The Utah Fits All (UFA) Scholarship Program, which launched in the 2024-2025 school year, provides a limited number of eligible students with up to $8,000 in an education savings account (ESA). The funds can be used for a wide range of educational expenses, giving families more choice in how their children learn and grow.
Not every family that applies to the program will receive funds. However, even waitlisted families can start planning the classes and activities that best meet their homeschool student’s needs – including dual enrollment courses at colleges and trade schools.
The UFA funds only apply to some dual enrollment programs, like those offered by Mid-America Christian University powered by TEL Education. Here’s how to apply, pick the classes right for you, and support your student as they complete high-quality, self-paced college courses.
How to Use the Utah ESA Program to Buy College Courses
The application process is very simple, but there’s a limited window for when families can apply. You can refer to the official UFA website for details on closing dates, as well as the Enrollment Preference Categories.
(These categories help determine if your family will get funds right away or be put on a waitlist. Factors affecting preference include household income and whether a sibling student was eligible for or used funds in the previous year.)
To access ESA funds:
- Apply for the scholarship. You may be asked to provide additional documentation to support your eligibility, including permission for the system to access your Utah tax returns.
- Wait for approval. The ESA program will notify you of each student’s eligibility, including approval, denial, or placement on a waitlist (including your number in the queue.)
- Get access to ClassWallet. This account stores your available funds and lets you know the remaining balance for the school year. EAS funds do not roll over, and you have until June to use your funds and submit for reimbursement. Plan accordingly to ensure you can use all available funds before the deadline.
- Choose your dual enrollment provider. The UFA lists all providers on its website. These providers, including Mid-America Christian University, powered by TEL Education, have been vetted, assuring parents that funds used through the UFA will be reimbursable and meet Utah’s standards for quality education offerings.
- Enroll in courses. TEL offers courses in science, public speaking, math, Spanish, composition, history, and many other subjects. Students can take up to three courses per semester.
- Complete the course. Students have six months from the time they enroll to finish the course at MACU. The self-paced format lets students go at their own pace, so they can balance homeschool activities, work, or volunteerism with their dual enrollment education.
- Submit expenses for reimbursement. Use your ClassWallet account and the UFA system to receive your funds. Since courses through the MACU self-paced programs are part of the official provider list, you won’t have to guess if they’ll be approved.
By utilizing the Utah Fits All Scholarship Program, you can potentially access dual enrollment courses at no additional cost, giving your homeschooler a head start on a college education while still in high school.
(Looking for more ESA information? See our Arizona ESA guide for students in that state.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Utah require testing to access ESA funds?
The Utah ESA program requires optional testing or a portfolio documenting each student’s educational experience and achievements to maintain eligibility in the program. Some parents may also choose to test for their own peace of mind. ESA funds can be used for testing, including standardized, college readiness, reading, and nationally norm-referenced assessments.
What colleges can I use my Utah ESA funds at?
Parents may use their funds for any dual enrollment college course provider that meets the program’s requirements. Consider choosing from the state’s vetted Provider list so you don’t have to wonder if your expenses will be approved for reimbursement. Mid-America Christian University powered by TEL is one vetted and regionally-accredited private university provider with self-paced math, composition, Spanish, and science courses.
How can I use Utah ESA funds to earn college credits?
High school students, including homeschoolers, who have been accepted into the UFA ESA program can choose from a list of vetted providers to take dual enrollment college courses and later receive reimbursement. Mid-America Christian University, powered by TEL, is one approved school. It offers instruction, materials, and testing for a flat fee of $225-300. Once students successfully complete the course, they earn college credits on their transcript.
Why should I use Utah ESA funds for dual enrollment college courses?
According to Vance Fried, the founder of TEL Education, dual enrollment dramatically reduces the cost of college and accelerates your child’s entry into the workforce. By the time they graduate high school, they can have a significant head start on their post-secondary education and career goals.
