In the opinion of many students, attending colleges in Utah is the best choice for them. The state has many attractions. Besides having top-notch schools, the area has a stunning landscape, a lengthy history, and much more.
This ranking of the top 15 best colleges in Utah can help you become oriented if you’re thinking of attending school there, whether you’re from inside the state or from another, and whether you want to attend a private or public institution.
We list the state’s top schools based on three broad standards: institutional performance, student satisfaction, and return on investment.
Discover the top 15 best colleges in Utah by reading this article further.
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What is Amazing about Utah?
Student-friendly amenities abound in Utah.
The natural diversity in Utah is breathtaking, yet it also has a robust economy.
In this state, you can find a bit of everything, from enormous deserts to snow-capped mountain peaks to lush pine valleys.
The history of Utah is also fascinating.
It has some roots in the Old West and was initially inhabited by Mormon pioneers.
Kane County has earned the nickname “Little Hollywood” because of the location of many western movies and television episodes.
The weather can be unpredictable because of the varied topography. Temperatures in the state can vary greatly, although much of it is semi-arid. Depending on where you live, summer highs could range from 85°F to 100°F. Temperatures below 0°F are common during the winter.
Additionally, snowfall, which may accumulate to over 500 inches, is common everywhere but the southern valleys.
Utah is a state where many students wish to attend college. If attending one of the best colleges in Utah is your goal, then this list is for you.
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What are the Cost of Colleges in Utah?
How much do the best colleges in Utah cost?
For the academic year 2020–2024, the average annual in-state college tuition in Utah was $12,618. This is $2,303 less than the national average, placing Utah in the middle of the pack as the 21st most inexpensive state or district and the 32nd most expensive state or district for attending college. This represents a gain of 8.88% annually and a change of $1,029 from the average of $11,589 for 2019–2020.
To assist with payment of tuitions, the best colleges in Utah also offer financial aids.
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Financial Aid in Utah Colleges
Regardless of the college or Utah University you intend to attend, financial aid is typically required.
Despite having access to a Utah college savings plan, you may not be able to cover all the costs.
Fortunately, there are other choices, some of which can spare students from expensive student debt.
Utah scholarships and grants help lower the cost of attending college.
As long as they comply with the terms of the awards, students are exempt from repayment and could potentially graduate debt-free.
Residency is frequently necessary for Utah-based financial help.
Utah does not just require college attendance. Students must instead have been residing in the state for a purpose other than pursuing their education for a full year prior to the relevant school year. Other requirements include performing actions like getting a Utah driver’s license, being financially independent, or being listed as a dependent by a resident of Utah.
Many of the best colleges in Utah provide grants and scholarships to their own institutions. Scholarships from Utah State University and institutional prizes for Westminster College are two examples.
Institutional scholarships and grants usually do not require residency. Instead, students only need to be registered at the institution and fulfill the other criteria, such as having a specific academic standing or a proven financial need.
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Overview of the Best Colleges in Utah in 2024
Utah has about 68 colleges and institutions overall. There are 26 four-year institutions those. The remaining 42 include both two-year universities and community colleges in Utah.
Students might not have enough time to look into everything each institution offers during their college hunt.
As a result, they might need to take a calculated strategy to ensure they can choose the school that is actually the best fit.
That is why we have provided a list of the top 15 best colleges in Utah. Below is an overview.
- Brigham Young University-Provo
- University of Utah
- Utah State University
- Southern Utah University
- Utah Valley University
- Snow College
- Dixie State College of Utah
- Weber State College
- Western Governors University
- Westminster College
- Broadview University
- Salt Lake Community College
- Provo College
- Neumont College of Computer Science
- University of Phoenix
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List of the Top 15 Best Colleges in Utah
Utah places high importance on its higher education institution because of having one of the most educated populations in the nation.
Utah offers public colleges, private institutions, and vocational training programs, among other post-high school options.
Some of the most prestigious undergraduate, graduate, law, and doctoral programs in the country are offered at Utah colleges and universities, which are spread out over the state in both urban and rural locations.
Below are the top 15 best colleges in Utah:
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1. Brigham Young University-Provo
- Campus Location(s): Provo, Hawaii, Idaho, and Salt Lake City, Utah
- Tuition and Fees (In-State): $5,970
- Tuition and Fees (Out-of-State): $5,970
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 33,365
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 75%
When talk of the best colleges in Utah, Brigham Young University will always come first.
There are four locations for Brigham Young University, including the Ensign college in Salt Lake City.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints built, funded, and oversees this private institution of higher learning.
This Provo college offers a wide variety of bachelor degrees besides many outdoor leisure activities, including sleigh rides.
2. University of Utah in Salt Lake City
- Campus Location(s): Salt Lake City, Sandy, Saint George, Utah. Incheon Songdo, South Korea, and Kpong, Ghana
- Tuition and Fees (In-State): $8,615
- Tuition and Fees (Out-of-State): $27,220
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 24,643
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
The University of Utah in Salt Lake City was established in 1850.
Students can improve their education through undergraduate and graduate degrees at public universities like the University of Utah.
Aside from having more learning locations around the world, this university also provides online education. That is why it is part of the best colleges in Utah.
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3. Utah State University
- Campus Location(s): Logan, Tremonton, Brigham City, Wendover, Kaysville, Salt Lake, Park City, Tooele, Heber City, Orem, Nephi, Eastern (Price), Castle Dale, Ephraim, Delta, Richfield, Beaver, Junction, Bicknell, Vernal, Roosevelt, Panguitch, Cedar City, Saint George, Kanab, Moab, Monticello, Blanding, Monument Valley, and Montezuma Creek, Utah and Cortez, Colorado.
- Tuition and Fees (In-State): $8,764
- Tuition and Fees (Out-of-State): $23,452
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 24,647
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
The 1888-founded Utah State University offers a wide range of degree programs that are focused on a particular career, including technical certifications, undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, and doctoral programs.
In order to make it simple for you to pursue a course you might be interested in, they also provide online learning programs.
Students at Utah State University have access to 8,300 on-campus positions, including work-study opportunities.
This will be your favorite school if you intend to work your way through college.
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4. Southern Utah University
- Campus Location(s): Cedar City, Utah
- Tuition and Fees (In-State): $6,770
- Tuition and Fees (Out-of-State): $20,586
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 11,249
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
An 18-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio can be found at Southern Utah University, a public institution.
As a result, you can receive the proper attention from the teachers as needed.
A whopping 92% of applicants get accepted by graduate programs.
Many undergraduate, bachelor, and master’s programs are available, as well as both on-campus and online instruction.
A 94% employment rate for Southern Utah University graduates is impressive.
5. Utah Valley University
- Campus Location(s): Logan, Blanding, Brigham City, Price, Moab, Taylorsville, Southwest,
- Tooele, and Vernal, Utah
- Tuition and Fees (In-State): $5,906
- Tuition and Fees (Out-of-State): $16,806
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 41,186
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 33%
Founded in 1888, Utah Valley University is one of the top public colleges in the country.
It is a research-based university that offers a range of associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs, along with certificates and diplomas, that are career-focused.
Many of which are also available as distance learning courses.
Extension courses are extra classes offered to students and the community to improve both their quality of life and education.
You could study topics like maintaining a garden and your yard or food safety.
Utah Valley University expands the classroom outside and enhances your education with practical, hands-on activities.
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6. Snow College
- Campus Location(s): Ephraim and Richfield, Utah
- Tuition and Fees (In-State): $3,912
- Tuition and Fees (Out-of-State): $13,156
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,383
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints founded Snow College in 1888, and it now grants associate degrees to students enrolled in its applied science or arts and sciences programs.
Access to professional qualifications and credentials, such as a bachelor’s degree in music or software engineering, is also made available.
For the benefit of its students, Snow College also provides lodging and a variety of activities.
7. Dixie State College of Utah
- Campus Location(s): Saint George, Utah
- Tuition and Fees (In-State): $5,662
- Tuition and Fees (Out-of-State): $16,260
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 11,160
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 38%
Since 1911, Dixie State College in Utah has been educating students, and today it offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs, many of which are online.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Administration are two degrees that are only offered online.
Comparing Dixie College to other similar institutions, it is one of the most reasonably priced colleges in Utah.
8. Weber State University
- Campus Location(s): Ogden, Farmington, Layton, Clearfield, Roy, and Morgan, Utah
- Tuition and Fees (In-State): $5,956
- Tuition and Fees (Out-of-State): $16,138
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 28,685
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 36%
Since its founding in 1889, Weber State University has provided on-campus and online learning opportunities.
A new Master of Social Work degree program is among the 17 graduate degree programs, and it is there to support you in achieving your professional goals.
Although the class sizes aren’t tiny, Weber State University online students and on-campus students in all majors will both have fantastic educational experiences.
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9. Western Governors University
- Campus Location(s): Salt Lake City, Utah; Indianapolis, Indiana; Clayton, Missouri; Durham, North Carolina; Columbus, Ohio; Franklin, Tennessee; Austin, Texas; Kent, Washington
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 104,919
- Tuition and Fees (In-State): $6,670
- Tuition and Fees (Out-of-State): $6,670
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 33%
With campuses all around the US, Western Governors University offers a competency-based education model.
Also, it offers online distance education courses.
Bachelor’s, master’s, certificate, and post-certificate master’s programs are all available at Western Governors University.
10. Westminster College
- Campus Location(s): Salt Lake City, Utah
- Tuition and Fees (In-State): $37,960
- Tuition and Fees (Out-of-State): $37,960
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,156
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
Westminster College is a private institution that has been around since 1875.
It offers recognized programs that include all aspects of a liberal arts education.
It grants degrees in a variety of topics at the associate and bachelor levels.
With student involvement totaling 450,000 hours, its community service activities have enjoyed outstanding success.
When you don’t have classes at Westminster College, you can take part in one of the over 40 clubs and organizations that the school offers.
Any college freshman wishing to build a firm foundation in the social component of education should consider this university.
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11. Broadview University
- Campus Location(s): West Jordan, Utah
- Tuition and Fees (In-State): $15,750
- Tuition and Fees (Out-of-State): $15,750
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 268
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 24%
Broadview University is a career-focused college of animal science in the greater Salt Lake City area.
It was formerly known as Utah Career College.
They include a clinical lab component in the 18-month associate degree in Veterinary Technology program.
Besides their academic studies, every Broadview student takes part in a veterinary externship.
Broadview selects faculty members from a pool of veterinary professionals in order to bring real-world experience to every subject.
12. Salt Lake Community College
- Campus Location(s): Salt Lake City, Utah
- Tuition and Fees (In-State): $3,929
- Tuition and Fees (Out-of-State): $12,460
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 29,517
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 27%
Salt Lake Community College is a public institution, and one of the best colleges in Utah.
The institution provides both academic and technical programs that equip graduates for fulfilling careers.
One of the federal student aid programs available to students is the Pell Grant.
Students at Salt Lake Community College have a 27% graduation rate.
The current admissions rate for the school is unclear, meanwhile, information about start dates and application requirements can be obtained from admissions advisors.
An impartial accrediting agency, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has granted Salt Lake Community College accreditation.
13. Provo College
- Campus Location(s): Provo, Utah
- Tuition and Fees (In-State): $15,219
- Tuition and Fees (Out-of-State): $15,219
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 579
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
Provo College is a for-profit college of healthcare sciences in central Utah, with a location close to Utah Lake.
Basically, Provo provides both an RN to BSN program and a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
They also offer programs in medical assisting and physical therapist assistant.
In Provo, there is a program that allows students to get their bachelor’s degree in just 36 months.
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14. Neumont College of Computer Science
- Campus Location(s): Salt Lake City, Utah
- Tuition and Fees (In-State): $24,750
- Tuition and Fees (Out-of-State): $24,750
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 484
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
Neumont College of Computer Science is a place full of people who are passionate about studying computer science; its mission statement and values reflect this passion and show what influences their decision-making.
“Improving lives through education” is their mission statement.
As an institute of higher learning, Neumont College of Computer Science grants degrees in computer science and associated subjects.
To fill the open positions, they are seeking people who are energetic and interesting.
The chosen candidate will become a part of a team that works in a dynamic, demanding, and enjoyable atmosphere with the goal of educating, guiding, and improving the lives of their students.
15. University of Phoenix
- Campus Location(s): Salt Lake City, Utah
- Tuition and Fees (In-State): $9,552
- Tuition and Fees (Out-of-State): $9552
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 529
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
The University of Phoenix is a private institution of higher learning whose goal is to offer working adult students a top-notch education.
Students can get professional and general education programs from the institution.
The institution offers a Bachelor’s in nursing for practicing RNs along with degrees in business administration, management, accounting, marketing, and information systems.
Additionally, it provides master’s degrees in organizational management, computer information systems, nursing, counseling, education, and business administration.
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What are the Most In-Demand Careers in Utah for Graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree?
It’s crucial to understand what professions in Utah are expanding the quickest, regardless of whether you’re just starting your college education after high school or you want to return to school to change careers after some time in the field.
The ultimate aim is to direct your skills toward a future job that, besides matching your interests, also shows flexibility, stability, and upward mobility.
Between 2014 and 2024, the Department of Workforce Services predicts an employment growth of 27.4%.
Listed below are the top 10 jobs with the quickest growth rates in Utah. With the exception of nurse practitioners and postsecondary health specialties, everything can be pursued with just a bachelor’s degree:
- Computer and Information Systems Managers
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Home Health Aides
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
- Mobile App Developers
- Nurse Practitioners
- Personal Care Aides
- Personal Financial Advisors
- Postsecondary Health Specialties Teachers
- Web Developers
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FAQs
Utah is home to several renowned educational institutions, including Westminster College, Utah State University, Brigham Young University Provo, and the University of Utah. Brigham Young University Provo is the highest ranked private institution in Utah, while the University of Utah is the best-rated public institution.
The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution. Despite this, its demographics differ greatly from those of the rest of the state. The Daily Utah Chronicle polled 32,994 students, and the results showed that 35.92% of them are Latter-day Saints.
The University of Utah needs you to be above average in your high school class with a 3.66 GPA. A combination of A and B grades is required, preferably with more A grades than B. Harder coursework, such as AP or IB courses, might make up for a low GPA.
The most difficult institution to get into in Utah, according to an indicator of admissions rates and SAT scores, is Brigham Young University. A reported 69.3% of all 11,292 applicants were accepted for the 2020–2024 academic year.
The University of Utah is the greatest institution in Utah for conducting scientific research. It is ranked 62nd in biological sciences, 32nd in chemistry, 18th in organic chemistry, 41st in earth sciences, 43rd in computer sciences, and 61st in physics according to data from US News & World Report.
Conclusion
There are several public and private colleges in Utah.
We found out that most students want to go to colleges in Utah because they are highly ranked in the country. It is possible you are one of them.
So, we have provided a list of the top 15 best colleges in Utah. We have also provided the tuition fee, acceptance rate and graduation rate of each of those colleges.
Ensure to check through our list to find the perfect choice for you.
References
- careerkarma.com – best universities in Utah
- collegeconsensus.com – best colleges in Utah
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