Psychology major from Tooele, UT, Kai Barton (‘25), been an active participant on campus since day one, serving as the freshman class vice president, the vice president of student relations in the SVU Student Government Association, and a wellness intern. Initially planning to attend a local junior college due to financial concerns, Barton’s admissions counselor worked closely with her to secure institutional scholarships that enabled her to attend SVU.
“I’m paying my own way through college, so having scholarships has really helped ease my mind on my finances and I’ve been able to focus a lot more time on student government and other campus activities,” said Barton. “Scholarships are meant to help students be able to dedicate more time and focus to their academic work. That’s what they’ve done for me and I’m so grateful for it.”
Wondering how to afford college? Read SVU’s all-in-one financial aid checklist.
Initially planning to attend Brigham Young University, Nick Baker’s (‘23) plans changed when he received a performing arts scholarship from SVU, allowing him to join the university’s a cappella group, Accolade. Baker, a business management and leadership major from Los Angeles, CA, has also found time to compete on the NCAA Division III men’s golf team, found the pickleball club, and participate in several RAM clinics with the Pre-Health Professional program.
Nick Baker (’23)
“The biggest help from receiving scholarships was that they made it much easier for me to not have to worry so much about how I was going to pay for school,” said Baker. “I could focus on my education while also taking advantage of several extracurriculars, like Accolade, to round out my education.”
Tapaita Daligdig (‘25) from Gilbert, AZ, is a member of the Polynesian Heritage Association and the cheer team, and works in Student Life with plans to pursue speech pathology after graduating with a major in family and human development. After an injury prevented her from participating in cheer, Tapaita credits the need-based scholarships she received from the university for helping support her financially and allowing her to remain in school.
“If it wasn’t for scholarships, I wouldn’t have been able to receive an education at Southern Virginia, which is what I really wanted,” said Daligdig. “I always wanted to be in a community that revolved around loving one another and my faith, but was small as well, and Southern Virginia is that perfect place.”
Explore 3 faith-based scholarships available at SVU.
After transferring to SVU his sophomore year, the institutional scholarships Ethan Campbell (‘24) received motivated him to focus on his academics. Campbell, a political science major from Centerville, UT, now plans to attend law school after graduation. Currently working in admissions as a call center supervisor and data analyst, Campbell has also participated in the university’s NCAA DIII men’s golf and tennis teams and the pre-law club.
“After getting married and moving across the country to attend Southern Virginia, receiving scholarships has changed the way I look at school,” said Campbell. “It’s helped me to stay focused on all my classes, work hard, and be very meticulous with my studies, which has really helped me prepare for my future.”
If you’re trying to understand the full range of scholarships and financial aid available at Southern Virginia University, our financial aid guide is a straightforward place to begin. Private Scholarships vs. Federal Loans: A Financial Aid Guide for Latter-day Saint Students walks through the distinctions between scholarships and loans, explains why certain forms of educational debt can support long-term goals, and helps you understand how the FAFSA works (and how to complete it).
Download the guide below!