Utah State University provides a wide range of financial assistance options to support its graduate students, with more than half of the graduate population receiving financial aid each year. The university, operating as a land grant institution, offers various pathways to manage education costs, including scholarships, grants, and specialized tuition waivers.
Federal and Veteran Support
Graduate students at Utah State University have access to several forms of federal financial assistance, provided they complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Depending on federal regulations and individual eligibility, this assistance may include federal student loans, Federal Work-Study programs, and various veterans' educational benefits.
For students interested in utilizing veterans' educational benefits, the university directs individuals to the Veterans Resource Office for detailed information. While federal aid is determined by the information provided through the FAFSA, students are encouraged to consult Student Financial Support to obtain the most current information regarding application procedures and eligibility requirements.
Tuition Waiver Options
Utah State University offers diverse tuition waiver programs to assist nonresident students. Those enrolled in an M.S. Plan A or a Ph.D. program who hold a 0.5 FTE graduate assistantship for an entire semester—from the first day of classes through the last day of finals—are eligible for a Research Waiver of non-resident tuition for that semester.
Additional nonresident tuition relief is available through the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP). Students who meet the School of Graduate Studies admission criteria and are residents of participating states may enroll in approved graduate programs through WRGP without paying nonresident tuition. Furthermore, the Alumni Legacy Nonresident waiver allows nonresident students whose parents earned a degree from Utah State University to have the nonresident portion of their tuition waived for their first year while they establish Utah residency.
Specialized Tuition Support
The university also provides specific exemptions under Utah House Bill 144. Passed in 2002, this legislation allows qualifying undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates if they attend a Utah college or university. Additionally, the School of Graduate Studies offers tuition support for students taking world language classes that are determined by a supervisory committee to be integral to their approved Program of Study.
Assistantships and Travel
Graduate assistantships allow students to gain real-world experience while earning a stipend to support themselves through graduate school. These positions allow students to work alongside faculty in labs, classrooms, or off-campus settings, contributing to research, teaching, or other administrative tasks. To help manage these costs, the university provides a Graduate Student Travel Award, which partially funds travel and registration for professional presentations at regional, national, international, or virtual conferences.
Scholarships and Research Grants
For students facing significant financial hardship, the Seely-Hinckley Scholarship provides a fixed amount of in-state tuition and coverage of student fees associated with an approved Program of Study for two semesters. Other specialized funding includes the Graduate Research and Creative Opportunity (GRCO) grants, which provide $1,000 to support original research, scholarship, or creative work under faculty guidance. These funds can be used for equipment, supplies, and project-related travel.