Best Colleges in Utah 2024

Badge for BEST IN UTAH COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

Best Colleges and Universities in Utah

  1. University of Utah
    • Undergraduate Programs: 100+
  2. Brigham Young University
    • Undergraduate Programs: 311, including 113 Minors
  3. Utah State University
    • Undergraduate Programs: 137, excludes 130 Minors
  4. Weber State University
    • Undergraduate Programs: 100+
  5. Utah Valley University
    • Undergraduate Programs: 160+, including Minors and Associates
  6. Snow College
    • Undergraduate Programs: 60+
  7. Western Governors University
    • Undergraduate Programs: 35+, including Certificates
  8. Southern Utah University
    • Undergraduate Programs: 150+
  9. Utah Tech University
    • Undergraduate Programs: 203+, including Associate degrees, Minors, and Emphases
  10. Provo College
    • Undergraduate Programs: 3

Key Takeaways

  • Eleven schools in Utah meet our criteria for the best colleges and universities in the state.
  • Students attending one of the top Utah colleges will be taught by some of the most influential professors in the world.
  • Pursuing a degree at a public university in Utah is one of the most affordable options for a higher education in the state.

Colleges and Universities in Utah

Students hoping to earn their associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in Utah can choose from among 18 different colleges and universities. Ten of these schools are private, including a fully online school — Western Governors University — which serves almost 80,000 students.

Brigham Young University in Provo, one of Utah’s two religiously affiliated schools, has some of the state’s top programs in religious studies, history, and business.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

While tuition at private schools can be costly, fees at these two schools fall below the national average, ranging between $6,000 and $7,000. Utah’s public universities are also on the cost-friendly side.

Utah Valley University, the state’s largest public school, serves over 28,000 students and has a sticker price of about $6,000. The University of Utah, another affordable option, is close behind, with a student population of just under 28,000 students. Here, students can earn degrees in fields such as computer science, chemistry, engineering, and anthropology.


What are Utah’s Colleges & Universities?

Utah’s Best Overall

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

We’ve identified 11 colleges and universities in Utah that meet our criteria. This list of the top colleges in Utah below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in Utah.

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Best Colleges in Utah

  1. #1

    University of Utah

    Salt Lake City , UT
    #7 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #21 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #22 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #25 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    40K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1290/25

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Utah

    Cost of Degree: $9,315
    Expenses: $17,365
    Starting Salary: $63,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Utah known for?

    University of Utah’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    The University of Utah (The U) is a Tier 1 public research university that serves as the flagship institution of the state and the hub of higher education in the region.

    What we love about The U:

    The University is the only academic medical center in Utah.

    The U is ideal for students who:

    Intend to obtain top-notch education to become outstanding professionals in the fields of healthcare and patient care.

    The U might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a campus with a more rural vibe and away from bustling cities.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Brigham Young University

    Provo , UT
    #6 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #15 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Utah 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    79%

    Student body

    39K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1374/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Brigham Young University

    Cost of Degree: $6,304
    Expenses: $14,816
    Starting Salary: $71,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Brigham Young University known for?

    Brigham Young University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Brigham Young University aims to equip students with a passion for lifelong learning and service. With affiliations to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it provides education and guidance that build and strengthen the individuals’ spirituality, intellect, and character.

    What we love about BYU:

    The University has more than 200 international study-abroad programs available in 60 countries.

    BYU is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for excellent foreign language study programs complemented by a diverse campus community of students from more than 105 countries.

    BYU might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a secular curriculum and campus community.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Utah State University

    Logan , UT
    #2 Best Public Colleges in Utah 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Utah 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Utah 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Utah State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,305
    Expenses: $13,156
    Starting Salary: $49,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Utah State University known for?

    Utah State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Founded in 1888 initially as an agricultural college, Utah State University is now a premier space-grant and land-grant institution committed to excellence, inclusion, and access to mold students into doers and innovators.

    What we love about USU:

    USU is a research-focused institution that creates transformational changes in land, air, water, space, and quality of life.

    USU is ideal for students who:

    Intend to engage in independent research or creative projects that provide meaningful impact to the environment and society.

    USU might not be the best fit for students who:

    Want to casually pursue their academic goals without the constant pressure of having to contribute to the world.

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Weber State University

    Ogden , UT
    #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Utah 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Utah 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Utah 2024 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Utah 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    37K

    Career Outlook for degree at Weber State University

    Cost of Degree: $6,391
    Expenses: $15,692
    Starting Salary: $49,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Weber State University known for?

    Weber State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Since its establishment in 1889, Weber State University has provided high-quality degrees and transformative educational experiences to students while serving the local communities in Utah.

    What we love about WSU:

    The University is active in its sustainability efforts, like the reduction of water, gas, and electricity consumption and total greenhouse gas emissions.

    WSU is ideal for students who:

    Want to have a strong foundation in the fields of Nursing, Computing, Radiologic Science, or Professional Sales.

    WSU might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a smaller student-to-faculty ratio to ensure individualized learning and guidance.

    Compare school
  5. #5

    Utah Valley University

    Orem , UT
    #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Utah 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Utah 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Utah 2024 #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Utah 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    54K

    Career Outlook for degree at Utah Valley University

    Cost of Degree: $6,270
    Starting Salary: $50,700
    What is Utah Valley University known for?

    Utah Valley University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Located near the state’s tech epicenter and job market, Utah Valley University can provide students with real-world learning experiences along with high-quality education and a wide range of career and academic support services.

    What we love about UVU:

    Landing in the Top 3 Best Return on Investment in the country, UVU offers 15% lower tuition than other institutions in Utah.

    UVU is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for high-quality post-secondary education without the high costs.

    UVU might not be the best fit for students who:

    Find a vibrant social scene and dynamic economy surrounding the campus to be too distracting.

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Snow College

    Ephraim , UT
    #1 Best Small Colleges in Utah 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Utah 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Utah 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Utah 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Snow College

    Cost of Degree: $4,180
    Expenses: $9,050
    Starting Salary: $37,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Snow College known for?

    Snow College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Know for its ties to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Snow College was founded in in 1888 and transferred to the state of Utah in 1933. Today, it is part of the Utah System of Higher Education as a public community college.

    What we love about Snow College:

    The College offers one of the lowest rates in terms of housing, tuition and fees in Utah.

    Snow College is ideal for students who:

    Thrive in small class sizes where experienced professors can provide individualized teaching and guidance.

    Snow College might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are easily distracted by extracurricular and recreational activities on campus.

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Western Governors University

    Salt Lake City , UT
    #3 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2024 #11 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Utah 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Utah 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    214K

    Career Outlook for degree at Western Governors University

    Cost of Degree: $8,010
    Starting Salary: $48,100
    What is Western Governors University known for?

    Western Governors University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Western Governors University has considered itself the most student-centric university across the globe by offering affordable and flexible online-based academic programs that let students study from anywhere, whenever and wherever they like.

    What we love about WGU:

    Graduates from WGU have a 98% employer satisfaction rate, thanks to the University’s curriculum designed to suit modern-day workforce requirements.

    WGU is ideal for students who:

    Want to complete Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees in the fields of Business, Technology, Education, or Health and Nursing, despite having other work or personal responsibilities.

    WGU might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer on-campus academic programs that allow them to meet their cohorts personally.

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Southern Utah University

    Cedar City , UT
    #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Utah 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in Utah 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Utah 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    20K

    Career Outlook for degree at Southern Utah University

    Cost of Degree: $6,770
    Expenses: $13,116
    Starting Salary: $45,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Southern Utah University known for?

    Southern Utah University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Southern Utah University offers a career-centered academic curriculum complemented by hands-on and field learning experience. Graduates of this public university can enter the job market with confidence.

    What we love about SUU:

    The University has received several prestigious recognitions from ranking organizations in various categories, including Utah’s 2nd Regional University, College of Distinction for innovative application of high-impact educational practices, and Distinction for career-focused learning.

    SUU is ideal for students who:

    Want to make the most of their post-secondary education with a degree program that incorporates experiential learning opportunities.

    SUU might not be the best fit for students who:

    Do not find tight-knit campus communities and small class sizes to be appealing.

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Utah Tech University

    Saint George , UT
    #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Utah 2024 #7 Best Public Colleges in Utah 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Utah 2024 #5 Best Online Associate Degrees in Utah 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    14K

    Career Outlook for degree at Utah Tech University

    Cost of Degree: $6,074
    Expenses: $15,404
    Starting Salary: $41,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Utah Tech University known for?

    Utah Tech University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Utah Tech University (UT) is an open-access institution that promotes inclusivity with its diverse teaching methods and personalized services.

    What we love about UT:

    The University is a polytechnic institution of higher education with industry partnerships in order to provide students with real-world learning experiences.

    UT is ideal for students who:

    Pursuing careers in education, humanities, health sciences, arts, STEM and business.

    UT might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer institutions of higher education that have a rigorous admission process, considering that UT has a 100% acceptance rate.

    Compare school
  11. #10

    Provo College

    Provo , UT
    #4 Best Small Colleges in Utah 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Utah 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Utah 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Provo College

    Cost of Degree: $17,112
    Starting Salary: $26,800
    What is Provo College known for?

    Provo College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Provo College is a private, for-profit college offering nursing and healthcare academic programs in both traditional and online learning formats.

    What we love about Provo College:

    The institution has more than 35 years of experience in training aspiring healthcare professionals in Utah and across the country.

    Provo College is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for accelerated programs in the fields of Nursing or Physical Therapy.

    Provo College might not be the best fit for students who:

    Do not want to pursue a career in the healthcare industry.

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Westminster College, Utah

    Salt Lake City , UT
    #3 Best Small Colleges in Utah 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in Utah 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Utah 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1269/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Westminster College, Utah

    Cost of Degree: $39,832
    Expenses: $15,999
    Starting Salary: $58,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Westminster College, Utah known for?

    Westminster College, Utah’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Westminster University (Utah) is an independent private institution of higher education that provides transformational learning experiences in a student-centered academic environment. It changed its name from Westminster College in 2023.

    What we love about Westminster University:

    Around 94% of full-time faculty members at the University possess the highest degree in their fields of study.

    Westminster University is ideal for students who:

    Want to obtain a quality education without breaking the bank, considering that the university has a record with all first-year students receiving scholarships or grants.

    Westminster University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Get distracted from their studies when pursuing their passion for sports.

    Compare school

Student Submitted Questions about Utah Colleges

What is the most affordable college in Utah?

Snow College is one of the most affordable colleges in the state with a tuition of around $4,000 for in-state Utah residents. By contrast, Westminster College, one of the top private schools in the state is around $40,000.

Is accreditation important when choosing a college in Utah?

Yes! Regional accreditation assures that the education you receive will be top-notch. You can also apply for financial aid when attending accredited colleges. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) is the accrediting body for colleges in Utah.

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