Best Universities in Utah

Top Universities in Utah

Brigham Young University (BYU)

Brigham Young University, located in Provo, is a private research university owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Founded in 1875, BYU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #66 in National Universities.

Number of Students:

Approximately 34,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

BYU offers over 180 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as numerous graduate and professional degrees.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 64%.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1350.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

Intramural sports, service projects, religious organizations.

Famous Alumni:

1. Mitt Romney – U.S. Senator and former Governor of Massachusetts.
2. Stephen Covey – Author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.”
3. Steve Young – Hall of Fame NFL quarterback.
4. Glenn Beck – Conservative political commentator and radio host.
5. Ken Jennings – Record-setting “Jeopardy!” champion.

Top Companies Hiring Graduates:

1. Intel Corporation
2. Goldman Sachs
3. Deloitte
4. Microsoft Corporation
5. Ernst & Young

University of Utah

The University of Utah, located in Salt Lake City, is a public research university known for its programs in engineering, medicine, and business. Established in 1850, the University of Utah offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #97 in National Universities.

Number of Students:

Approximately 33,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

The University of Utah offers over 100 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as numerous graduate and professional programs.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 62%.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1240.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

Skiing and snowboarding, outdoor recreation, student government.

Famous Alumni:

1. John Warnock – Co-founder of Adobe Systems Inc.
2. Spencer Eccles – Former CEO of First Security Corporation.
3. Ed Catmull – Co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios.
4. Lilian Tsu – Former NASA astronaut.
5. Alex Smith – NFL quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Football Team.

Top Companies Hiring Graduates:

1. University of Utah Health
2. Intermountain Healthcare
3. Goldman Sachs
4. Adobe Inc.
5. Pfizer Inc.

Utah State University (USU)

Utah State University, located in Logan, is a public research university known for its programs in agriculture, engineering, and natural resources. Established in 1888, Utah State offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #241 in National Universities.

Number of Students:

Approximately 27,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Utah State University offers over 220 undergraduate and graduate programs, including degrees in agriculture, engineering, business, and the arts and sciences.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 89%.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1150.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

Outdoor recreation, agricultural clubs, research opportunities.

Famous Alumni:

1. Jon M. Huntsman Sr. – Founder of Huntsman Corporation.
2. Jon M. Huntsman Jr. – Former Governor of Utah and U.S. Ambassador to China.
3. Merlin Olsen – Hall of Fame NFL player and actor.
4. Rulon Gardner – Olympic gold medalist in wrestling.
5. Chris Cooley – Former NFL tight end for the Washington Redskins.

Top Companies Hiring Graduates:

1. Utah State University
2. Space Dynamics Laboratory
3. Northrop Grumman Corporation
4. L-3 Communications
5. Autoliv Inc.

Utah Valley University (UVU)

Utah Valley University, located in Orem, is a public university known for its programs in business, education, and health sciences. Established in 1941, UVU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #80 in Regional Universities West.

Number of Students:

Approximately 41,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Utah Valley University offers over 90 bachelor’s degrees and 35 associate degrees in various fields, including business, education, healthcare, and technology.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 100%.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1050.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

Intramural sports, student clubs and organizations, community service projects.

Famous Alumni:

1. Dan Reynolds – Lead singer of the band Imagine Dragons.
2. C. Clark – Former MLB player for the San Francisco Giants.
3. Dallin H. Oaks – Member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
4. Gail Miller – Owner of the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies.
5. Jack N. Gerard – Former President and CEO of the American Petroleum Institute.

Top Companies Hiring Graduates:

1. Utah Valley University
2. Adobe Inc.
3. Vivint Solar
4. Qualtrics
5. Micron Technology

Westminster College

Westminster College, located in Salt Lake City, is a private liberal arts college known for its programs in business, communication, and performing arts. Established in 1875, Westminster offers undergraduate and graduate degrees.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #13 in Regional Universities West.

Number of Students:

Approximately 3,200 students.

Degrees Offered:

Westminster College offers over 40 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as several graduate programs.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 95%.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1180.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

Theatre productions, music ensembles, outdoor recreation clubs.

Famous Alumni:

1. Peter Breinholt – Singer-songwriter and musician.
2. Jon Huntsman Jr. – Former Governor of Utah and U.S. Ambassador to Russia.
3. Spencer Eccles – Former CEO of First Security Corporation.
4. Jim Matheson – Former U.S. Representative for Utah.
5. Ed Catmull – Co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios.

Top Companies Hiring Graduates:

1. Westminster College
2. University of Utah Health
3. Intermountain Healthcare
4. Goldman Sachs
5. Adobe Inc.

Southern Utah University (SUU)

Southern Utah University, located in Cedar City, is a public university known for its programs in education, business, and the arts. Established in 1897, SUU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #86 in Regional Universities West.

Number of Students:

Approximately 11,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Southern Utah University offers over 140 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as several graduate programs.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 76%.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1100.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

Outdoor recreation, performing arts groups, student clubs and organizations.

Famous Alumni:

1. Jay Seegmiller – Former member of the Utah House of Representatives.
2. Shad Gaspard – Former WWE wrestler and actor.
3. Shaun Fleming – Actor and musician known for his role in “Kim Possible” and as the lead singer of the band Diane Coffee.
4. David Zabriskie – Former professional cyclist.
5. Brian Head Welch – Musician and guitarist for the band Korn.

Top Companies Hiring Graduates:

1. Southern Utah University
2. Intermountain Healthcare
3. Walmart
4. SkyWest Airlines
5. State of Utah

Dixie State University

Dixie State University, located in St. George, is a public university known for its programs in business, education, and healthcare. Established in 1911, Dixie State offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #105 in Regional Universities West.

Number of Students:

Approximately 12,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Dixie State University offers over 200 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as several graduate programs.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 100%.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1020.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

Outdoor recreation, intramural sports, student government.

Famous Alumni:

1. Reuben Clark – Former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico and Under Secretary of State.
2. Walt Brooks – Member of the Utah House of Representatives.
3. Travis Hansen – Former NBA player for the Atlanta Hawks and the Utah Jazz.
4. Sharon Larsen – Former Chief Justice of the Utah Supreme Court.
5. Tyson Apostol – Winner of Survivor: Blood vs. Water.

Top Companies Hiring Graduates:

1. Dixie State University
2. Intermountain Healthcare
3. Walmart
4. SkyWest Airlines
5. State of Utah

Weber State University

Weber State University, located in Ogden, is a public university known for its programs in business, health professions, and education. Established in 1889, Weber State offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #63 in Regional Universities West.

Number of Students:

Approximately 30,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Weber State University offers over 250 undergraduate and graduate programs, including degrees in business, health professions, education, and the arts and sciences.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 100%.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1050.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

Outdoor recreation, student clubs and organizations, intramural sports.

Famous Alumni:

1. Nolan Karras – Former Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives.
2. Janice Fisher – Former member of the Utah House of Representatives.
3. Kevin Curtis – Former NFL wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles and the St. Louis Rams.
4. Damian Lillard – NBA player for the Portland Trail Blazers.
5. Thurl Bailey – Former NBA player for the Utah Jazz and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Top Companies Hiring Graduates:

1. Weber State University
2. Intermountain Healthcare
3. Autoliv Inc.
4. Northrop Grumman Corporation
5. Orbital ATK

Utah State University – Eastern

Utah State University – Eastern, located in Price, is a public university known for its programs in business, education, and trades. Established in 1937, USU Eastern offers a variety of undergraduate and associate degrees.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #112 in Regional Colleges West.

Number of Students:

Approximately 2,500 students.

Degrees Offered:

Utah State University – Eastern offers associate degrees in various fields, including business, education, trades, and the arts and sciences.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 100%.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 970.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

Intramural sports, student clubs and organizations, community service projects.

Famous Alumni:

1. Tom Fife – Former member of the Utah House of Representatives.
2. Mark Raymond – Former member of the Utah House of Representatives.
3. Bill Wright – Former member of the Utah House of Representatives.
4. Mark R. Hudson – Former member of the Utah Senate.
5. John Swallow – Former Attorney General of Utah.

Top Companies Hiring Graduates:

1. Utah State University – Eastern
2. Utah Department of Corrections
3. Savage Companies
4. Walmart
5. Intermountain Healthcare

Salt Lake Community College (SLCC)

Salt Lake Community College, located in Salt Lake City, is a public community college known for its programs in trades, health professions, and business. Established in 1948, SLCC offers a variety of associate degrees and technical certificates.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #85 in Regional Colleges West.

Number of Students:

Approximately 60,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Salt Lake Community College offers associate degrees and technical certificates in various fields, including trades, health professions, business, and the arts and sciences.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 100%.

Average SAT Score:

SLCC does not require SAT scores for admission.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

Student clubs and organizations, community service projects, career development workshops.

Famous Alumni:

1. Spencer Cox – Governor of Utah.
2. Justin T. Hoyal – Former member of the Utah House of Representatives.
3. Curt Oda – Former member of the Utah House of Representatives.
4. Francis Gibson – Member of the Utah House of Representatives.
5. Karen Mayne – Member of the Utah Senate.

Top Companies Hiring Graduates:

1. Salt Lake Community College
2. Intermountain Healthcare
3. University of Utah Health
4. Walmart
5. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints