First Credential Scholarship - Utah System of Higher Education
Newsroom

First Credential Scholarship

A group of 3 students walking together and smiling

This scholarship awards high school seniors who complete the required coursework to earn a First Credential. Please review the following sections for information specific to your graduation year, or check out the FAQ for more details. 

Class of 2027

2027 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

 

Part 1 of the application will be available from January 4, 2027, to March 19, 2027. 

  • 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, including a direct link to Part 2. 
  • All 2027 applicants will receive an application update via email by May 7, 2027. If you do not receive that email by that date, contact the scholarship office immediately, as notifications are time-sensitive. 

 

Part 2 of the application will be available upon notification but no later than May 7, 2027, and must be completed by July 2, 2027. 

Key Eligibility Requirements

All applicants must: 

  • Complete a 2027-28 FAFSA
  • Complete a First Credential in high school as directed by the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) in one of the following routes:
    • Apprenticeship
    • Concurrent Enrollment
    • Career and Technical Education (CTE) 
    • Industry
    • Technical College
    • See the Master Credential List for the inventory of approved credentials. 
  • Meet all application deadlines
  • Enroll 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, as in previous years. Please get in touch with 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 tuition, fees, books, and supplies. 

Award amount to be determined based on legislative appropriation and the number of qualified applicants. 

First Credential Scholarship recipients from 2026 who deferred their award immediately after high school graduation must complete this Enrollment form after their deferment ends and provide documentation of enrollment at an eligible Utah institution. 

Previous 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 and provide documentation of full-time enrollment at an eligible Utah 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: 

Email: scholarships@ushe.edu

Phone: 801-646-4812

Contact the USHE Scholarship Team: scholarships@ushe.edu

Additional resources:

FAQ's

Is the PRIME scholarship going away?

Yes. The PRIME program has transitioned to the First Credential program following the passage of HB260, effective July 1, 2025. Starting with the class of 2026, all awards fall under the First Credential Scholarship.

A Master Credential List has been shared for the class of 2027 and beyond.

Class of 2027: If you graduate in 2027, the  application process remains the same as in previous years:

  • Submit an online application (published by USHE)
  • Complete the 2027/28 FAFSA (opt out for an approved reason)
  • Complete a First Credential in high school as directed by the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) in one of the following routes:
    • Apprenticeship
    • Concurrent Enrollment
    • Career and Technical Education (CTE)
    • Industry
    • Technical College
    • See the Master Credential List for the inventory of approved credentials.
  • Class of 2028 and beyond: Future eligibility will align with the First Credential master plan.

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

The 2027 application will be available on this page from January 4, 2027, to March 19, 2027.

For answers to additional questions, contact the USHE scholarship team at scholarships@ushe.edu

The First Credential Program was created through HB260 (GS 2025), and ensures each Utah student has the opportunity to graduate from high school with a meaningful, industry-aligned credential that supports college credit, career readiness, and lifelong learning. The initiative aligns K-12, higher education, and employers to create a cohesive statewide talent pipeline. 

The program is powered by partnerships. Schools, colleges, employers, and state leaders work together to turn classrooms into career pathways and make opportunity a shared reality for each student. 

Requirements for a First Credential are determined and verified by the Utah State Board of Education. More information is available on this webpage, including a master list of First Credentials and a master list user guide. 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.

Apply here
Return to Scholarships Home