Brigham Young University (BYU) Grants: How to Apply for Private Aid
By Ravi Kumar · Senior Visa & Student Financial Policy Analyst · Published 2025-06-17T14:13:21.300Z
This article explains everything about Brigham Young University (BYU) grants, focusing on private aid. Learn who qualifies, how to apply step-by-step, key deadlines, and tips to secure free financial support to help pay for your education at BYU.
If you’re planning to study at Brigham Young University (BYU) and need financial help, you're not alone. Many students look for private aid and grants to make their education more affordable. In this complete guide, you will learn everything you need to know about BYU grants , how to apply for private aid , and how to increase your chances of getting approved. This article is written in simple, and after reading it, you won’t need to search for answers anywhere else.
What is Brigham Young University ( BYU )?
Brigham Young University (BYU) is a private research university located in Provo, Utah , in the United States. It is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) . BYU is known for its high-quality education, low tuition compared to other private universities, and strong moral values.
Why Students Choose BYU
Affordable Tuition (especially for LDS Church members)
Strong Academic Programs
Religious Environment
Global Reputation
Opportunities for Financial Aid and Grants
What is a Grant?
A grant is free money given to students to help pay for college. Unlike loans, you do not have to repay grants. Grants can come from the federal government , state government , BYU itself , or private organizations .
In this article, we will focus mainly on BYU private aid and grants — meaning financial help that comes from private sources , not the government.
Types of Financial Aid at BYU
Type of Aid
Description
Repayment Required
Federal Grants
Free money from the U.S. government for eligible students
No
BYU Scholarships
Based on merit ( academic merit , talent, etc.)
No
Private Aid & Grants
Given by private donors, foundations, or BYU departments
No
Student Loans
Borrowed money to pay for school ( student loan )
Yes
Work-Study Programs
On-campus jobs for students with financial need ( work-study )
No (but you must work)
Who Can Apply for BYU Private Aid and Grants?
Almost any undergraduate or graduate student at BYU can apply, but there are certain conditions that must be met:
General Eligibility:
Must be enrolled full-time at BYU
Must have financial need ( financial aid )
Must have a good academic record (minimum GPA required)
Must meet moral and honor code requirements ( BYU Honor Code )
Must fill out FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
Some private grants require additional applications
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for BYU Private Aid and Grants
Step 1: Fill Out the FAFSA
Even though private grants are not from the government, many of them require students to complete the FAFSA first. BYU uses the information from your FAFSA to understand how much financial need you have.
Website: https://studentaid.gov
Step 2: Apply for BYU Scholarships
Go to the BYU Scholarship Portal and complete your application. This is also the place where some private grants are listed. You can apply for both need-based and merit-based scholarships here.
BYU Scholarship Portal: https://financialaid.byu.edu
Step 3: Search for Private Donor Grants
Some grants at BYU are funded by private donors — former students, church members, or families who want to support BYU students.
These are usually found under:
BYU Departmental Scholarships
BYU Financial Aid Office Special Grants
Specific Colleges (e.g., College of Engineering or College of Humanities)
You may need to submit:
An essay
A recommendation letter
A list of achievements
A statement of need
Step 4: Contact Your Department
Many private grants are department-based . This means you should talk to your academic advisor or department head and ask if there are any grants available for students in your major.
For example:
The College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences may offer private grants to sociology students.
The Marriott School of Business may have private funds for MBA students.
Special Types of Private Aid at BYU
1. BYU Grant
This is a need-based grant offered to students who demonstrate financial difficulty . You must fill out the FAFSA and be admitted to BYU to apply.
Award Amount: Varies depending on need
Renewable: Yes, but must reapply each year
2. BYU Departmental Scholarships
Each department offers its own privately funded scholarships and grants. Some are based on academic merit, others on talent, and some are specifically for students in financial need.
Tip: Visit your department’s website or talk to your academic advisor.
3. Religious-Based Grants
Since BYU is owned by the LDS Church, there are private donors who offer grants to LDS students who are:
Returning missionaries ( missionary )
Planning to serve
From low-income families
Some of these grants are also open to non-LDS students, especially international students.
Important Dates and Deadlines
Application Item
Deadline
FAFSA
December 15 (Priority)
BYU Scholarship Application
February 1
Private Donor Grants
Varies (check department)
Departmental Applications
Usually by February–March
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Apply Early – Deadlines come fast, especially for private aid.
Write a Strong Essay – Be honest and share your story.
Keep Your Grades Up – A high GPA shows you’re serious.
Show Involvement – Volunteering or leadership helps.
Ask for Help – Don’t be afraid to contact the Financial Aid Office.
International Students: Can You Apply?
Yes, some private grants and departmental scholarships at BYU are open to international students. However, you cannot apply for federal grants like FAFSA , so private aid is very important.
International students should:
Contact the International Student Office
Apply for BYU scholarships
Ask departments about private donor grants
How BYU Grants Are Different From Scholarships
Feature
BYU Grant
BYU Scholarship
Based On
Financial need
Academic merit, talent, need
Requires FAFSA
Yes
Yes (for need-based)
GPA Requirement
Minimum GPA (not very high)
Higher GPA required
Renewable
Yes (if need continues)
Yes (if GPA is maintained)
Private Donors Involved
Yes
Sometimes
Realistic Example: Sarah’s Story
Sarah is a first-year student at BYU from a low-income family. She fills out her FAFSA, applies on the BYU Scholarship Portal, and writes an essay about her financial need. She also talks to her department advisor and applies for a donor-funded grant in the College of Humanities.
Within two months, Sarah receives:
A BYU Grant of $2,000
A Departmental Donor Grant of $1,000
A Work-Study Job on campus
Total aid received: $3,000+ — and she doesn’t have to repay it.
What If You Don’t Get a Grant?
Don’t give up. You can still:
Apply for student jobs on campus
Look for external scholarships outside BYU
Try community-based scholarships from your local area
Improve your grades and reapply next semester
Talk to the BYU Financial Aid Office for alternatives
Top Private Grants and Scholarships to Check at BYU
Name of Grant/Scholarship
Type
Who Can Apply
BYU Grant
Need-based
All undergraduates
Marriott School Donor Grants
Departmental
Business students
International Student Aid
Private
Non-U.S. citizens
Alumni-Funded Department Grants
Private
Students from specific departments
Return Missionary Grant
Religious-based
LDS students
Contact Information for BYU Financial Aid
Website: https://financialaid.byu.edu
Email: financialaid@byu.edu
Phone: +1 (801) 422-4104
Address: D-155 ASB, Provo, UT 84602, USA
Final Thoughts
Getting a college degree can be expensive, but Brigham Young University (BYU) offers many ways to make it affordable. From need-based grants to private donor aid, there are many options for students who work hard and apply early.
The key is to be organized , apply on time , and tell your story clearly . There’s no shame in asking for help — thousands of students get grants every year. And the best part? You don’t have to pay them back .
Take the first step today. Visit BYU’s financial aid website, fill out your applications, and reach out to your department. The support is out there — you just need to ask for it.
Frequently asked questions
What types of private grants are available specifically for BYU students, and how do they differ from university scholarships?
Private grants for BYU students often come from individual donors, alumni, or church-affiliated organizations. Unlike scholarships that may be merit-based, private grants usually focus on financial need and specific criteria like department affiliation or religious service. They typically do not require repayment and complement university scholarships.
Can international students apply for BYU private grants, and what are the key eligibility requirements for them?
Yes, international students can apply for some private grants at BYU. However, they generally cannot access federal grants like FAFSA. Eligibility often depends on enrollment status, financial need, and meeting BYU's academic and honor code standards. International applicants should contact BYU’s financial aid office for specific grant opportunities.
How early should students start applying for BYU private grants, and what documents are usually required?
Students should start applying as early as the fall semester before they begin classes, ideally by December or January. Most grants require a completed FAFSA, an application form, an essay or personal statement, recommendation letters, and proof of enrollment. Deadlines vary, so checking each grant’s timeline is crucial.
Are BYU private grants renewable every year, and what conditions must be met to maintain them?
Many BYU private grants are renewable annually if students maintain satisfactory academic progress, meet GPA requirements, and continue demonstrating financial need. Students often need to reapply each year and submit updated financial documents. Staying in good standing with BYU’s honor code is also essential.
What should students do if they don’t qualify for BYU private grants but still need financial aid?
If students don’t qualify for private grants, they can explore other financial aid options such as work-study programs, student loans, external scholarships, or community-based funding. Consulting BYU’s financial aid office can help identify alternative resources and payment plans tailored to individual situations.