University of Utah changes merit scholarship process

SALT LAKE CITY — More students may soon be eligible for merit scholarships at the University of Utah. 

The university’s Office of Enrollment Management announced they are simplifying the scholarship application process by introducing a grid system. Under the old structure, merit scholarships were typically awarded to students with a 3.8 GPA or higher, but it was based on other criteria as well, “including the rigor and challenge of a prospective student’s high school curriculum.” The scholarships were also for varying amounts.

Now, under the new grid system, students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher are able to apply for specific merit scholarships, strictly based on their high school GPA.

University leaders say this will make the scholarship process more transparent and easy to understand for students and their families.

“We believe this improved structure does a superior job of acknowledging and rewarding the academic accomplishment of our future students,” said Paul Kohn, senior vice provost for strategic enrollment and student success. “Parents, counselors, and students will find it simpler and more straightforward.”

The changes will take effect during the 2026-2027 academic year.

Scholarship	GPA	Amount
President John R. Park Scholarship	4.0	$10,000
Provost’s Scholarship	3.9	$8,000
Bonneville Scholarship	3.8	$6,000
Red Rock Scholarship	3.7	$4,000
Great Salt Lake Scholarship	3.5	$3,000