Southern Utah University’s departmental and privately funded scholarships for the 2025-2026 school year opened earlier this month on Nov. 5 and will remain available for students to apply to through their mySUU portal until Feb. 1, 2025.
Unlike academic scholarships which are funded by the school based on the applicant’s GPA, departmental scholarships are typically sponsored by university donors and awarded annually to students excelling in certain fields or to those with specific needs.
SUU opens these scholarships for application every November. Students are encouraged to navigate to their student portal, click on the scholarships tab and apply to as many as they qualify for. SUU’s scholarship page lists its various endowments under their associated colleges, making it easy for students to locate scholarships fit for them.
Students can apply to most scholarships by simply clicking the “apply” button, but some require applicants to fill out questionnaires or write a short essay.
Last year the Utah Legislature passed H.B. 261, also known as the Equal Opportunity Act, which prohibits public universities from considering an applicant’s race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender when considering admission or awarding financial aid.
Because this law only applies to state-funded financial awards, scholarships that are privately funded are not regulated by the bill and can be awarded to whomever the sponsor chooses. There are scholarships available for SUU students who are members of a federally recognized Native American tribe, those involved in the LGBTQIA+ community and more available on the website.
Other scholarships are awarded based on experience. For example, there are endowments dedicated specifically to students with kids, multiple scholarships given to military veterans and private funding for students involved with SUU athletics.
Scholarship selection will begin March 1, 2025. Those awarded will be notified via email and given an acceptance form to fill out before the funds can be transferred to their account. Students should watch their mySUU portal for important updates, and if they need help with applications, make an appointment with SUU’s financial aid and scholarships office.
Author: Heather Turner
Copy Editor: Isaac Allen
Photos courtesy of SUU
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