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First Credential Scholarship (formerly PRIME)

Application coming soon

The PRIME program is transitioning to the First Credential program, effective July 1, 2025. Additional details about the program are expected to be shared by November 2025. 

This scholarship awards high school seniors who complete the required coursework to prepare for college academically. Please review the sections below for information specific to your graduation year, or check out the FAQ for more details.

Class of 2026

Eligibility Requirements:

  • The link will be published on this website when it becomes available.
  • Complete a 2026-27 FAFSA
  • Complete one of the following experiences in high school:
  • Meet all application deadlines
  • Enroll full-time at an eligible institution or submit documentation of an approved deferral from an eligible institution starting the fall after high school graduation

* The requirements for a First Credential are determined and verified by the Utah State Board of Education, which reviews completion of the required coursework. Students do not need a physical or digital certificate to submit an application or be eligible, like in previous years. Please contact your high school counselor for more information about completing the required courses.

Award Details:

  • This scholarship is a one-time award that is applied to the cost of attendance. The cost of attendance may include tuition, fees, books, housing, etc.
  • $500 is the maximum award amount and is subject to available funding and the number of qualified applicants. 


2026 High School Graduate Application Information

  • Application period: Students apply during their senior year of high school.
  • Students must complete a two-part application to be eligible. See the FAQ document below for more details about each part. 
  • Part 1 of the application will be available from January 5, 2026, to March 20, 2026.
    • All 2026 applicants will receive an application update via email by May 1, 2025. If you do not receive that email by May 1, 2026, contact the scholarship office immediately, as notifications are time-sensitive.
  • Part 2 of the application will be available on May 1, 2026, or upon notification, by July 3, 2026.
    • All eligible applicants are required to complete part 2 of the application to accept and remain eligible for the scholarship. The email applicants receive in May will have more details.

Eligibility and scholarship requirements for the class of 2027 will be available in the coming months.

  • Returning from deferment
    • PRIME scholarship recipients from 2025 and prior who deferred their award immediately after high school graduation must complete this Enrollment Form after their deferment ends so their funds can be sent to their institution.
  • Public, degree-granting institutions:
    • Salt Lake Community College
    • Snow College
    • Southern Utah University
    • University of Utah
    • Utah State University
    • Utah Tech University
    • Utah Valley University 
    • Weber State University
  • Public technical colleges
    • Bridgerland Technical College
    • Davis Technical College
    • Dixie Technical College
    • Mountainland Technical College
    • Ogden-Weber Technical College
    • Southwest Technical College
    • Tooele Technical College
    • Uintah Basin Technical College
  • Private, non-profit Utah institutions:
    • Brigham Young University (Provo campus)
    • Ensign College
    • Western Governors University
    • Westminster University

Contact the USHE State Aid Team:
scholarships@ushe.edu | 801-646-4812

Contact the USHE Scholarship Team: scholarships@ushe.edu

Additional resources:

Is the PRIME scholarship going away?

Yes. The PRIME program is transitioning to the First Credential program following the passage of HB260, effective July 1, 2025.
A master plan is in development and expected by November 2025. Updates will be shared here as they become available.

I’ve been taking courses to qualify for the PRIME scholarship. How does this change impact me?

  • Class of 2026: If you graduate in 2026, the requirements and application process remain the same as in previous years:
    • Submit an online application (published by USHE)
    • Complete the 2026/27 FAFSA (opt out for an approved reason)
    • Complete one of the following high school experiences:
  • Class of 2027 and beyond: Future eligibility will align with the First Credential master plan. Updates will be shared here once the plan is approved.


How do I know if a course will qualify? 

Coursework eligibility for the First Credential program is determined by the Utah State Board of Education. Please review the three pathways above and consult your high school counselor for guidance.


How do I apply for the scholarship?

The 2026 application will be available on this page from January 5, 2026, to March 20, 2026.
For answers to additional questions, contact the USHE scholarship team at scholarships@ushe.edu.


Can you tell me more information about the First Credential Scholarship?

  • A master plan is in development and expected to be finalized by November 2025. Requirements for a First Credential are determined and verified by the Utah State Board of Education. Please contact your high school counselor for more information about completing the required courses.
  •  A physical or digital certificate is not required, as it was in previous years. Eligibility is determined by the Utah State Board of Education, which reviews completion of the required coursework, not the possession of a certificate.


I am a high school counselor with questions. Who can I contact?

 

Download the FAQ page

Application coming soon
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