Utah high school seniors have until Saturday to mail applications for a $1,000 scholarship reserved for Utah college-bound students with good grades.

The Utah System of Higher Education has received 825 applications for the Regents' Scholarship, which requires students to maintain a B average while completing a rigorous course of study. Last year, the scholarship was awarded to 163 of the 672 students who applied, at a cost of more than $800,000.

The state's budget's crisis, however, could leave the program underfunded. Last year, the Legislature provided $400,000 in ongoing money, but that appropriation is no longer certain. Under one unlikely scenario, those who received the Regents' and other scholarships last year could see next year's installment cut off.

"It is critical that those students that have already been awarded the Regents' scholarship receive the full amount," said Commissioner of Higher Education William Sederburg. "We are encouraged that the governor and legislators understand it would be very difficult go back on that commitment."

Officials anticipate fewer applicants will be rejected this year because high school counselors are better informed. That means awards next year may be reduced to accommodate more students.

The Regents Scholarship is available to U.S. citizens and students who enter college in Utah within 12 months of high school graduation. The qualifying curriculum includes: four years of both English and math; three years of lab-based science; 3 1/2 years of social science; two years of a foreign language.

Students who complete the International Baccalaureate program also qualify.

Students must have no grades in the core curriculum less than a C and have reported an ACT score. SAT scores don't count. Qualifying students get the first half of the award their freshman year, but must maintain a B average to get the other half their sophomore year. The program will also match qualifying students' college savings up to $400, or $100 for each year of high school in which they save money.

Seniors can apply online at www.utahsbr.edu by Sunday, but the mail-in portion must be postmarked Saturday to make the Feb. 1 deadline.