Tuition, Financial Aid, & Scholarships

Tuition & Fees

In general, the costs of attending Southern Utah University arise from tuition, student and course fees, and special fees (such as fees for private music lessons or laboratory classes). Students’ actual costs depend on how many classes they take, the type of classes they take, and their status as a resident or non-resident student.

Students may pay with cash, check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.

Tuition and fees will be assessed to all students including extended day school students and summer school students according to the following schedules. Extended day school and daytime credit hours are combined in assessing tuition. All students who attend summer school pay resident tuition.

Residency

Students who have questions regarding their residency status should inquire at the Admissions Office. (See also Utah Residency .)

Deadline for Paying Tuition & Fees

All students are obligated to pay their fees on or before the payment deadline for any given semester. Scholarships and financial aid post approximately ten (10) days prior to the first day of the semester. The drop for non-payment will occur on the 14th day of the semester in conjunction with the deadline to register and the 100% refund period. Specific dates will be posted one month prior to the deadline. For specific dates, please visit the Cashier’s Office website at www.suu.edu/cashier/due.html.

The Cashier’s Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Financial arrangements for payment of fees are the responsibility of the student.

SUU offers payment plans for students desiring to pay their institutional charges in monthly installments. Please visit the Cashier’s Office website or call (435) 586-7720 for additional information.

Late Payment Fee

A fee for late payment of balances due the University will be assessed in the amount of $35 per month as long as the balance remains unpaid. Late payment fees are not refundable. The University reserves the right to un-register students for nonpayment of tuition and fees and to withhold registration, grades, transcripts, and diplomas for nonpayment of obligations to SUU.

How SUU Calculates Tuition & Fees

To calculate other tuition and fees, see the current student fee and course fee schedules. Students registered for three (3) or more credit hours in any regular academic semester daytime or evening class for credit may receive a student activity card.

Financial Aid Policies

Through the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, Southern Utah University administers a comprehensive financial aid program to assist students in attending the University. Most student financial aid is awarded on basis of need. Grants, part-time employment, and loans are available from funds provided by the U.S. government, the state of Utah, private organizations, and interested individuals.

The information contained in this publication reflects current procedures and rules affecting the delivery of financial aid. The University reserves the right to change, at any time, schedules, rules, and regulations. Appropriate notice of such changes is given, whenever possible, before they become effective.

The following sections describe the procedures for applying for financial aid, the types of financial aid available, and the eligibility requirements for receiving financial aid. The rights and responsibilities of students who receive financial aid are included within the following information.

Students are responsible to pay the cost of university attendance. However, those students whose personal and family resources are insufficient to meet educational expenses may qualify to receive financial assistance from one or more of the available programs. Nevertheless, the availability of financial assistance programs does not replace students’ responsibility to make certain their university obligations are paid.

Applying for Financial Aid

It is strongly recommended that students’ application for federal financial aid be completed online through the U.S. Department of Education at studentaid.gov. The FAFSA is available for completion on October 1st for the next academic year (for example, for the 2023-24 academic year, the FAFSA was available on October 1, 2022). If you need help, contact the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, Ste 167 in the Sharwan Smith Center (address: 351 W. University Blvd, Cedar City, Utah, 84720; phone: (435) 586-7735). SUU recommends students use the Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) when completing the FAFSA; this tool allows the student and/or parent to transfer the tax information from an IRS website directly into the students FAFSA. SUU recommends that students never pay for assistance with federal aid or scholarships. Services are available through our office and at studentaid.gov at no cost.

Financial aid applications may be submitted throughout the school year, and students who qualify may receive financial aid awards retroactively. However, students may not be eligible to receive financial aid for prior semesters if they are not currently enrolled or if the credits earned are not considered passing. Funding for some types of assistance is limited and may be fully committed before late applicants establish their eligibility. The awarding of financial aid to a student depends upon both the student’s eligibility and the availability of funds. As funds are often insufficient to meet financial need, the importance of an early application cannot be overemphasized.

The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships cannot guarantee that funds will be available for the start of any given term unless applications are complete, accurate, and on file in their office, together with any requisite supporting documentation no later than 90 days prior to the beginning of the semester.

Students who transfer to SUU to attend spring or summer semesters must cancel their aid at all other institutions for the semesters in which they plan to attend SUU.

Types of Financial Aid Available

To be eligible to receive financial assistance while attending Southern Utah University, a student must be enrolled at least half-time (with the exception of the Pell Grant program, which currently allows less than half-time enrollment), be in good standing, and maintain satisfactory academic progress through a course of study toward a certificate or degree. A student must also be a citizen of the United States or an eligible non-citizen.

Grants

Generally, grants are awarded on basis of need and repayment is not required unless a recipient withdraws from school or stops attending the classes for which funding was received. Grants are available for first bachelor’s degree, undergraduate study only.

• Federal Pell Grants are the principal federal grant program and are considered to be the primary source of federal assistance. Pell Grant eligibility is for the equivalent of six (6) years of full-time enrollment (one year is two semesters), and all undergraduate students who qualify will receive a Pell grant. Beginning with the 2017-2018 year, summer semester Pell grants are available. Contact the SUU Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships for details.
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants are awarded to students that have “exceptional need.” FSEOG funds are very limited and are awarded to Pell Grant recipients first.
• Utah Promise Program funds are awarded to Utah residents that have “exceptional need.” Utah Promise funds are very limited and are awarded to Pell Grant recipients on a case-by-case basis.
• Federal Work-Study awards allow a student to apply for part-time campus jobs. Federal work-study is awarded to undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to the recipient’s course of study. FWS jobs can help students gain valuable work experience in a chosen field of study before leaving school.

Loans

Federal Loans are funds borrowed from the Department of Education and disbursed to the student through the certifying school. Students who borrow Federal Loans are required to complete Entrance Loan Counseling and complete and sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN) before funds will be disbursed.

• Federal Direct Student Loans are funded and guaranteed by the federal government. For undergraduate students, the federal government pays the interest on subsidized loans until six (6) months after the student leaves school or enrolls in less than six (6) credit hours. Unsubsidized loans are essentially the same but there are no interest subsidies. Federal Direct Loan funds are available to all qualifying applicants, although beginning with the 2012-2013 school year, the subsidized loan is only available to undergraduates. Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) are also available from the federal government. Repayment begins within 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed.
• Short-term Loans are made to students to meet immediate school-related needs while federal aid or personal funding is forthcoming. These loans are made from funds contributed by private donors and must be repaid within the semester. As with other aid programs, applicants must maintain satisfactory academic progress to qualify.

Eligibility Requirements (Satisfactory Academic Progress)

The Higher Education Amendment Act of 1965, as amended, mandates institutions of higher education to establish a minimum standard of “Satisfactory Academic Progress” for students receiving financial aid. SUU makes this standard applicable to all federal, state, and institutional financial assistance programs for the purpose of maintaining a consistent policy for all students receiving financial aid.

Review Period

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is reviewed at the end of each semester for all students who were enrolled during that term. Failure to make Satisfactory Academic Progress at the end of that payment period will affect financial aid eligibility for the following semester. Please note that if students did not attend SUU during the term being reviewed, their prior SAP status will still apply. 

If a student is not in good standing after being reviewed, they may receive a “warning” status for the following semester, but only if they were in good standing the prior semester. For example, if a student is in good standing at the end of summer but failed to maintain an eligible GPA by the end of the fall, they will receive a warning for the spring semester. During a warning period, students are eligible to receive Title IV funds. The warning period is for one (1) semester only and does not require the student to submit an appeal form. If their SAP standing is ineligible the next time they are reviewed, they may submit an appeal at that time to request a possible probationary period for one (1) additional semester. An appeal can be approved for one (1) semester only. If more than one (1) semester would be required to regain good standing, the student may submit an Academic Plan to request a probationary period that is longer than one (1) semester. All students in a “probation” or “warning” status will be reviewed at the end of each payment period, along with all other students who were enrolled.

Standards

To make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), students must meet all of the following standards: (1) Academic Standards, (2) Maximum Time Frame, and (3) Enrollment Status.

1. Academic Standards (GPA)
   
   Students must maintain a cumulative GPA minimum requirement, reviewed at the end of each payment period. For all credit hours attempted, undergraduate students must have a 2.0 or higher cumulative GPA and graduate students must have a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA. If the cumulative GPA drops below the minimum requirement, the student will no longer be eligible for financial aid, although they may appeal based on extenuating circumstances.
    
2. Maximum Time Frames

   Undergraduate Students: The number of credit hours an undergraduate student attempts may not exceed 150% of the number of credit hours required for graduation in their program of study, as published in the University Catalog. For example, if the published number of hours required for graduation is 122, a student may not attempt more than 183 credit hours (120 x 150% = 183) and continue to receive financial aid. All periods of enrollment must be considered, even those for which the student did not receive financial aid as well as hours transferred in from another school. If the number of attempted hours reaches 150% of the hours required for graduation, the student will no longer be eligible for financial aid. Upon reaching 160 earned credit hours, students are advised to meet with their Student Success Advisor to review the remaining courses they must take to complete their degree within the 183 credit hour limit. 

   Upon reaching 160 attempted hours, students may receive a warning period for one (1) semester. If they cannot complete the following payment period without exceeding the maximum time frame, they will be assigned the SAP status which indicates they have already reached the maximum time frame. For an undergraduate student, this is when they have attempted 172 hours, since it is not mathematically possible to complete one more full-time semester without exceeding the 150% permitted. If students will only attend part-time during that payment period, they may submit an appeal for review by the SAP Committee. If it is determined that they can complete the term without exceeding 183 hours, they will be placed on probation for the semester, during which time they may receive Title IV funds. 
   
   Graduate Students: The number of credit hours a graduate student attempts also may not exceed 150% of the number of credit hours required for graduation in their program of study, as published in the University Catalog. For example, if the published number of hours required for graduation is 36, a student may not attempt more than 54 credit hours (36 x 150% = 54) and continue to receive financial aid. (Thirty-six credit hours is the average number of credits required for the various graduate programs, which range from 30 to 42.) All periods of enrollment as a graduate student will be considered, even those for which the student did not receive financial aid as well as hours transferred in from another school. If the credits required for a specific program are greater than 36, because the students’ program requires additional coursework, exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

3. Enrollment Status (Percent Completion)
   
   Students must successfully complete a minimum of 70% of all attempted coursework. If the number of completed hours (cumulative) drops below 70% of attempted hours, the student will no longer be eligible for financial aid. They will receive one warning period to attempt to raise their completion percentage. If after the warning period, they may submit an appeal for review of a possible probationary period for one (1) more semester.
   
   Examples:
   a) If a student attempts (registers for) 30 credit hours in an academic year, they must complete a minimum of 21 credit hours for the year. (Note: All partial credit will be rounded down to the nearest hour.)
   b) If at the end of the second year a student has attempted 60 credit hours, they must have completed a minimum of 42 credit hours (60 x 70% = 42) to be making SAP.
   
   Attempted hours include all registered hours per semester whether or not the student earns a grade or receives credit. The following are considered hours attempted, but not completed:
   a) “F” grades for undergraduate students
   b) “D” and “F” grades for graduate students
   c) “W” or withdrawal from courses
   d) “UW” or unofficial withdrawals from courses
   e) “I” or incomplete
   
   Completed hours include all semester hours for which the student earns a grade:
   a) “A” through “D” grades for undergraduate students
   b) “A” through “C” grades for graduate students
   c) All transfer hours completed
   d) Remedial courses count as earned if passed, but the grade does not count toward the calculation of GPA
   
   Repeat courses that have been passed and retaken may not count as earned credits for financial aid purposes and should be taken in addition to the number of credits used to determine a student’s financial aid award. Audited courses are not considered enrolled hours when determining financial aid eligibility.

   In accordance with federal regulations, the standard is “cumulative” and credits earned without the receipt of financial aid or at other institutions must be counted. These policies may be appealed on a case-by-case basis for students with extenuating circumstances or a qualifying disability. Disabilities must be documented with the Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities in the Student Support Center. Each request for appeal, and the supporting documentation, will be carefully considered by the Financial Aid Review Committee.

Review Policy

After grades are posted at the end of each semester, the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships will review the SAP progress of every enrolled student, regardless of whether or not they received financial aid. Students will be reviewed to ensure that they are meeting the following criteria:

1. Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher (undergraduates) or cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (graduates).
2. Successful completion of at least 70% of all attempted course work for all periods of enrollment (cumulative), even those for which the student did not receive financial aid.
3. Total attempted hours does not exceed 150% of the published length of the program of study.

Outcomes

Financial Aid Warning and Financial Aid Probation

A student will be placed on financial aid warning for one (1) semester immediately following a payment period when they are determined to be in an ineligible SAP status for the first time. Students on financial aid warning may continue to receive assistance under the Title IV programs for one (1) payment period despite a determination that they are not making SAP. Financial Aid warning status may be assigned without an appeal or other action by the student and should be used by the student to attempt to correct their ineligible status. 

Students may be placed on financial aid probation as a result of an appeal. An appeal may only be approved for one (1) semester. A student on Financial Aid probation may receive Title IV program funds for one (1) payment period. Further, while students are on financial aid probation, the SAP Committee may require them to fulfill specific terms and conditions such as taking a reduced course load or enrolling in specific courses. At the end of one (1) payment period on financial aid probation, they must meet the SAP standards to qualify for further Title IV program funds. If students would be unable to correct their ineligible status by the end of a one-semester probation, they may complete an Academic Plan to extend the time they are allowed to be on financial aid probation. They must meet the requirements of the academic plan by the end of the approved time frame. Students may not request a second probationary period based on the same extenuating circumstance. 

Financial Aid Suspension

In the event students do not meet the requirements for SAP after one (1) warning period, or a probationary period resulting from appeal, they will be placed on financial aid suspension for the following semester. This means that the student will not be eligible for any type of federal, state, or institutional aid until they return to satisfactory academic progress.

Students who have been placed on Financial Aid suspension because they do not meet the GPA or enrollment status requirements may do the following if they decide not to appeal, or if their appeal is not approved:

• Students may attend the next semester without Title IV aid or apply for alternative loans to cover their balance. 
• Students will be reviewed again at the end of each semester to determine if they meet the SAP requirements and eligibility for aid will be reviewed during the regular review process.

Conditions for Reinstatement and Appeal Process

Students whose eligibility for financial aid has been terminated may appeal the decision to the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships if they believe that they had extenuating circumstances that led to their unsatisfactory progress. This appeal is an online process and students will be notified of the process when notified of their financial aid suspension status. The student must fully complete and submit the signed Suspension Appeal form explaining the reasons they failed to make SAP. Students must also describe what has changed in their situation that will allow them to demonstrate SAP at the next evaluation. The SAP Review Committee will review each appeal and notify students in an email of the decision. A completed form must include:

1. A letter from the student documenting the extenuating circumstances (personal illness or medical problems, death in the family, etc.). This letter should provide a detailed explanation of the situation.
2. If the student has exceeded the maximum time frame and is appealing based on a change of major, a second major or an additional degree, they should state the reason for the change and indicate the number of hours remaining to be taken in the new major. The student must also have their Student Success Advisor complete the advisor section of the form indicating the number of credit hours required for the major or degree and the number of hours remaining.
3. The student’s name, T-Number, and email address.

The status of each aid recipient will be monitored for satisfactory academic progress and an email notification will be sent to the preferred email address of those students who are placed on Financial Aid suspension.

Students who fail to complete the requirements for a degree or certificate within 150% of the normal, published time frame are entitled to submit an appeal for an extension. The SAP Review Committee may grant time frame extensions under certain circumstances.

A student may request an exception to any of the above policies due to extenuating circumstances, including disability, by submitting an appeal to the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office. The appeal must include a letter of explanation with supporting documentation and the completed Suspension Appeal form. Documentation for a low GPA should include a letter from the appropriate Student Success Advisor. Documentation for low percentage of completion (at least 70%) should be in line with the cause of the low hours. An appeal may be approved for one (1) semester only. If it will take longer than one (1) semester for students to meet the SAP requirements, an Academic Plan will be required. 

Examples of exceptions that may be made on a case-by-case basis include situations such as a documented disability or serious illness, death in the family, change of major, remedial courses taken as preparatory coursework, or other unexpected and extenuating circumstances that can be appropriately documented. Verification of disability should be provided to the Committee by the Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities. The Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities may recommend that the Committee grant an extension if such is among the reasonable accommodations that would be appropriate for the student.

Each request for an exception is reviewed anonymously by the SAP Review Committee and will be carefully considered based solely on the individual situation presented by the student and the supporting documentation provided. Before the appeal is presented to the Committee, it is stripped of all personally identifying information about the student who has appealed. The Committee will make its decision based solely on the information presented. It is the intent of the Committee to review each appeal fairly and justly, and the committee will not use information presented in the appeal to discriminate in any way on age, national origin, disability, sex, religion, or any other legally recognized category. 

Students will be notified by email of the status of their appeal, including an explanation that supports the determination of the Committee.

Refund & Repayment Policy

Refunds

Students who have paid their tuition and fees through personal funds and withdraw may be entitled to receive a partial refund according to the SUU tuition and fee refund schedule. Tuition and fees that were paid through Federal and/or institutional funding (financial aid, scholarships, waivers, etc.) will be refunded to the specific programs according to Federal and institutional policies.

Repayment

Students who withdraw may be required to repay a portion of the financial aid advanced to them for living expenses, educational expenses other than tuition, fees, and school services. Repayment will be calculated in accordance with the repayment formula established by federal regulations.

Repayments to any federal financial aid program will not exceed those disbursed from that program, and will be repaid in the following priority order:

1. Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan
2. Subsidized Federal Direct Loan
3. Federal Direct Plus Loan
4. Federal Pell Grant
5. Federal SEOG
6. Other Title IV aid
7. Non-Title IV aid

Repayment of Title IV Funds must be made within 45 days of the official notice of “repayment obligation.” If arrangements are not made before 45 days, this information will be turned over to the SUU Collection Office. If necessary, the Collections Office will pursue all legal means of collection, including litigation. Any student loans students have borrowed (including student private) will go into immediate repayment through the lender.

When students are first admitted to Southern Utah University, the University classifies them as either a resident student or a non-resident student. SUU then uses this classification to determine students’ tuition and fees. It is the student’s responsibility to apply for residency status. For questions on tuition and fees, contact the Cashier’s Office. For questions about student loans, short term emergency loans, or financial aid, contact the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office. For questions about residency status, contact the Admissions Office.

SUU tuition and fees are determined by the University administration and the Utah State Board of Higher Education. The administration and Board reserve the right to change tuition and fees as necessary. Please review the SUU website for up-to-date tuition figures: www.suu.edu/cashier/tuition.html.

Is There Help Available?

SUU offers a payment plan for students desiring to pay their institutional charges in monthly installments. Please visit the Cashier’s website or call (435) 586-7720 for additional information.

SUU’s Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships is ready to help students complete the financial aid application process. Please contact the office with concerns and questions. They are committed to making this process as simple as possible.

Scholarships

Scholarships and awards are made to new, transfer, and continuing students. To be eligible for scholarships, all students must be admitted to Southern Utah University and may be required to complete a scholarship application. Details on award amounts vary by department and donor. All scholarships require a minimum of full-time enrollment (at least 12 credit hours per semester) as listed on the scholarship acceptance letter. The types of scholarships available include: Academic, Departmental, Leadership, Presidential Ambassador, Talent, Athletics, and Endowed. See www.suu.edu/finaid/scholarships.html for the scholarship deadlines for new, continuing, and transfer students. Early applications are encouraged. Please note that all scholarships are to be used for undergraduate credits only, unless offered by a graduate program.

All students are automatically considered for an academic scholarship upon admission provided all admissions paperwork is complete prior to the deadline. Continuing students are considered based on submission of a completed scholarship application prior to the deadline.

Types of Scholarships

Academic Scholarships

Academic scholarship recipients are selected based on a cumulative GPA or ACT/SAT score (whichever score provides the student with the best scholarship). Students maintain scholarship eligibility for multi-year awards based upon academic performance. Recipients may receive two- to four-year awards that are between $1,000 and full-tuition per year for Utah residents, and between $5,500 and full-tuition per year for Non-Residents.

Athletic Scholarships

Athletic scholarships are awarded by SUU athletic coaches. For more specific information on SUU’s athletic scholarships visit www.suu.edu/finaid/schol-athletic.html for contact information.

Departmental Scholarships

Departmental scholarships are awarded by the academic departments to deserving students. Eligibility requirements include a completed admissions application and the Continuing Student Scholarship Application. Students must specify their area of interest and demonstrate exceptional knowledge within the academic department.

Leadership Scholarships

Leadership scholarships are awarded to first-time freshman and transfer students with outstanding leadership ability that have excelled in student governments, club organizations, community services, and other co-curricular activities. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for scholarship consideration. Leadership scholarships are based on GPA, ACT/SAT scores, and the leadership resume, which is in the scholarship application. Recipients may receive between $1,000 and full tuition per year for four years.

Presidential Ambassador Scholarships

Presidential Ambassador scholarships are awarded to outstanding leaders who have excelled in school, community, and personal leadership.

Talent Scholarships

Talent scholarships are awarded to exceptional performing students in the areas of music, dance, drama, debate, journalism, art, and rodeo. Departments usually require applicants to audition or submit special information to be considered for a talent scholarship. Visit www.suu.edu/finaid/schol-talent.html for contact information.

Terrel H. Bell Scholarships

Terrel H. Bell Scholarships are awarded for one (1) year of study at a time to deserving Utah high school graduates who are entering the teaching profession in the state of Utah and who maintain a 2.75 GPA. These scholarships provide for payment of tuition and fees. Interested high school students should contact their principal or superintendent as needed about the scholarship. Interested transfer or continuing students may contact SUU’s Department of Teacher Education for more information.

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Waivers

WUE waivers are awarded to students from participating states, listed on www.suu.edu/finaid/scholarships.html. Awards are based on GPA and ACT/SAT scores. WUE recipients pay approximately 1.5 times the amount of Utah resident tuition. The credit hours earned as a WUE student may not be counted toward residency status.