Regional Universities

Southern Utah University

Known as the University of the Parks for its proximity to national parks. Strong programs in performing arts, business, and education.

Application Deadlines

Official 2026–2027 undergraduate deadlines from each institution's admissions page. Always reconfirm on the official site before applying.

TermPortal OpensPriorityRegularDecision
Fall 2027Rolling — open year-roundMar 1, 2027 (Scholarship Priority)May 1, 2027Rolling (1–2 weeks)
Spring 2027Rolling — open year-round—Dec 1, 2026Rolling (1–2 weeks)

Test Scores & GPA

Test-OptionalTest-optional; scores used for scholarships
ACT (middle 50%)
19–25
SAT (middle 50%)
1010–1200
Avg. HS GPA
~3.47
Middle 50%: 3.10–3.80

SAT sample is very small (~4% submit); ranges from submitters only.

Application Essays

No Essay Required for Admission

SUU does not require an essay for general admission through the Common App or its own portal. An essay is required for the Honors Program and some competitive scholarships.

Scholarship / Honors Prompts (Optional)
  1. 1. Honors Statement of Purpose

    500 words

    “Discuss your academic goals and how the SUU Honors Program fits into your undergraduate plans.”

Scholarships & Financial Aid

SUU has some of the most generous automatic merit awards in Utah — a 3.5 GPA earns a full-tuition scholarship with no separate application.

Awards are automatic on admission — priority deadline Dec 1.

Centurium Scholarship

Competitive
Full tuition + $2,500 stipend

3.9+ GPA, top applicants, separate app + interview

Deadline: Dec 1, 2026
How to apply

Apply for admission by Dec 1, then complete the Centurium Scholars application (essay + resume + letter of recommendation) through your SUU applicant portal. Finalists interview in February.

T-Bird Achievement

Automatic
Full tuition

3.5+ GPA (non-residents also eligible for out-of-state waiver)

How to apply

Automatic — just apply for admission by Dec 1 and submit an official transcript.

T-Bird Distinction

Automatic
Half tuition

3.0+ GPA

How to apply

Automatic on admission — no separate application.

Founders Scholarship

Automatic
$1,000 – $2,000 / year

2.5+ GPA

How to apply

Automatic on admission — no separate application.

More info: suu.edu/financialaid/scholarships

Letters of Recommendation

No Letters Required

No letters of recommendation required for general freshman admission.

Honors / scholarships: SUU Honors Program & main merit scholarships (Fellow's, Founders', Deans', Thunderbird): NO letters of recommendation required — awards are automatic based on GPA and ACT/SAT. A few competitive/departmental scholarships (e.g., music, theatre, athletics, some private endowed awards on Scholarship Universe) may request 1–2 letters from a teacher, coach, or community leader — check suu.edu/finaid/scholarships.html for each specific award.