Beyond financial aid: How scholarship cohorts power student success at the U
Scholarships have long helped ease financial burdens, sometimes making the difference between students simply getting through college and fully engaging in it—but financial assistance alone isn’t always enough.
That’s where the Center for Student Access & Resources (CSAR) comes in within the division of Student Affairs. CSAR supports student well-being and success through scholarships, personalized one-on-one support, community engagement and skill-building, and support navigating higher education systems.
How it works
CSAR provides over 25 donor-funded scholarship opportunities, which include three cohort-based programs.A cohort is a group of students who move through a shared experience together—often receiving structured support, programming, and mentorship as a community rather than individually. CSAR’s cohorts include:
- Larry H. and Gail Miller Enrichment Scholars: Support first-generation first-year students in achieving their undergraduate degrees and preparing them for post-graduation with community service and leadership opportunities.
- Heidi and Greg Single Parent Cohort: Supportssingle parents with children under 18, helping them focus on school and minimize childcare costs, while preparing them for post-graduation success.
- Operation Success Cohort: Offers a leadership development program focused on project creation. Students identify a community, national, or global disparity and create a project, organization, or business to address it. They receive mentorship and insight from community experts and leaders.
- Utah Opportunity Scholars: Support first-generation students through a cohort model, which includes monthly cohort meetings, ongoing general and academic support, and community building events. Note: CSAR is no longer enrolling new students into this cohort.
The financial support is just the beginning of how CSAR shows up for their scholarship recipients with true intention. Students who are awarded any CSAR scholarship receive ongoing connection to Student Resource Navigators, staff members who help them stay on track academically, connect to resources, and navigate milestones like registration or graduation planning.
Why it matters
Recent data shows strong outcomes for the university’s scholarship cohort programs, with first-year retention rates exceeding 86% from Fall 2024 to Fall 2025*. Students report stronger campus connections, increased confidence, and clearer academic and career direction.
CSAR’s relational approach to scholarships that goes beyond traditional award models. Cohort programs in particular, often focus on student experience, potential, and life circumstances. But outside of cohort opportunities, students receive all-encompassing support through aforementioned resource navigators, they equip students with personalized pathways to success.
“The moment a student realizes they have both financial support and people in their corner, you can see their confidence change,” said Kirstin Maanum, director for the Center for Student Access & Resources. “They start thinking beyond the next semester and begin planning for who they want to become.”
Looking ahead
Scholarship applications are currently open, with most CSAR scholarship opportunities closing February 28. Scholarship offers will be sent out by May 1.
Students are encouraged to visit the CSAR’s Scholarship page to learn more about each opportunity and then apply on the university’s online scholarship platform, Scholarship Universe, to see a full list of CSAR’s scholarship offerings. A key message for students is to apply early and apply every year. Most scholarship programs operate on annual cycles, so students should begin applying as early as the semester—or even year—before they need funding.
For more information on CSAR and any of their scholarship offerings, email studentresources@utah.edu.
*Data provided by the University of Utah’s Analytics and Institutional Reporting (UAIR) department as of December 2025.