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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.
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The 2023 high school graduate application closed on February 1st, 2023. Applicants should receive an update regarding their application by May 2, 2023.
All Applicants – Enrollment and Deferment Information
All Opportunity Scholarship applicants must be continuously enrolled at an eligible institution or obtain an approved deferment/leave of absence. Deferments/leaves of absence are typically approved for students serving in the military, those experiencing a major medical issue, or participating in a humanitarian/religious service. Each school has its own deferment/leave processes and deadlines, so be sure to reach out to an eligible institution early to determine what steps are required.
Award Information
Students that are part of the graduating class of 2023 will receive a maximum of $1,000 per semester for up to 4 semesters, subject to the student maintaining eligibility. Individual awards are applied toward tuition and fees after all other state aid has been awarded to the student. Students must be enrolled in at least 12 credits to be considered for a semester payment.
If you have questions about your award amount or enrollment/deferment status, contact your college/university.
Class of 2024 (and beyond)
Students must apply for the Opportunity Scholarship during their senior year of high school. Applicants must submit an online scholarship application and FAFSA to be considered for the scholarship. Please read the information below to learn more about the scholarship requirements. Additional details about the application process, including 2024 application deadlines, will be available over the summer.
2024 graduates (and beyond) should check this website regularly for updates. Any updates from the legislative session are posted each spring.
These requirements were created after examining data from recent Utah high school graduates to identify the top predictors of college success.
Students earn core credit by completing the following courses in each subject area, based on Utah State Board of Education (USBE) standards. Students will need to work with their high school to find out which courses are available at their school.
Eligible courses are any Concurrent Enrollment (CE), Advanced Placement (AP), or International Baccalaureate (IB) course that aligns to a USBE core code starting with “06” (Language Arts), “07” (Mathematics), and “08” Science. We recommend using the Concurrent Enrollment Master List (core code listed) to find acceptable CE courses. Courses that align with other subject areas will not be accepted.
Students may earn credit through Early College courses completed in grades 9-12 that are included on the CE Master List as described above.
This list is not comprehensive. Please contact our office if you have questions about specific courses.
Language Arts
Mathematics
Science
*Lecture credit required (example: Biology 1010), lab credit recommended, but optional (example: Biology 1015)
A maximum award amount may be determined based on available funding and the number of qualified applicants. Individual awards may be used toward the cost of tuition and fees, after other state aid is applied.
The Opportunity Scholarship can be used at the following institutions:
Colleges and Universities
Private, Non-Profit Institutions
Students may defer use of the scholarship to attend a technical college that is part of the Utah System of Higher Education and then transfer to an eligible institution listed above. Please contact the scholarship office if you have questions about this process.
Deferment of the Opportunity Scholarship may also be granted for students who plan to provide a religious, humanitarian, or military service, face medical reasons that inhibit their ability to attend school, or other reasons approved by an eligible institution. Scholarship recipients must coordinate any deferment with individual institutions before departure.
To simplify the scholarships available from the State of Utah and update the previous requirements, the Utah Legislature voted during the 2021 Legislative Session to replace the Regents’ Scholarship and the New Century Scholarship with the Opportunity Scholarship.
These changes will better align the scholarships administered by the Utah System of Higher Education. The three main scholarships offered to high school graduates include the need-based Utah Promise Scholarship, the Technical College Scholarship, and the achievement-based Opportunity Scholarship. There are also several scholarships tied to specific work-force needs in the state. Contact the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend for other scholarship opportunities.
The Opportunity Scholarship has simplified requirements, which are easier for students to follow and understand.
The scholarship leverages the effectiveness of earning college credit while still in high school. For example, Concurrent Enrollment courses cost $5/credit, are transferable, and are widely available to Utah students.
The new scholarship changes allow for better collaboration between the Utah System of Higher Education and K-12 partners at the Utah State Board of Education to address existing equity gaps.
These scholarship requirements are based on data relevant to Utah high school students and are tied to college success.
No, the Opportunity Scholarship is achievement-based and requires students to complete advanced coursework in high school. Completing a FAFSA is required as part of the application process, but federal aid is not considered when determining eligibility.
You can contact the State Scholarship office for more information:
All Applicants – Enrollment and Deferment Information
All Opportunity Scholarship applicants must be continuously enrolled at an eligible institution or obtain an approved deferment/leave of absence. Deferments/leaves of absence are typically approved for students serving in the military, those experiencing a major medical issue, or participating in a humanitarian/religious service. Each school has its own deferment/leave processes and deadlines, so be sure to reach out to an eligible institution early to determine what steps are required.
More questions? Check out our Final Review FAQ.
Award Information
Students that are part of the graduating class of 2022 will receive a maximum of $1,000 per semester for up to 4 semesters, subject to the student maintaining eligibility. Individual awards are applied toward tuition and fees after all other state aid has been awarded to the student.
If you have questions about your award amount or enrollment/deferment status, contact your college/university.
Utah System of Higher Education
The Gateway
60 South 400 West
Salt Lake City, Utah 84101
General: 1-801-646-4784
Scholarships: 1-801-646-4812
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