regarding his or her account.
What if my student needs to take a notification of leave or a deferment?
Your student can complete an online Notification of Leave/Deferment request form at loa.usu.edu.
For information regarding the process of taking a leave of absence/deferment and commonly asked questions, please visit www.usu.edu/sots/loa
My student has a learning disability. How do we receive additional assistance?
The USU Disability Resource Center provides resources for students with learning disabilities. The best way to start the process is to go to www.usu.edu/drc and follow the step-by-step directions.
Tuition/Fee Payment & Financial Aid
How do I pay my students bill?
Student bills are paid through a secure online system known as TouchNet. Your student can create an authorized-user account for you in the TouchNet system so you can log in, view, and pay charges on your student's account. To log into the TouchNet system, go to my.usu.edu or login directly.
Please note that Utah State University does not send a paper bill to students or parents. Electronic bills can be accessed in both TouchNet and the Access student information system.
Which payment methods are accepted?
Payments can be made using:
- MasterCard
- Discover
- American Express
- Visa
Payments with a debit/credit card incur a 2.85% convenience fee. However, payments can also be made using an electronic check with no convenience fee.
How does my student obtain residency for tuition purposes?
Up-to-date residency requirements can be found at www.usu.edu/admissions/residency. Specific residency questions can be directed to the USU Admissions Office at (800) 488-8108.
What scholarships are available to incoming students?
Incoming student scholarships are awarded through the USU Admissions Office. Specific deadlines and requirements can be found at www.usu.edu/admissions/scholarships. Additionally, students with parents or grandparents who attended Utah State can apply for alumni chapter scholarships through the Alumni Office.
What scholarships are available to current students?
Scholarships.usu.edu is a valuable resource in finding more information on scholarships. Recently, USU updated their scholarship system, which is now called Scholarship Universe. By using this system, it provides several scholarships that are available exclusively to current students.
Utah State University provides hundreds of scholarships, including those for specific colleges, departments, and campuses. All incoming students and current students are encouraged to submit the USU Scholarship Application. This includes students attending Logan, Statewide Campuses (ie Brigham City, Kaysville, Orem, Moab, Uintah Basin, Tooele, etc), USU Eastern, and Blanding.
When logging into the USU General Scholarship Application, follow these 4 simple steps:
- Accept Terms and Conditions (first time logging in)
- Complete Outstanding questions (gray bar at top of page) to be "matched" to more scholarships
- Review "Partial Match Scholarships" and complete additional questions.
- Complete "Applications" for scholarships you match for.
The USU Scholarship Application is a one-stop-shop for all your scholarship needs. The system reviews each scholarship before being listed, so you can apply worry free. Nearly every department on campus uses this platform to post their scholarship opportunities. If you come across any inconsistencies or concerns about a scholarship you were matched to, you can report it through the feedback option.
There are also scholarship opportunities available via application through the dean's office of your student's college.
Who can help us apply for financial aid and assess different payment options?
Each student is assigned a financial aid counselor to help them navigate the often overwhelming process of paying for college. To find a list of counselors, helpful checklists, and other information go to usu.edu/financialaid.
I'm worried about student loans. Will my student be able to pay it back?
Most students take out student loans to help pay for college. Loans can be a great tool to help students graduate in a timely manner. They can also allow students to work less, freeing up valuable time to study, join extracurricular activities, and socialize. It is important to borrow wisely, however. Financial aid counselors in the Financial Aid Office are the best resource for making sure you and your student are taking the best loan options available as far as interest rates and repayment terms. To find your student's counselor, go to usu.edu/financialaid. You can also find a loan repayment calculator at Bankrate.com to help you estimate what the monthly loan payment will be after graduation.
Academics
What degrees are offered at Utah State University?
A list of degrees can be found at www.usu.edu/degrees. Keep in mind that some majors are listed as emphasis areas within degree programs. For example, Exercise Science is an emphasis area within the Human Movement Science degree. If you are not sure if a certain degree is offered at Utah State University, call the Student Orientation & Transition Services (SOTS) office at (435) 797-0283.
My student wants to major within the medical field. What options are available?
USU offers degrees to prepare students for a variety of health professions. See a list of medical fields and corresponding majors.
How does my student find his or her academic advisor?
Advisors for each major can be found at advising.usu.edu
How does my student change his or her major?
To change a major, declare a dual major, or declare a minor, your student should contact the academic advisor for the new major or minor. Advisors can be found at advising.usu.edu.
The new advisor will discuss degree requirements and help your student complete the necessary paperwork to officially change the major in the USU system.