Thinking about finishing your degree but can’t imagine paying full tuition on top of everything else? Southern Utah University has a grant that can cover your entire cost of attendance for select online programs, and it’s built specifically for adults juggling work, family, and school.
What Is the Adult Learner Grant?
The Adult Learner Grant is funded by the State of Utah to help adult learners earn an online degree without paying full price. It covers select high-demand programs at SUU that lead to well-paying careers, and if you qualify in the Fall or Spring, your funding can continue across multiple semesters as long as you stay eligible.
Grant funding is currently available for Fall 2026, Spring 2027, and Summer 2027.
Who Is Eligible?
This grant looks at your financial need rather than your age, so don’t count yourself out if you assumed it was only for younger students.
To qualify, you need to:
- Be a Utah resident or qualify for resident status.
- Complete the FAFSA and show financial need.
- Be considered an “independent student” on your FAFSA. This generally means you’re not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s taxes, which is common if you’re 24 or older, married, supporting your own dependents, or a veteran. If you’re not sure whether you qualify, your FAFSA result will tell you.
- Enroll in one of SUU’s eligible online undergraduate or graduate programs (listed below).
- Register for at least 6 credit hours each semester you receive the grant.
Funding is limited and awarded first-come, first-served, so applying early matters. On top of that, priority goes to applicants who are from rural Utah counties, classified as low income, or pursuing a degree tied to a four- or five-star job (Utah’s rating system for in-demand careers).
What Programs Qualify?
Online undergraduate programs:
- Accounting
- Communication
- Elementary Education
- Finance
- History
- Management
- Marketing
- Nursing
- Political Science
Online graduate programs:
- Accounting
- Arts Administration
- Business Administration
- Business Analytics
- Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
- Education
- Music Education
- Music Technology
- Public Administration
- RN to MSN
How Much Can I Get?
You may qualify for funding up to your full cost of attendance. Because awards are first-come, first-served and funding is limited, there’s no guaranteed dollar amount, but applying as early as possible gives you the best shot at full coverage.
How Do I Apply?
Applying for the SUU Adult Learner Grant is fairly simple.
- Apply for the grant. Fill out the Adult Learner Grant application through SUU’s application portal.
- Apply to SUU and pick your program. Choose one of the eligible online degrees listed above.
- Watch your email. SUU will send your grant decision by email, so check your inbox (and spam folder) after applying.
Make sure to pay attention to the deadlines. Fall applications are due by mid-October and the Spring applications are due in late February.
If you have questions along the way, SUU’s Online Outreach team can walk you through it.
Relief Recap
Going back to school as an adult shouldn’t mean starting over financially, and this grant is one of the more generous options out there for Utah residents. For more ways to make ends meet while you get your degree, check out our Utah resource hub.
