STATE OF UTAH FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS

For more detailed information on state financial aid programs contact:

Utah System of Higher Education
60 South 400 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84101-1284
(801) 321-7100

www.utahsbr.edu

The following are financial aid programs available to students who are residents of the state of Utah.

New Century Scholarship Program

The New Century Scholarship Program was created by the 1999 Utah Legislature to provide scholarship opportunities to Utah students. Eligible students must complete the requirements of an associate degree or its equivalent at a state institution of higher education by September 1 of the year that their class graduates from high school. Scholarship awards can equal 75 percent of an eligible student's tuition cost for up to two years (60 credit hours) at any of Utah 's state operated institutions of higher education offering baccalaureate programs. Scholarships used at Brigham Young University and Westminster College can equal 75 percent of the average tuition costs at the state's public institutions.

What are the completion requirements for the New Century Scholarship?

The primary requirement is completion of an associate degree or equivalent by September 1 of the year in which the applicant's class graduates from high school. It is important that students, parents, and counselors understand the requirements of the scholarship, and for interested students to begin planning their high school and college curriculum in advance.

Students interested in qualifying for the New Century Scholarship should have a good understanding of the different types of associate degrees offered by Utah's institutions of higher education and their completion requirements. It is also important to note that each institution has a different course outline for the associate degree programs. As a result, it is advisable to select as early as possible the institution in which the applicant would like to receive his or her associate degree. Then contact that school for detailed information on course instruction.

Students who wish to complete the New Century Scholarship at the University of Utah should contact the High School University Program Coordinator at (801) 585-1995. To complete the New Century Scholarship at the University of Utah, students must meet the following requirements.
Complete 60 semester hours of work acceptable to the University consisting of:

All University of Utah General Education requirements.
75% of the 60 semester hours must come from AP, IB, and HSUP.
The remaining 25% MAY be concurrent enrollment from another school (SLCC, UVSC, Weber, USU, etc.).

When do I have to complete the requirements to receive the scholarship?

To be eligible for the scholarship you must complete the equivalency of an associate degree by September 1 of the year in which your class graduates from high school.

How do I apply?

The New Century Scholarship application can be found at the following website: www.uheaa.org/NCSP/NCSPBook.pdf. Along with the application you must also submit a copy of your official high school and college transcripts (showing graduation dates and degree awarded). The University of Utah does not offer any associate degree programs; therefore, students will be required to submit official documentation from the registrar's office verifying the completion of the requirements equivalent to an associate degree program.

Where may the scholarship be used?

The New Century Scholarship may be used at the University of Utah, Utah State University, Weber State University, Southern Utah University, Utah Valley State College, and Dixie State College of Utah, as well as the two private institutions in Utah (BYU or Westminster College).

Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP)

This is also a campus-based grant. Your campus, with funds from the State of Utah, matches federal funds and allocates these grants to students that meet federally defined guidelines. The maximum award is $2,500. For eligibility requirements and application materials, please contact the school financial aid office. Again, funds are limited, so apply early. All applicants must complete the FAFSA.

Utah Centennial Opportunity Program for Education (UCOPE) Grant

UCOPE grants are funded by the State of Utah for Utah residents attending schools in Utah. Funds are limited so apply early. All applicants must complete the FAFSA.

Terrel H. Bell Teaching Incentive Loan Program (TIL)

If you are thinking about becoming a teacher, the State of Utah can help turn your career dreams into a reality. In an effort to assist aspiring teachers, the State Board of Regents and the State of Utah created the Terrel H. Bell Teaching Incentive Loan Program (TIL). The TIL program has been designed to provide financial assistance to outstanding students pursuing a degree in teacher education.

Program requirements are simple and ideal for students who are planning a career in the teaching profession. Below are just a few reasons why this program is so valuable to Utah students: The TIL will fund full-time tuition and general fees for up to four years (eight semesters) or until the requirements of teacher certification have been met. Program funds are only available for qualifying students who are Utah residents. TIL funds may be used at any of Utah's participating institutions. After graduation and certification the loan may be forgiven if the recipient teaches in a Utah public or private school (K-12). Loan forgiveness is done on a year to year basis. Other loan repayment options are available if recipients do not wish to teach in Utah.

Students interested in applying for the Terrel H. Bell Loan are encouraged to review the program's qualification requirements, repayment obligations and application process. Additional details regarding the policies of the program may be found under Regent Policy R603.

If you have any questions or would like additional information about the Terrel H. Bell Teaching Incentive Loan program, contact the State Board of Regents program administrator at (801) 321-7101.

How to Qualify:

To qualify, applicants must be Utah high school seniors or post-secondary students who have completed the required number of credit hours (24 at all community colleges) designated by the particular institution. Requirements vary so please see individual institution for specific requirements. Successful applicants may choose to use program funds at any of Utah's state or private institutions that offer a state-approved teacher education program. To continue program eligibility, recipients are required to maintain a full-time class load and meet the academic standards established for completion of the teacher education program each semester.

How to Apply at Participating Institutions:

Applications for high school seniors are available at their high school counselor's office, the State Office of Education, or on-line. Applications must be returned to the State Office of Education no later than March 31 each year.

Post-Secondary students should contact the institution they are attending for deadline dates, contact information and an application. Applications are also available at your school's Financial Aid Office or at the College of Education. Applications and application deadline dates vary by institution.

State Financial Aid Information

Find state financial aid information for the specific state that you live in. Find contact information for your local federal aid office, and get details about specific federal aid programs in your area.