SALT LAKE CITY — In an effort to expand access to higher education, the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) has launched “Admit Utah,” a groundbreaking initiative that guarantees every high school student in the state admission to at least one of Utah’s 16 public higher education institutions, regardless of their GPA.
Admit Utah marks a significant departure from traditional college admissions processes, simplifying and streamlining the experience for students and their families. “They’re guaranteed admission into at least one institution,” explained Trisha Dugovic, spokeswoman for USHE. “That could range from a technical college to a four-year university.”
While the University of Utah and Utah State University are the only two public universities in the state that maintain GPA requirements, the other 14 institutions will grant admission to students without such criteria. This means that nearly all public colleges and universities in Utah are now open to students regardless of academic performance in high school.
“This is a significant milestone in our efforts to ensure that every Utah student has access to quality college education,” said Cydni Tetro, a member of the Utah Board of Higher Education. “This platform will provide students with clarity and simplicity in the college application process, empowering them to pursue their educational aspirations with confidence.”
Admit Utah also introduces several features designed to assist students, particularly those who are undecided about their educational path. The platform offers resources to explore different options, financial aid guidance, and support to help students identify the best fit among Utah’s public institutions. Additionally, it integrates college preparation into the K-12 system, ensuring students are informed and ready for the next steps in their academic journey.
Launched in conjunction with College Application and Financial Aid Awareness Month in October, the initiative provides real-time admissions updates and guidance on completing applications, giving high school seniors the tools they need to navigate the process with confidence.
“This initiative paves the way for students to pursue their academic goals without unnecessary obstacles,” said Geoffrey Landward, commissioner of higher education. “We firmly believe that every Utah student deserves the opportunity to succeed in college, and we are confident that ‘Admit Utah’ will help make that a reality.”
As Admit Utah evolves, the program aims to further streamline the admissions process through better data integration with K-12 schools. Future enhancements include incorporating AI technology to assist students in real-time as they navigate the often complex college admissions process.
