Navigating SUU Housing Scholarship Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide

Financing higher education can be a daunting task. Southern Utah University (SUU) understands these challenges and is committed to equipping students with the financial skills and resources needed to thrive. This article provides a detailed overview of SUU housing scholarship requirements, encompassing various scholarships and financial aid options available to students.

Understanding the Financial Aid Landscape at SUU

The Financial Aid Office at Southern Utah University aims to guide students and their families through the complexities of financing their education. Their mission is to provide incoming and prospective students with the financial skills necessary for success during their academic journey. SUU provides tools to help students succeed in college, including a budget planning resource. This budget helps students estimate their overall expenses for each semester, including on-campus housing prices and meal plan costs. Students can also manually input their individual costs for housing, meals, and other expenses. For personalized assistance, students can schedule an appointment with the Financial Aid Office to review their finances in detail, including financial aid and scholarships.

Private Scholarships: An Essential Funding Source

Applying for private scholarships is an excellent starting point for funding your education. These scholarships are offered by various companies and organizations to help cover education costs. Identifying and applying for relevant scholarships requires patience and effort. Remember that legitimate scholarship applications are free; avoid any that require payment. Exercise caution when providing personal information and prioritize applications that require more effort, as these tend to be more rewarding. SUU provides a list of scholarship banks, but their use is at the student's discretion, as they are not affiliated with the university.

Automatic Consideration for New Student Scholarships

New student scholarships are awarded based on cumulative unweighted GPA or ACT/SAT scores. Students are automatically considered for these scholarships when their admissions application is complete before the deadline. It is important to note that these scholarships are exclusively for students attending the SUU Main Campus.

Alumni Legacy Scholarship: A Family Connection

Non-resident students with parents or grandparents who graduated from SUU may be eligible for the Alumni Legacy Scholarship. This scholarship offers a two-semester, non-renewable award for incoming freshmen. Awards are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so early application is crucial. The award is a two-semester non-renewable scholarship of $6,908 per semester for incoming freshmen.

Transfer Student Scholarships: Recognizing Academic Achievement

Transfer student scholarships are awarded based on the post-high school cumulative GPA from all schools attended. A transfer GPA between 3.9 and 4.0 is typically required for award consideration, highlighting the importance of maintaining a strong academic record.

Scholarship Housing: A Partial Rent Award

Scholarship Housing, supported by the Dixie & Anne Leavitt Foundation, offers a partial housing award. If awarded, the scholarship covers a percentage of rent (up to 50%, 60%, or 75%), with the student responsible for the remaining amount. The exact rent and scholarship amount are determined after apartment assignment by Leavitt Land. Applications are accepted online from November 1st to February 1st. The scholarship appeal process allows students to appeal a decision regarding their institutional scholarship. The appeal process provides an opportunity for students to explain extenuating circumstances that contributed to missed deadlines or failure to meet GPA requirements.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities: A Diverse Range

SUU offers a wide array of scholarships catering to various student profiles and academic pursuits. Here's an overview of some notable scholarships:

Alan Carver Memorial Scholarship: Awarded to Aviation program students or those becoming pilots with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Allies Scholarship: For full-time SUU students who are allies to the LGBTQIA+ community, requiring a 2.75 cumulative GPA.
Belliston Family Foundation Scholarship: Awarded to students who meet the requirements of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers scholarship.
Bennion-Wallace Endowed Scholarship: For students highly involved with the Michael O. Leavitt Center for Politics and Public Service, maintaining a 3.0 GPA.
Blake Hansen Aviation Scholarship: Awarded to undergraduate Rotor Wing students in the School of Aviation at SUU who are sophomore standing or above.
Carmen H. Watson Biology & Environmental Sciences Endowed Scholarship: For students in Pre-Vet, Biology, or Environmental Sciences/Studies.
Craig S. Daniels Boundless Opportunities Scholarship: Applicants must be a non-traditional student or be a military veteran.
Darin & Deletha Heaton Scholarship: Awarded to student(s) from Washington or Kane Counties who are Sophomore, Junior, or Senior. Enrolled in any college or department but must have a minor in the Entrepreneurship program.
Daryl & Willma Halterman Endowed Scholarship: Awarded to a deserving student in the College of Science, with the scholarship awarded to a senior student at Parowan High School via a competition.
Douglas & Mary Bennett Advocacy Scholarship: Awarded to a student involved in the Michael O. Leavitt Center for Politics who may have financial need that has completed or will complete a political advocacy internship.
Dr. W.C. Emeriti Endowed Scholarship: Will be awarded to outstanding junior or senior students who show need of a scholarship.
Eva Nadene Hinkins Endowed Scholarship: Awarded to an undergraduate, non-traditional student as defined by the Non-Traditional Student Services office. Financial need based on an application submitted to the SUU financial aid office.
International Student Scholarship: Awarded by the Associate Provost for International Affairs to a student in good standing approved to attend SUU.
Jacalyn Smith Leavitt Scholarship: Awarded to an outstanding student actively engaged in campus activities and public service in high school, in their community, or with the Leavitt Center.
Josephine Baratta Endowed Scholarship: Awarded to a full-time student seeking an undergraduate degree with a minimum of 2.0 High School GPA.
Karen Wauneka - Brown Memorial Native American Scholarship: For students with financial need who are members of a federally recognized Native American tribe, requiring 16 hours of community service.
Kathy W. Wyatt Tiny T-Bird Scholarship: For students enrolled for the semester that childcare funds are requested, with preference for childcare at SUU's Sorenson Legacy Foundation Center for Hope.
Kent and Carolyn Thomas Endowed Scholarship: Applicants must demonstrate financial need and be an undergraduate entering their junior or senior year.
Launfal Foundation Single Parent Scholarship: Is awarded to caregivers of children, in a single-income household, not claimed as a dependent qualified to receive financial aid through SUU Financial Aid office.
Lawrence Keith & Ora B. Gates Endowed Scholarship: Will be awarded to students who are from a Utah county south of Juab County and who are the child of a single parent.
Local First-Appaloosa Solar Endowed Scholarship: The scholarship is to award outstanding students who are from Iron County, Utah, and have the desire to stay in Iron County after completing their studies and have financial needs. Scholarships apply to students pursuing a bachelor’s degree, associate’s degree, and/or a certificate.
MW Netgain Housing Scholarship: Awarded to students enrolled in 10 credit hours with financial need who are considered homeless or have experienced homelessness, are survivors of domestic violence, or have aged out of foster care.
Nikki Gwin Memorial Scholarship: Awarded to outstanding students who are either cancer survivors or caregivers of children, in a single-income household, not claimed as a dependent who may have financial need.
Non-Traditional Students Scholarship: Awarded to outstanding non-traditional students who are caregivers of children, in a single-income household, not claimed as a dependent and may have financial need.
Old Sorrel Endowed Scholarship: Was established by Dr.
One Refugee Scholarship: Student must be enrolled as a full time student and be eligible for college English and math.
Paula Parry Memorial Scholarship: Awarded to students who are Presidential Ambassadors and/or have been accepted to Govenor's Honors Academy and maintain a GPA over 3.0.
Ralph B. & Naomi Fordham Platt Endowed Scholarship: Is awarded to deserving students in the Music Department or the Department of Engineering, in alternating years.
Randy Humphries Scholarship: Is awarded to full or part-time students who demonstrate financial need.
Royden C. Braithwaite/Skaggs Endowed Scholarship: Will be awarded to outstanding students that are economically, physically and mentally disadvantaged, and who have proven record of academic achievement of at least 2.5 GPA.
Ruth Ipson Cannon Endowed Scholarship: Will be awarded to a freshman from Garfield County, Utah.
SUU Housing Scholarship: Will be awarded to full-time students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher though the Dixie & Anne Leavitt Foundation.
Scott M. & Ruth C. Seegmiller Fine Arts Entrepreneur Endowed Scholarship: Must be seeking a bachelor's degree in the arts, including: Music, Theater, Arts, Dance, Dance Education, and all BFA-seeking students. Student must be enrolled in a class with the ENTR prefix or a course required for an entrepreneurship certificate or minor.
Sheila Gardner Rose Single Parent Scholarship: Is awarded to caregivers of children, in a single-income household, not claimed as a dependent with at least one child living at home. Student must be in good academic standing. Preference given to students with financial need based on application submitted to Financial Aid office. Minimum GPA of 2.5 is required.
Sherilyn Ranstrom Scholarship: Awarded to a junior or senior undergraduate student enrolled full time. The student shall be a caregiver of children, in a single-income household, not claimed as a dependent, or a child of a single-income household caregiver that have demonstrated financial need.
Staff Association Scholarship: SUU Staff Association Scholarships are awarded each year to deserving SUU students who are nominated by Staff Association members (non-faculty) of Southern Utah University.
Student Leader Alumni Endowed Scholarship: Recipients must be actively involved in extra-curricular service and leadership activities at SUU, which typically include but are not limited to roles under the purview of the Student Involvement and Leadership Office (STIL).
Thunderbird Endowed Scholarship: Awarded to SUU incoming freshmen who graduated from any Utah high school.
Treven Brazier Scholarship: Awarded to an incoming freshman from Emery High School (Preference given to Emery county students and then Carbon county students.). Student may receive scholarship for Freshman and Sophomore years (four semesters).
Trio Scholarship: Will be awarded to students who are either a first generation student, low income, or disabled and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
W. Joshua Beazer Travel Scholarship: Scholarship to be used for student travel associated with a class. Students must be Sophomore, junior or senior year and have a GPA of 3.0 or above.
William Lazarus Hardiman Dotson Scholarship: Awarded to students from Beaver and Iron County that have financial need. Students must have graduated from a Beaver or Iron County high school. Students must be a major of Science, Music, or Political Science.
Willy the Plumber Scholarship: Awarded to a student who has a parent or guardian that is incarcerated for two years or more, or the parent has done 3 or more years in the past 7 years.
Zenaido & Petra Camacho Scholarship: Awarded to student(s) who are a Junior or Senior in the Honors Program.

These scholarships often have specific eligibility criteria, so reviewing the requirements carefully is essential.

Navigating the FAFSA and Financial Aid Process

To access federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at FAFSA.gov. The information provided in the FAFSA determines eligibility for these programs. Your financial aid award can be found in Banner Financial Aid. You will need to log in using your SUU username and password. Once you have logged in, select "Award", then "Award By Aid Year".

Read also: Guide to UC Davis Student Housing

SUU uses StudentForms Verification software to streamline the submission of required documentation and web forms for FAFSA verification. The Southern Utah University Financial Aid and Scholarships office is committed to ensuring that you have a streamlined experience to receive your federal financial aid.

Understanding FERPA and Information Release

The Family Education Right-to-Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy of student educational records. The Financial Aid Office strictly adheres to FERPA regulations and requires a signed Information Release Form for anyone, including parents and spouses, to access a student's financial aid information.

Refunds and Direct Deposit

Refunds are processed before the beginning of classes each semester. Setting up direct deposit through the mySUU Portal ensures timely deposit of refunds into the student's specified account.

Federal Work-Study Program

The Federal Work-Study program provides eligible students with the opportunity to work part-time on campus. Eligibility is determined based on FAFSA data, and available positions can be found on the Jobs for T-Birds page.

Direct Loans: Funding Your Education

Direct Loans, offered to students who submit the FAFSA, are low-interest loans designed to help cover the cost of college education. These loans are provided by the Department of Education.

Cost of Attendance Estimates

SUU provides cost of attendance estimates for both resident and non-resident students, encompassing tuition, fees, and average living expenses in Cedar City. These estimates provide a comprehensive view of the potential costs associated with attending SUU.

Addressing Homelessness

Students experiencing homelessness, living in motels, campgrounds, or cars, may be eligible for a homeless youth determination, potentially unlocking additional financial aid opportunities.

Additional Resources and Support

SUU provides various resources to support students facing financial challenges. Students can contact their financial aid counselor to explore additional financial aid options or the Cashier's Office to discuss payment plan possibilities.

Scholarship Housing: Additional Details

Scholarship Housing is a one-year renewable scholarship (up to 8 semesters maximum). Eligibility requires full-time enrollment, a completed FAFSA application, and a minimum GPA of 3.0 (institutional or high school cumulative). Single applicants must be willing to share a room. This scholarship is offered through Leavitt Land and Investments, an off-campus property management company.

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