1. Brigham Young University (BYU)
Brigham Young University (BYU), located in Provo, Utah, is a private research university owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Founded in 1875, BYU is known for its strong academic programs, emphasis on religious values, and vibrant campus community. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across various disciplines.
U.S. News Ranking: 66 (National Universities)
Number of Students: Approximately 33,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Average SAT Score: 1240-1450
Extracurricular activities at BYU include religious organizations, service projects, intramural sports, student clubs and societies, and cultural events.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Mitt Romney – U.S. Senator and former Governor of Massachusetts
- Stephenie Meyer – Author of the Twilight series
- Jon Heder – Actor (Napoleon Dynamite)
- Reed Smoot – Former U.S. Senator
- Brandon Sanderson – Author
Top employers of BYU graduates include The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Adobe, Intel, Goldman Sachs, and Brigham Young University itself.
2. University of Utah
The University of Utah, located in Salt Lake City, is a public research university known for its strong programs in medicine, engineering, business, and law. Founded in 1850, the University of Utah offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, as well as research opportunities and outreach programs.
U.S. News Ranking: 103 (National Universities)
Number of Students: Approximately 33,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Average SAT Score: 1120-1350
Extracurricular activities at the University of Utah include student government, academic clubs and societies, volunteer programs, research initiatives, and athletic teams.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Steve Young – Former NFL quarterback
- Robert Redford – Actor and filmmaker
- John Warnock – Co-founder of Adobe Inc.
- Nolan Bushnell – Founder of Atari, Inc.
- David Neeleman – Founder of JetBlue Airways
Top employers of University of Utah graduates include University of Utah Health, Intermountain Healthcare, Goldman Sachs, Adobe Inc., and University of Utah itself.
3. Utah State University (USU)
Utah State University (USU), located in Logan, is a public research university known for its strong programs in agriculture, engineering, and natural resources. Founded in 1888, USU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, as well as research opportunities and extension programs.
U.S. News Ranking: 229 (National Universities)
Number of Students: Approximately 28,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Average SAT Score: 1050-1290
Extracurricular activities at Utah State University include student clubs and organizations, research projects, community service programs, outdoor recreation clubs, and cultural events.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Jim Bridger – Mountain man and explorer
- Merlin Olsen – Former NFL player and actor
- Larry Scott – Commissioner of the Pac-12 Conference
- Michael Levitt – Nobel laureate in Chemistry
- Rulon Gardner – Olympic gold medalist in wrestling
Top employers of Utah State University graduates include Utah State University Research Foundation, Space Dynamics Laboratory, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Utah State Government, and Utah State University itself.
4. Westminster College
Westminster College, located in Salt Lake City, is a private liberal arts college known for its personalized education and strong emphasis on experiential learning. Founded in 1875, Westminster offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields, with a focus on critical thinking, communication skills, and ethical leadership.
U.S. News Ranking: 21 (Regional Universities West)
Number of Students: Approximately 2,500
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Average SAT Score: 1050-1260
Extracurricular activities at Westminster College include student government, academic clubs and honor societies, service-learning projects, internships, and outdoor adventure programs.
5 Famous Alumni:
- J. Willard Marriott Jr. – Former CEO of Marriott International
- Thurl Bailey – Former NBA player and musician
- David Neeleman – Founder of JetBlue Airways
- Michael Dunn – Former U.S. Ambassador to Bolivia
- Craig Caldwell – Film director and producer
Top employers of Westminster College graduates include Intermountain Healthcare, Goldman Sachs, Zions Bancorporation, University of Utah Health, and Westminster College itself.
5. Southern Utah University (SUU)
Southern Utah University (SUU), located in Cedar City, is a public university known for its strong programs in outdoor recreation, performing arts, and education. Founded in 1897, SUU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as professional certificates, with a focus on hands-on learning and community engagement.
U.S. News Ranking: 88 (Regional Universities West)
Number of Students: Approximately 11,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 77%
Average SAT Score: 980-1190
Extracurricular activities at Southern Utah University include student clubs and organizations, outdoor recreation clubs, service-learning projects, internships, and cultural events.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Fred Adams – Founder of the Utah Shakespeare Festival
- Amy Donaldson – Journalist and author
- Gail Miller – Owner of the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies
- Russell M. Nelson – President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Mark Dresser – Jazz musician and composer
Top employers of Southern Utah University graduates include Intermountain Healthcare, Walmart, Iron County School District, State of Utah, and Southern Utah University itself.
6. Utah Valley University (UVU)
Utah Valley University (UVU), located in Orem, is a public university known for its career-focused programs and commitment to student success. Founded in 1941, UVU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as professional certificates, with a focus on experiential learning and industry partnerships.
U.S. News Ranking: 85 (Regional Universities West)
Number of Students: Approximately 41,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 100% (Open Admission)
Average SAT Score: 950-1170
Extracurricular activities at Utah Valley University include student clubs and organizations, internships, community service projects, research opportunities, and athletic programs.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Derek Hough – Professional dancer and choreographer
- Lindsey Stirling – Violinist and YouTube personality
- Steve Young – Former NFL quarterback
- Lavar McBride – Professional basketball player
- Peter Breinholt – Musician and songwriter
Top employers of Utah Valley University graduates include Intermountain Healthcare, Adobe Inc., Nu Skin Enterprises, Vivint Smart Home, and Utah Valley University itself.
7. Dixie State University
Dixie State University, located in St. George, is a public university known for its strong programs in business, education, and healthcare. Founded in 1911, Dixie State offers undergraduate degrees in various fields, as well as professional certificates and online programs, with a focus on student-centered learning and community engagement.
U.S. News Ranking: 74 (Regional Universities West)
Number of Students: Approximately 12,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 100% (Open Admission)
Average SAT Score: 950-1160
Extracurricular activities at Dixie State University include student clubs and organizations, intramural sports, community service projects, internships, and cultural events.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Ira A. Fulton – Philanthropist and founder of Fulton Homes
- Alex Boyé – Musician and performer
- Mike Leach – College football coach
- Robert Hilder – Former Utah State Supreme Court Justice
- Roseanne Barr – Comedian and actress
Top employers of Dixie State University graduates include Intermountain Healthcare, Walmart, Washington County School District, State of Utah, and Dixie State University itself.
8. Weber State University
Weber State University, located in Ogden, is a public university known for its strong programs in business, health professions, and technology. Founded in 1889, Weber State offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields, as well as professional certificates and online programs, with a focus on experiential learning and community partnerships.
U.S. News Ranking: 78 (Regional Universities West)
Number of Students: Approximately 29,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 100% (Open Admission)
Average SAT Score: 950-1170
Extracurricular activities at Weber State University include student clubs and organizations, internships, service-learning projects, research opportunities, and athletic programs.
5 Famous Alumni:
- J. Willard Marriott Jr. – Former CEO of Marriott International
- Jerrems Blackerby – Former President of Swift & Company
- Alan Hall – Businessman and philanthropist
- Chris Brower – Former CEO of Brower Insurance
- John Huntsman Sr. – Businessman and philanthropist
Top employers of Weber State University graduates include Intermountain Healthcare, Autoliv, Northrop Grumman Corporation, ATK Aerospace Systems, and Weber State University itself.
9. Utah State University – Eastern
Utah State University – Eastern, with campuses in Price and Blanding, is a public university known for its strong programs in technical education, liberal arts, and health sciences. Founded in 1932, USU Eastern offers associate and bachelor’s degrees, as well as certificate programs, with a focus on affordability and accessibility.
U.S. News Ranking: Not ranked
Number of Students: Approximately 2,500
Degrees Offered: Associate and Bachelor’s degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 100% (Open Admission)
Average SAT Score: 950-1170
Extracurricular activities at Utah State University – Eastern include student clubs and organizations, intramural sports, community service projects, cultural events, and academic competitions.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Gary Herbert – Former Governor of Utah
- Gordon R. Olsen – Former Utah State Senator
- Michael Swenson – CEO of Swire Coca-Cola, USA
- Lane Beattie – Former President of the Salt Lake Chamber
- Lynn Hemingway – Former Utah State Representative
Top employers of Utah State University – Eastern graduates include local healthcare facilities, school districts, government agencies, mining companies, and Utah State University – Eastern itself.
10. Snow College
Snow College, located in Ephraim, is a public community college known for its strong academic programs, supportive environment, and affordability. Founded in 1888, Snow College offers associate degrees, certificate programs, and transfer opportunities for students looking to pursue bachelor’s degrees at other institutions.
U.S. News Ranking: 21 (Regional Colleges West)
Number of Students: Approximately 5,000
Degrees Offered: Associate degrees and certificate programs
Acceptance Rate: 100% (Open Admission)
Average SAT Score: Not applicable
Extracurricular activities at Snow College include student clubs and organizations, performing arts groups, intramural sports, community service projects, and outdoor recreation activities.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Karl Anderson – Former CEO of Top Gun Raceway
- Reed Halladay – Professional baseball player
- Collin Mangrum – Professional golfer
- Elsie Stout – Former Utah State Senator
- O. Dean Finch – Former CEO of Exelon Corporation
Top employers of Snow College graduates include local school districts, healthcare facilities, government agencies, and Snow College itself.