Most jobs today require a college education beyond high school. Think of college as one year, two years, four years, or more: college certificates can be earned in one year or less, associate degrees in two years, bachelor’s degrees in four years, and graduate degrees in more than four years. There are high-paying careers in many industries that require shorter-term certificates and others that require longer-term degrees. Be sure to check out all your college options to find the best path for you. The chart below shows how college credentials can build on each other to get you where you want to go.

Did you know that most colleges in Utah are open admission? That means that if you have a high school diploma or GED and submit an application, you’ll be accepted. With open-admission colleges, you don’t have to worry about getting in, though some programs may have other requirements, so be sure to check with the college you’re interested in attending.

Let us help you get started. Fill out the form for more information on Utah colleges if you haven’t already.

Discover a program you’re interested in by working with an advisor at the college you’re most interested in attending.

Choose from over 250 subjects and even more programs—many of which are in high-growth fields and occupations.

Explore what Utah colleges have to offer on UtahMajors.org and on college websites to find the best fit for you!

1. State Aid

Utah offers a variety of scholarships and other aid to pay for college. Learn more about what state aid is available at ushe.edu/state-scholarships-aid/.

2. Federal Student Aid

There is no age limit to receive federal financial aid! Almost everyone is eligible for some type of federal student aid.

Every year, Utahns leave federal money unclaimed that could be used for their education.

Federal financial aid is awarded through the U.S. Department of Education.

There are three categories of federal student aid:

• Grants—Student aid funds that do not have to be repaid. * Most federal grants are based on financial need.
• Work-study—Money earned through a job on or near campus while attending school.
• Loans—Borrowed money that must be repaid with interest.

To be eligible, students must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Be sure to keep in touch with your college about receiving the aid.

For more information about federal student aid, including basic eligibility requirements, visit StudentAid.gov/eligibility.

Also, see more information here about the FAFSA: financialaidtoolkit.ed.gov/tk/outreach/target/adults.jsp

3. Private Aid

Private scholarships and loans may also be available from your employer or other local and national companies.

In general, it is best to look into state and federal aid before private student loans. However, private scholarships and other aid that you don’t have to pay back are a great option!

Be sure to look into all of your options and check with the college you are interested in attending to see what financial options are best for you.

Each college and program also have more scholarships and aid available for students to explore.

Certificates and degrees range in length from several months to four years when taking the maximum amount of credits each semester.

Depending on the program and your schedule availability, the time to complete your certificate or degree will vary.

There are many options to choose from that can match the time you have available and what you want to do!

Check with the college you are interested in attending to discover more information about each program.

Request more information through our form. We’ll send you more info on Utah colleges. 

You can also reach out to our College Navigator Kim to help you with your college questions.