Brigham Young University
PA-8: Affordability and Access

Affordable Tuition

BYU is a non-profit corporation affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which pays for significant portions of university operating costs with the tithes of Church members. As a result, BYU students enjoy highly affordable tuition rates. 

For example, in the 2023-2024 academic year, Latter-day Saint students paid $3,248 per semester in fall and winter and $1,624 per semester in spring and summer, while non-Latter-day Saints paid $6,496 per semesetr in fall and winter and $3,248 per semester in spring and summer.

As illustrated above, Church members are assessed lower tuition fees than those who are not members. This practice is similar in principle to that of state universities charging higher tuition to nonresidents. Students are considered members of the Church if they have been baptized at any time during the semester or term.

Cougar Pell Promise (CPP)

• For eligible new freshmen, BYU promises to cover any remaining gaps in undergraduate Latter-day Saint tuition charges after grants, scholarships, and benefits are received for eight semesters. 


• Students must apply as freshmen and will only receive the guarantee if they are found to be Pell-eligible when they apply.


• To maintain eligibility, students need to complete a scholarship application and FAFSA each year, keep a cumulative 2.0 BYU GPA, and enroll in 12 credit hours each semester.


• This program does not apply to spring and summer terms.


• Students will still receive CPP if they are not found to be Pell-eligible in subsequent years.


• A semester will still count as one of the eight semesters of CPP even if CPP funds are not used due to tuition being covered by institutional, federal, and third-party scholarships, grants, and benefits.


• CPP amounts are adjusted as other aid is applied or taken away from the student’s account.

Institutional need-based scholarships

• Students must complete the Financial Need section of the scholarship application available through myBYU, as well as the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), by the appropriate deadline.


• Dependent and independent students younger than 30 years of age must submit parental information on the FAFSA to receive consideration.


• After the scholarship application deadline, students are ranked by financial need and awarded beginning at the top of the ranked order until funds are exhausted.


• They are not renewable, and most are awarded for two semesters only unless otherwise specified.


• To receive future consideration, students must reapply every year by the appropriate deadline.


• Applicants must also officially declare a major by the end of their sophomore year.

International

• Award amounts vary depending on financial need, GPA, year in school, major, length and type of program, and other pertinent factors.


• Students must apply for a program through the ISP website, and complete the ISP Financial Aid portion of that application.


• All applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, as well as a current FAFSA on file with BYU.

Institutional loans

• Any student who is currently undocumented (with or without DACA), and therefore ineligible for federal aid, can receive this loan.


• The loan amount is for up to $5,500 for each school year, which will be split between the fall and winter semesters unless otherwise requested.


• The loan is available for a maximum of 4 years and should be used solely for educational expenses (tuition, books, housing, etc.)


• The interest rate is comparable with the federal interest rate and will be deferred while in school, on a mission, and during a 6-month repayment grace period following graduation or leaving the school.


• The paperwork for the loan is completed electronically through My Financial Center.


• Once initiated, the average processing time is 1-2 weeks.


• Any interested students should make an appointment with the BYU Financial Fitness Center.

Student Employment

• Both citizens and noncitizens may work for the university for up to 20 hours per week with an at-will status.


• Student must meet credit hour requirements.


• Funded by the institution 

Summer Bridge: A program to help historically at-risk student populations to have a positive start to their college experience to assist them to thrive

Multicultural 

• A campus office that offers need-based scholarships


• Students are required to complete the FAFSA and submit a separate application.

Single-parent scholarships

• Single-parent scholarships available through Women’s Services & Resources are reserved for single parents.


• Must have one or more dependent children in the home


• Students who come from single-parent homes but are not single parents themselves are not eligible for these scholarships.


• Typically reserved for undergraduate students, though graduate students are welcome to apply


• Must submit a personal statement explaining your situation and financial need


• Application can be submitted in person or through email.


• Students must be admitted to BYU and registered for classes in order to apply (not including online or Independent Study courses).


• Those who are selected for a scholarship will be required to maintain satisfactory progress toward graduation.


• There is not a specific grade point requirement, but recipients will be required to meet at least once during the semester with the Women’s Services & Resources manager to evaluate progress and additional needs.

Signature scholarships

• Privately funded and university-selected awards


• Donors commit to funding the scholarship for four years, although it may be awarded to a different student each of those years.


• The Financial Aid Office selects the recipients


• Most Signature Scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial need and extenuating circumstances.

Disability scholarships 

• Donors have established a few private scholarships to assist students with disabilities.


• The Scholarship Committee considers the nature of the applicant's disability and its impact on his or her ability to function in class and earn a living.


• Academic performance and financial need will also be considered.


• Students must complete the appropriate section of the scholarship application available through myBYU and submit appropriate current documentation of the disabling condition from a licensed professional to the University Accessibility Center.

Need-based scholarships: More information is available from the Financial Aid Office.