What is the Utah Fits All Scholarship?
The Utah Fits All Scholarship Program, established by the Utah legislature in 2023, provides substantial financial support for students seeking educational alternatives outside the public school system. Beginning in the 2024-25 school year, the program provided $8,000 per student through an education savings account (ESA) that can be used for qualifying educational expenses, including private school tuition (Utah State Board of Education, 2025).
This scholarship represents an unprecedented opportunity for Utah families to access private Christian education that might otherwise be financially out of reach. The program was initially funded at $80 million for the 2024-25 school year, serving approximately 10,000 students. Thanks to the program's success and overwhelming interest, the Utah legislature approved an additional $40 million in ongoing funding during the 2025 legislative session, bringing the total allocation to $120 million for future years (Utah Education Fits All, 2025).
Recent Updates in 2025-2026
The Utah Fits All Scholarship Program has undergone significant changes for the 2025-2026 school year:
- New Program Manager: As of May 16th, 2025, Odyssey has taken over as the program administrator, replacing ACE Scholarships. All administration aspects will now be handled by Odyssey (Utah Fits All, 2025).
- Expanded Funding: The additional $20 million allocated for the 2025-26 school year will enable thousands more students to receive awards.
- Application Timeline: The application portal for the 2025-2026 school year opened on February 3, 2025, and closed on May 1, 2025. Scholarship awards are expected to be announced around May 31, 2025.
- Record Demand: Over 23,000 families applied for the 2025-26 school year, demonstrating the program's value and the growing interest in educational alternatives.
How the Scholarship Works
The Utah Fits All Scholarship functions as an education savings account (ESA) that provides families with funds to cover educational expenses. Here's how it works:
Scholarship Amount
For the 2025-26 school year, the scholarship amount varies based on the student's educational setting:
- Private School Students: $8,000 per student
- Homeschool Students (Ages 5-11): $4,000 per student
- Homeschool Students (Ages 12-18): $6,000 per student
Eligible Expenses
Scholarship funds can be used for a variety of educational expenses, including:
- Private School Tuition and Fees: Covering the cost of enrollment at UBCA or other qualified private schools
- Educational Materials: Textbooks, curriculum resources, and educational supplies
- Educational Services: Tutoring, educational therapies, and specialized instruction
- Qualified Extracurricular Activities: Limited to 20% of the total scholarship amount
Fund Management
The scholarship operates through a digital wallet system where approved expenses are paid directly to educational providers. Odyssey manages this system, providing:
- User-friendly marketplace for educational purchases
- Secure payment processing
- Built-in support services
Timeline for Fund Usage
- Scholarship Award Date: Approximately May 31
- Effective Date for Scholarship: July 1
- Fund Expiration: June 30 (funds do not carry over to the next school year)
Who is Eligible?
The Utah Fits All Scholarship is designed to be inclusive, with eligibility extending to a broad range of K-12 students who are residents of Utah. However, due to limited funding, the program uses an order of preference for awarding scholarships:
Enrollment Preference Categories for 2025-2026
- Current Scholarship Recipients: Students who received and used the scholarship in the 2024-25 school year
- Low-Income Families: Students from families with income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level ($62,400 for a family of four)
- Siblings of Current Recipients: Students with siblings who currently use the scholarship or used it in the previous year
- Middle-Income Families: Students from families with income between 200% and 555% of the Federal Poverty Level ($173,160 for a family of four)
- All Other Eligible Students: As funding allows
Additional Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a Utah resident
- Must be eligible to participate in public school (kindergarten through grade 12)
- Cannot simultaneously receive a Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship
- Cannot be enrolled in a public school while receiving the scholarship
The UBCA Advantage: Maximizing Your Scholarship
At UBCA, we've structured our tuition to align with the Utah Fits All Scholarship amount, making our Christ-centered education accessible to scholarship recipients. Here's how UBCA helps families maximize their scholarship benefits:
Comprehensive Educational Value
UBCA's tuition covers a complete educational experience, including:
- Christ-centered academic curriculum
- Small class sizes with personalized attention
- Weekly chapel and daily Bible classes
- Fine arts and physical education
- Character development and spiritual formation
- Safe, nurturing learning environment
Scholarship Management Support
We understand that navigating a new scholarship program can be challenging. That's why our administrative team provides:
- Guidance through the application process
- Verification of UBCA's approved provider status
- Assistance with scholarship fund usage for tuition and fees
- Regular communication about program updates and deadlines
How to Apply for the 2026-2027 School Year
While the application window for the 2025-2026 school year has closed, families interested in applying for the 2026-2027 school year should begin preparing now. Here's what you'll need:
Required Documentation
- Proof of Identity: Parent/guardian government-issued ID
- Proof of Utah Residency: Utility bill, lease agreement, or similar document
- Child's Birth Certificate: For age verification
- Income Verification: For enrollment preference category placement
- Previous School Records: If applicable
Application Timeline for 2026-2027 (Anticipated)
- Application Portal Opens: Early February 2026
- Application Deadline: Early May 2026
- Award Notifications: Late May 2026
- Funds Available for Use: July 1, 2026
Preparing for a Successful Application
- Gather Documentation Early: Collect all required documents several weeks before the application period opens
- Research Educational Options: Explore UBCA's programs and schedule a tour before applying
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from Odyssey and the Utah Education Fits All organization
- Apply Early: Submit your application as soon as the portal opens, as some awards are distributed on a first-come basis within preference categories
UBCA: Your Partner in Scholarship Success
At UBCA, we're committed to helping families access the Utah Fits All Scholarship and providing an exceptional educational experience that maximizes this opportunity. Our dedicated staff is ready to assist you through every step of the process, from understanding the scholarship to enrolling your child in our Christ-centered program.
We believe that financial circumstances should never prevent a family from accessing quality Christian education. The Utah Fits All Scholarship, combined with UBCA's commitment to excellence and affordability, creates an unprecedented opportunity for your child to receive an education that nurtures academic achievement, character development, and spiritual growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for the scholarship mid-year?
The main application window occurs annually, typically opening in February and closing in May. However, in some circumstances, mid-year applications may be considered if funding remains available. Contact the current program administrator for the most up-to-date information.
Will the scholarship cover all of UBCA's tuition?
For the 2025-26 school year, the $8,000 scholarship amount covers UBCA's full tuition for most grade levels. Some additional fees for special programs, activities, or materials may apply.
What happens if my child receives the scholarship but then decides to return to public school?
If a student returns to public school, the scholarship is forfeited, and any unused funds are returned to the program. Families should carefully consider their educational choices before accepting the scholarship.
Can I use the scholarship for both tuition and other educational expenses?
Yes, the scholarship can be used for both tuition and other qualifying educational expenses. However, at UBCA, most families choose to apply their full scholarship amount toward tuition to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
How is the scholarship different from a school voucher?
Unlike a traditional voucher that can only be used for private school tuition, the Utah Fits All Scholarship is an education savings account (ESA) that can be used for a variety of approved educational expenses, offering families more flexibility.
Does accepting the scholarship affect my child's eligibility for other programs?
Receiving the Utah Fits All Scholarship may affect eligibility for certain other state-funded education programs. However, it does not impact eligibility for most federal programs or private scholarships.