If you are a parent in Utah looking for more flexibility in your child’s education, the Utah Fits All Scholarship is likely on your radar.
As we approach the 2026-2027 school year, competition for these funds is higher than ever, and there have been significant administrative changes that applicants need to know.
Scholarship Summary: What is the Utah Fits All Scholarship?
The Utah Fits All Scholarship is a universal Education Savings Account (ESA) program.
Unlike a traditional voucher that only pays for tuition, an ESA provides families with a digital wallet of state-funded money to spend on a wide variety of educational expenses.
The program is designed to be “universal,” meaning every K-12 resident in Utah is eligible to apply, though funding is currently capped at $82.5 million (serving roughly 10,000 students).
Important Update: A New Administrator
If you applied in previous years, you likely used ACE Scholarships. This has changed. As of May 2025, the program is administered by Odyssey.
All applications, funding management, and questions for the 2026-2027 school year must go through the Odyssey portal, not ACE.
Scholarship Coverage: What Does It Pay For?
The scholarship provides up to $8,000 per student for the 2026-2027 school year, but the exact amount depends on how you educate your child.
- Private School Students: Receive the full $8,000 to be used toward tuition and fees.
- Home-Based Students (Ages 12-18): Receive $6,000.
- Home-Based Students (Ages 5-11): Receive $4,000.
Allowable Expenses
The funds are flexible and can be used for:
- Private school tuition and fees.
- Tutoring services.
- Testing fees (AP exams, national assessments).
- Educational software and hardware (e.g., computers, once every 3 years).
- Curriculum and textbooks.
- Services for students with disabilities (occupational, behavioral, or speech therapy).
New Spending Caps (HB 455)
Recent legislation (HB 455) has introduced strict limits on how funds can be categorized.
- Extracurricular Limit: You cannot spend more than 20% of the scholarship total on extracurricular activities.
- Physical Education Limit: You cannot spend more than 20% of the scholarship total on physical education expenses.
- Prohibited Items: Funds cannot be used for theme park tickets, ski passes, or non-educational apparel.
Eligibility and Selection Process
While the program is open to all Utah residents, funding is limited. If applications exceed the available budget, the program uses a tiered priority system to decide who gets an award.
Here is how the eligibility and selection process works for the 2026 cycle:
| Priority Tier | Description |
| 1. Renewals | Students who received the scholarship in the previous year get first priority. |
| 2. Low Income | Students with a household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). |
| 3. Siblings | Siblings of students who are already receiving the scholarship. |
| 4. Middle Income | Students with a household income between 200% and 555% of the FPL. |
| 5. General | All other eligible Utah students. |
Who is NOT eligible?
- Students currently enrolled in a public school (you must withdraw to accept the funds).
- Students receiving the Carson Smith Scholarship or the Special Needs Opportunity Scholarship (you cannot “double dip”).
2026 Application Timeline
Missing a deadline can result in losing your funding for the entire year. Mark these dates on your calendar for the 2026-2027 scholarship year.
| Event | Date |
| Portal Opens (Renewals) | March 1, 2026 |
| Portal Opens (New Students) | April 1, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | May 1, 2026 (Portal closes for everyone) |
| Award Notifications | Typically sent by May 31, 2026 |
| Funding Availability | Funds typically become available July 1, 2026 |
How to Apply for the Utah Fits All Scholarship
Applying for the Utah Fits All Scholarship is a digital process. Follow these steps to ensure your application is accurate and submitted on time.
1. Gather Your Documents
Before the portal opens, ensure you have digital copies of the following:
- Proof of Identity: Parent/guardian government-issued ID.
- Child’s Birth Certificate: To verify age and eligibility.
- Proof of Residency: A recent utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement showing a Utah address.
- Income Verification (Optional but Recommended): If you want to qualify for the low-income or middle-income priority tiers, you will need 2025 tax documents (Form 1040, W2s) to verify your income.
2. Create an Account on Odyssey
Do not go to the old ACE website. Navigate to the Odyssey platform. You will need to create a parent account if you are a new applicant.
- Tip: Ensure your email address is one you check frequently, as all award notifications will be sent there.
3. Complete the Student Profile
You will need to fill out a separate profile for each child you are applying for. This includes their age, grade level, and current school status.
4. Submit Before May 1st
The portal closes strictly on May 1, 2026. Late applications are generally not accepted, and you will have to wait until the following year or hope for a waitlist opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the scholarship if my child is in public school?
No. To use the Utah Fits All Scholarship funds, you must withdraw your child from their public school or charter school. You cannot be enrolled in a public LEA (Local Education Agency) while receiving these funds.
Is the scholarship taxable?
Generally, ESA funds used for qualified educational expenses are not considered taxable income for federal tax purposes, but you should always consult with a tax professional for your specific situation.
What happens if I am placed on the waitlist?
If you are not awarded a scholarship immediately, you remain on the waitlist.
If a funded student declines the award or leaves the program, those funds become available and are offered to the next family on the waitlist based on the priority tiers.
Can I roll over unused funds?
Yes. Participants can generally rollover a portion of unspent funds to the next school year, up to a certain limit (usually two-thirds of the award), provided they renew their participation in the program.
Final Thoughts
However, with the switch to Odyssey and strict deadlines approaching in March and April, preparation is key.
Ensure your documents are ready, understand the new spending caps, and submit your application as early as possible within your window.
For the official parent handbook and access to the portal, visit the Odyssey support page.
Emily Carter is an academic writer with 7+ years of experience in education research, specializing in scholarships, admissions, and student calculators. She creates clear, reliable and helpful content to support students in making informed academic decisions.
