Utah State University Moab announces record fall enrollment from Grand County High School graduates. This fall 12 Grand County High School graduates will begin their college education at Utah State University’s Moab campus.

Several factors contributed to the increased enrollment, including an increase in scholarships from local donors for local students, financial savings realized through staying home for college, and the availability of USU degrees locally. Additionally, students may begin taking college courses at GCHS through USU and transition seamlessly into a USU degree program upon graduation.

New local scholarships provide a significant incentive for local students to stay in the area to pursue their academic goals. These scholarships are provided by Moab businesses and individuals from the area, and are specifically available for students at USU Moab. Scholarships are available for both general use and for specific areas of study.

“We have worked hard over the past several years with local businesses and individuals to build this program for local students, and now we’re starting to see the benefits of those efforts and of the generous donations,” said Sam Sturman, Academic Advisor and Scholarship Coordinator with USU Moab.

“These local scholarships are a huge benefit to our community. We are training and educating students with a vested interest in our community, and who we believe will continue to add to our area for many years to come.”

This increase represents a significant jump from previous years, where the local USU campus averaged two to three new students from GCHS. The new students will be entering into academic programs to pursue degrees in business, nursing, political science, and more. Their classes will be taught both in person by USU Moab’s on-site faculty, and through interactive video broadcast from other USU campuses around the state.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled with the increase in local student enrollment and success of our local scholarships.” remarked Steve Hawks, Dean and Executive Director of USU Moab. “We’re constantly working to increase the programs available right here in Moab, and to bring new local students to our campus, and we’ve been very successful over the last year in both of those efforts.”

The costs associated with earning a college degree are an increasing concern with students, parents, and even politicians in recent years. Both students and universities are exploring creative means to help offset the expense. USU Moab is committed to serving the students and residents of Grand County through offering world-class university degrees and programs at an affordable price.

To find out about scholarships and academic programs available in Moab visit moab.usu.edu or call (435) 259-7432 to set an appointment with an academic advisor.