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 this 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 2026-2027 school year, this grant will give up to $1,000 to new undergraduate students attending USU for the first time – either as a new student or as a transfer student. To be eligible, students must complete the 2026-2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 1, 2026, enroll in fall 2026 courses by May 1, 2026, and be registered as a full-time student (12+ credits) by the first week of fall term.
All new students will receive a $500 grant by meeting eligibility criteria below. Students who have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of 8,000 or less will receive an additional $500 grant (for a total award of $1,000).
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 2026 or fall 2026 semesters as a first-time undergraduate student.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Be a U.S. citizen, or eligible non-citizen.
AWARD AMOUNTS
The following outlines the Aggie Advantage Grant Award Amounts based on eligibility criteria meet:
- All new students will receive a $500 grant by meeting eligibility criteria above.
- Students who have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of 8,000 or less will receive an additional $500 grant (for a total award of $1,000).
STEPS TO APPLY
Follow these steps to apply for the grant:
- Submit the 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 1, 2026.
- Register for at least one USU fall semester class by May 1, 2026.
- 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 add/drop deadline of fall and spring semester.
- Awards will start to pay the first week of the semester if registered for 12+ credits. If registration drops below 12 credits, the award will be removed (creating a balance due).
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.
Who determines the Student Aid Index (SAI)?
The U.S. Department of Education calculates your SAI. When you submit the FAFSA form, your family’s financial information is processed using a federal formula. That official calculation, not the school, creates your SAI.
Where can I see my Student Aid Index (SAI)?
You can find your SAI on your FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS). After filing your FAFSA, log in at studentaid.gov with your FSA ID. Your FSS will list your SAI and other important eligibility information.
Does the SAI round up?
No. The SAI is reported precisely as calculated by the Department of Education. Utah State University (USU) will use the exact number provided without rounding up or down.
Where can I estimate my Student Aid Index (SAI)?
You can use the Federal Student Aid Estimator on studentaid.gov/aid-estimator. This free tool lets you enter basic income and family information to see an estimate of your SAI and what types of federal aid you may qualify for. Keep in mind: this is only an estimate. Your official SAI is calculated after you submit the FAFSA and is shown on your FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS).
What if I am selected for FAFSA Verification?
Verification means the U.S. Department of Education needs to confirm your FAFSA details. At USU, you’ll get instructions in your portal and by email on how to complete it (see the USU FAFSA Verification page). Your FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) will show a temporary SAI before verification is finished. The official SAI is set only after verification is complete and approved by the Department of Education. At that point, USU can finalize your aid offer.
In May 2026 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 2026-2027 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 2026 and fall 2026 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 2026 or fall 2026 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, institutional academic awards, or the USU Promise.