When it comes to your education, don’t compromise. As a top-tier research institution with a renowned student life experience, Utah State offers unparalleled advantages that set Aggies apart. With a $1,000 grant to help cover your college expenses, experience what Utah State does better than anyone else.
Elevated Academics
Gain hands-on experience with top undergraduate research programs, 1,000+ study abroad options, and a University Honors Program that starts your research in your first semester.
Utah's Best Student Life
Our long-standing traditions, nationally recognized student section, and popular events make for the best student life.
Your Degree, Your Way
Our 30 campuses across the state and USU Online provide access to a college degree that fits your lifestyle. Live where you want and attend classes in person or online.
Grant Overview
For the 2025-2026 school year, this grant will give $1,000 ($500 for fall semester and $500 for spring semester) to every undergraduate student attending USU for the first time – either as a new student or as a transfer student. To be eligible, students must complete and submit the 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 1, 2025, enroll in fall 2025 courses by May 1, 2025, and be registered as a full-time student (12+ credits) by the first week of fall term.
These funds can be used for any educational expense, including tuition and fees, books, housing, food, or transportation.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To be eligible for the Aggie Advantage Grant you must:
- Be admitted to USU for summer 2025 or fall 2025 semesters as a first-time undergraduate student.
- Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Be a U.S. citizen, or eligible non-citizen.
STEPS TO APPLY
Follow these steps to apply for the grant:
- Submit the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 1, 2025.
- Register for at least one USU fall semester class by May 1, 2025.
- Orientation will tell you everything you need to select classes, speak with your academic advisor, and register on time.
- Be enrolled in 12+ credits by the first day of fall semester, August 25, 2025.
- For spring semester, a student must maintain a 2.0 GPA and be registered full-time by the first day of spring semester, January 7, 2026.
Student Financial Resources
More scholarships and financial resources can be found at usu.edu/financial-support.
Frequently Asked Questions & Scholarship Criteria
The state of Utah ranks #48 out of 50 for students who complete the FAFSA each year. Millions of dollars are lost to students who miss out on Federal Pell grants. This grant is to help students realize all the potential grants, federal and state aid that they can receive to help pay for college.
Money that does not need to be repaid.
No. This grant is available to all students who meet the criteria regardless of income.
In May 2025 USU will email all students who have met the criteria thus far, letting them know they've been offered the grant. During the first week of fall semester, a student will receive the funding from this grant if they are registered for 12 or more credits. A student must be registered for 12 or more credits by the final add/drop deadline of the semester (commonly the 3rd week of the semester start date).
Confirming your enrollment will auto accept the grant.
The grant will be applied toward your Utah State account. If your account charges are covered, the funds will be refunded to you via mail or through direct deposit during the first week of each semester. USU encourages you to enroll in direct deposit.
Funding cannot be deferred to a future year and can only be used during the 2025-2026 academic year.
Yes. This grant will pay out even if you are receiving other grants and scholarships.
No, if used to pay for tuition and fees, books, supplies and required course equipment.
No. You only need to submit and complete the FAFSA.
The Aggie Advantage Grant is only available to summer 2025 and fall 2025 first-time and transfer students seeking their first undergraduate bachelor’s degree, associates, or certificate.
Yes.
Current high school students enrolled in Concurrent Enrollment (CE) classes must first be admitted into a certificate, associate, or bachelor's degree program at USU. The awarding criteria described above must also be met.
Yes.
Yes. Students returning from deferment for summer 2025 or fall 2025 are eligible. The awarding criteria described above must also be met.
Some funding is considered 'last dollar in' and may be reduced when these funds are applied to your account. This grant is considered a 'resource' and as a result, some of your federal aid may be reduced (loans, work-study, SEOG, etc). This grant may also reduce the Opportunity Scholarship (for those awarded this scholarship through the State of Utah). This grant won't reduce pell grants, awards offered through the Office of Admissions, or the USU Promise.