9 Best Colleges in Utah
What’s Covered:
Fast economic growth meets slow evenings taking in stunning scenery in Utah. The strong presence of the LDS Church, salt flats, friendliness, and some of the nation’s best ski slopes all make the state unique. So too do its colleges and universities—here is a list of the top schools in The Beehive State.
Our Ranking Methodology
We focused on school quality, outcomes, and return on investment (ROI) when making this list of Utah’s best eight colleges. We analyzed data ranging from retention rate, selectivity, endowment per student, student-faculty ratio, median earnings, cost of attendance, and more. Learn how CollegeVine has ranked thousands of other schools across the U.S.
Best Colleges in Utah
1. Brigham Young University | BYU
Location: Provo, UT
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Middle 50% SAT: 1210-1420
Middle 50% ACT: 26-31
Undergrad Enrollment: 31,400
A university education from Brigham Young is intellectually enlarging, character building, and spiritually strengthening. The majority of BYU students are Mormon, a faith tradition which colors the campus culture as well as academic degree programs. A College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences, on-campus museums, a culture of dating for marriage, and more make Utah’s most well-known university one of a kind.
Learn more about Brigham Young University and what it takes to get accepted.
2. University of Utah
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Middle 50% SAT: 1143-1380
Middle 50% ACT: 22-29
Undergrad Enrollment: 23,096
The state’s flagship public research university, the University of Utah, strives to inspire students to be explorers, innovators, and leaders. It is exceptional for its programs in health care and the arts, in addition to interdisciplinary research opportunities which take advantage of Utah’s rapidly expanding IT sector. Complete with a strong school spirit and an international outlook, a low-tuition Utah education is an excellent value.
Learn more about the University of Utah and what it takes to get accepted.
3. Neumont College of Computer Science
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Middle 50% SAT: 1000-1250
Middle 50% ACT: 19-25
Undergrad Enrollment: 484
Neumont College of Computer Science is a private, career-focused college with degrees in:
- Computer Science
- Software Engineering
- Software & Game Development
- Web Design & Development
- Computer Information Systems & Cybersecurity
- Business Technology and Management
Neumont has a unique quarter-system calendar where students take classes all-year in 10-week blocks, with a 2-3 week vacation in-between. As a result, the duration of their degree programs is three years, helping you get into the workforce in less time.
Learn more about Neumont College of Computer Science and what it takes to get accepted.
4. Westminster College (Utah)
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Acceptance Rate: 93%
Middle 50% SAT: 1070-1280
Middle 50% ACT: 21-28
Undergrad Enrollment: 1,900
A liberal arts education, an atmosphere dedicated to civic engagement, a location in progressive Salt Lake City, and a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains—these are defining attributes of Westminster College. Westminster embraces the heart of the liberal arts with classes that nurture curiosity and individualized, outside-the-box learning, all the while being committed to affordability.
Learn more about Westminster College and what it takes to get accepted.
5. Utah State University
Location: Logan, UT
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Middle 50% SAT: 1050-1310
Middle 50% ACT: 21-28
Undergrad Enrollment: 24,800
One of the top public universities in the nation, USU offers career-driven degree programs in a multitude of fields. Award-winning faculty enhance learning, while internationally recognized research facilities allow students to make discoveries in fields ranging from business to climate studies. Despite its large campus size, USU fosters a strong community spirit through excellent campus housing options and an Inclusion Center.
Learn more about Utah State University and what it takes to get accepted.
6. Weber State University
Location: Ogden, UT
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Middle 50% SAT: N/A
Middle 50% ACT: N/A
Undergrad Enrollment: 27,400
When WSU students are not studying one of over 225 degree programs to choose from, they can likely be found participating in university-run outdoor programs in the mountains. WSU is also renowned for its high caliber programs in the arts, many of which put on concerts and galleries for the public.
WSU has an open admissions policy and does not require SAT or ACT scores to be submitted to apply. Submitting test scores is optional, and scores are only used to determine first-semester class placements.
Learn more about Weber State University and what it takes to get accepted.
7. Southern Utah University
Location: Cedar City, UT
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Middle 50% SAT: 1020-1240
Middle 50% ACT: 20-27
Undergrad Enrollment: 9,200
SUU can be called by many names—the home of the Thunderbirds, the University of Parks, or simply a caring campus community. SUU provides a quality education for all its students through small class sizes, career-focused learning, and hands-on experience. Its campus has small-town camaraderie, which is strengthened by Cedar City’s famous festivals as well as SUU’s own Tony Award-winning Utah Shakespeare Festival.
Learn more about Southern Utah University and what it takes to get accepted.
8. Snow College
Location: Ephraim, UT
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Middle 50% SAT: N/A
Middle 50% ACT: N/A
Undergrad Enrollment: 5,500
Snow College is as unique as its name. Snow specializes in providing two-year transfer programs which pack the punch of a traditional undergraduate degree, all at half the cost. Thanks to open admissions policies, submitting test scores is not required to apply to this school nestled in the beautiful mountain valleys of central Utah.
Learn more about Snow College and what it takes to get accepted.
9. Dixie State University
Location: Saint George, UT
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Middle 50% SAT: N/A
Middle 50% ACT: N/A
Undergrad Enrollment: 9,900
“Active learning. Active life.” is the motto of DSU. Bachelor’s, associate’s, and professional degree programs at DSU are paired with impactful academic and peer advising to empower students to make the most of their learning. An active life is encouraged through a variety of campus resources, including an Olympic-sized swimming pool and the Raging Red traveling song and dance team.
Learn more about Dixie State University and what it takes to get accepted.
What Are Your Chances of Acceptance?
Want to know your odds of admission at one of Utah’s top schools? CollegeVine is here to help. Our free chancing engine analyzes data about your entire application profile to predict your chances of acceptance at hundreds of colleges and universities across the country. Though all of these schools are selective, your personal chances may be higher or lower depending on your profile.
Our chancing engine can also assist you with building a balanced school list with safety, target, and reach schools. Sign up for a free CollegeVine account today to see how it works!
