An Education You Can Afford
The U offers financial aid and scholarship opportunities to keep tuition costs from inhibiting your success. Find the funding you need to support your education.
- 87%
- of students receive some form of financial aid
Did You Know?
You'll be automatically considered for scholarships if you apply by the December 1 priority deadline. Don't miss out, apply today!
Application Deadlines
- December 1
- Merit Scholarship Consideration Deadline
- March 1
- Financial Aid Priority Date
Financial Aid & Scholarships Key Phrases
Knowledge is power. Get to know the terminology you need to confidently navigate the financial aid process.
- Award Year
- The academic year for which financial aid is requested (or received). The award year runs from July 1 to June 30.
- Borrower
- The person who received the loan.
- COA (Cost of Attendance)
- The total cost of attending a college or university for one academic year and listed on the award letter.
- Deferment
- An agreement between the borrower and lender to reduce or postpone repayment of a loan for a designated period, often during enrollment in college or before being employed after graduation. During deferment, interest does not accrue on subsidized federal student loans.
- Dependency Status
- Determines to what degree a student has access to parent financial resources.
- EFC (Expected Family Contribution)
- The amount your family is expected to pay based on their specific circumstances and finances from data retrieved on the FAFSA.
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- A form that is completed to give colleges a picture of your financial status; colleges use this to determine the amount of aid you need to attend. If you expect to receive any form of financial aid, you must complete this form.
- Federal Aid
- Aid funded by the federal government and administered by the U.S. Department of Education along with the college or university.
- Federal Grant
- Money from the federal government that does not have to be repaid.
- Financial Aid
- Any type of grant, scholarship, or work study offered to meet the cost of attendance.
- Financial Need
- The difference between a college’s cost of attendance (COA) and the expected family contribution (EFC) used to award need-based financial aid.
- Merit Aid
- Financial aid awarded by the college that is not based on financial need, often based on academics or other achievements and talents.
- Scholarship
- Money to help pay for the cost of tuition that does not need to be repaid after graduation; based on specific criteria from the college itself or private organizations.
- Subsidized Loans
- Lower interest rate loans awarded based on the student’s financial need with interest deferred until after graduation.
- Unsubsidized Student Loans
- Federally guaranteed loans awarded without regard to financial need with interest accruing immediately upon disbursement and regular payments beginning after graduation.
- Work Study
- Need-based aid in the form of part-time employment at the college, a non-profit, or a government agency that helps pay the cost of attendance.
International Student Scholarships
International students can apply for scholarships from both the University of Utah and outside organizations. Use the link below to find scholarship opportunities.