1. University of Utah
Overview of University of Utah
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Founded in 1850, the University of Utah (U of U) is the state’s flagship public research university and is known for its strong programs in medicine, engineering, and business. The U of U is home to the prestigious Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine and is renowned for its contributions to genetics and computer science, including the development of the ARPANET, a precursor to the internet.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #105 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 33,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 62%
- Average SAT Score: 1140-1380
Extracurricular Activities
- Utah Utes Athletics (NCAA Division I, Pac-12)
- ASUU (student government)
- Outdoor Adventure Program
- The Daily Utah Chronicle (student newspaper)
- Greek Life
Famous Alumni
- Steve Young – NFL Hall of Fame quarterback
- Jon Huntsman Jr. – Former Governor of Utah and U.S. Ambassador
- David Neeleman – Founder of JetBlue Airways
- Alex Smith – NFL quarterback
- Gail Miller – Owner of Utah Jazz
Top Employers of Graduates
- Intermountain Healthcare
- Qualtrics
- Goldman Sachs
- Zions Bancorporation
- Adobe
2. Brigham Young University (BYU)
Overview of Brigham Young University
Location: Provo, Utah
Founded in 1875, Brigham Young University (BYU) is a private university owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. BYU is known for its strong academic programs in business, engineering, and law, and it has a national reputation for excellence in languages and international studies. The Marriott School of Business is one of the top-ranked business schools in the nation.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #79 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 34,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 190 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Average SAT Score: 1220-1420
Extracurricular Activities
- BYU Cougars Athletics (NCAA Division I, Big 12)
- BYU Ballroom Dance Company
- The Daily Universe (student newspaper)
- Student Government (BYUSA)
- Intramural Sports
Famous Alumni
- Mitt Romney – U.S. Senator and former Governor of Massachusetts
- Stephenie Meyer – Author of the Twilight series
- Ken Jennings – Jeopardy! champion
- Steve Young – NFL Hall of Fame quarterback
- Philo Farnsworth – Inventor of television
Top Employers of Graduates
- Qualtrics
- Goldman Sachs
- Adobe
- Deloitte
- Microsoft
3. Utah State University (USU)
Overview of Utah State University
Location: Logan, Utah
Founded in 1888 as an agricultural college, Utah State University (USU) is a public land-grant research university known for its programs in agriculture, engineering, and education. USU has a strong focus on research and is recognized for its contributions to space research, water resources, and robotics. The university is also home to the Utah Water Research Laboratory.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #250 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 27,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Average SAT Score: 1080-1310
Extracurricular Activities
- Utah State Aggies Athletics (NCAA Division I, Mountain West)
- USUSA (student government)
- Outdoor Recreation Program
- Engineering Clubs
- Aggie Radio
Famous Alumni
- Merlin Olsen – NFL Hall of Famer
- Laraine Day – Actress
- Harry Reid – Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader
- Mary L. Cleave – NASA astronaut
- John H. Sides – Founder of Sides Air Service
Top Employers of Graduates
- Northrop Grumman
- Autoliv
- Intermountain Healthcare
- Space Dynamics Laboratory
- Utah State University
4. Weber State University
Overview of Weber State University
Location: Ogden, Utah
Established in 1889, Weber State University is a public university known for its accessible education and strong programs in nursing, business, and engineering technology. The university places a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, offering internships and community engagement programs to prepare students for careers in diverse industries.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #82 Regional Universities West
- Number of Students: Approximately 29,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 250 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: Open enrollment
- Average SAT Score: Not required
Extracurricular Activities
- Weber State Wildcats Athletics (NCAA Division I, Big Sky)
- Student Association
- Outdoor Adventure and Leadership Program
- Greek Life
- The Signpost (student newspaper)
Famous Alumni
- Damian Lillard – NBA All-Star
- J. Willard Marriott – Founder of Marriott International
- David M. Kennedy – Former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury
- Dee Smith – NFL player
- Vaughn Hebron – NFL player and Super Bowl champion
Top Employers of Graduates
- Intermountain Healthcare
- Hill Air Force Base
- Autoliv
- L3Harris Technologies
- Weber State University
5. Southern Utah University (SUU)
Overview of Southern Utah University
Location: Cedar City, Utah
Founded in 1897, Southern Utah University is a public university known for its programs in education, business, and performing arts. SUU is recognized for its experiential learning opportunities and proximity to national parks, making it ideal for students interested in outdoor education and tourism management. The university is also home to the Utah Shakespeare Festival.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #62 Regional Universities West
- Number of Students: Approximately 13,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 140 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Average SAT Score: 1050-1270
Extracurricular Activities
- SUU Thunderbirds Athletics (NCAA Division I, Western Athletic Conference)
- Utah Shakespeare Festival
- Student Government Association
- Outdoor Adventure Program
- Greek Life
Famous Alumni
- Harry Reid – Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader
- Mike Leavitt – Former Governor of Utah and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services
- Colby T. Pearson – NFL player
- Ally Condie – Bestselling author
- LaVell Edwards – BYU football coach
Top Employers of Graduates
- Intermountain Healthcare
- Southwest Educational Development Center
- Cedar City School District
- Zion National Park
- Southern Utah University
6. Dixie State University (DSU)
Overview of Dixie State University
Location: St. George, Utah
Founded in 1911, Dixie State University (recently renamed Utah Tech University in 2022) is a public university known for its focus on technology, healthcare, and business programs. The university offers hands-on, project-based learning and has partnerships with local industries to provide students with internships and career opportunities. DSU is also known for its rapidly growing student population and campus.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #95 Regional Universities West
- Number of Students: Approximately 12,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 75 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Average SAT Score: Not required
Extracurricular Activities
- DSU Trailblazers Athletics (NCAA Division I, Western Athletic Conference)
- Student Government
- Dixie Sun News (student newspaper)
- Outdoor Adventure Club
- Intramural Sports
Famous Alumni
- Adam Thomas – Actor
- John E. Clark – Historian and archaeologist
- Brad Thompson – MLB pitcher
- Edwin G. Corr – U.S. Ambassador
- Cameron Levins – Olympic long-distance runner
Top Employers of Graduates
- Intermountain Healthcare
- Zions Bancorporation
- Wilson Electronics
- SkyWest Airlines
- Dixie State University
7. Westminster College
Overview of Westminster College
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Founded in 1875, Westminster College is a private liberal arts college known for its personalized education, small class sizes, and strong programs in business, nursing, and aviation. Westminster emphasizes hands-on learning and civic engagement, offering students numerous opportunities for internships, community service, and undergraduate research.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #18 Regional Universities West
- Number of Students: Approximately 2,200
- Degrees Offered: Over 50 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Average SAT Score: 1070-1300
Extracurricular Activities
- Westminster Griffins Athletics (NCAA Division II)
- Outdoor Recreation Program
- Associated Students of Westminster (student government)
- Westminster Review (student literary magazine)
- Greek Life
Famous Alumni
- Tanner Ainge – Businessman and political figure
- Doug Wright – Radio personality
- Evelyn Nunn Miller – Olympic athlete
- Holly Mullen – Journalist
- Kurt Kragthorpe – Sportswriter
Top Employers of Graduates
- Goldman Sachs
- Intermountain Healthcare
- Zions Bancorporation
- University of Utah Health
- L3Harris Technologies
8. Snow College
Overview of Snow College
Location: Ephraim, Utah
Founded in 1888, Snow College is a public community college offering associate and select bachelor’s degree programs. Known for its affordability and small class sizes, Snow College provides a strong foundation for students looking to transfer to four-year universities. It is particularly known for its programs in performing arts, business, and nursing.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #8 Regional Colleges West
- Number of Students: Approximately 5,000
- Degrees Offered: Associate and select bachelor’s degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Average SAT Score: Not required
Extracurricular Activities
- Snow Badgers Athletics (NJCAA)
- Outdoor Adventure Programs
- Snowdrift (student newspaper)
- Theatrical Productions
- Student Government
Famous Alumni
- Lynn G. Robbins – LDS Church leader
- Kevin Curtis – NFL wide receiver
- Scott Wyatt – President of Southern Utah University
- Clarke Mackey – Film producer
- Jay Osmond – Musician
Top Employers of Graduates
- Intermountain Healthcare
- Snow College
- SkyWest Airlines
- Utah Department of Education
- Utah Valley University
9. Western Governors University (WGU)
Overview of Western Governors University
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah (Online University)
Founded in 1997, Western Governors University (WGU) is an online nonprofit university offering competency-based education. WGU specializes in programs for working adults, focusing on fields like business, healthcare, IT, and education. The university’s flexible, online learning model allows students to progress through courses at their own pace.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: Not ranked (online-only)
- Number of Students: Approximately 136,000 (nationwide)
- Degrees Offered: Over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: Open enrollment
- Average SAT Score: Not required
Extracurricular Activities
- WGU does not offer traditional extracurriculars due to its online nature but provides virtual student engagement opportunities.
Famous Alumni
- James W. Harmer – Education innovator
- Matthew Miskelly – CEO of Journey Engineering
- Steve Lewis – Healthcare executive
- Michelle Bradshaw – Founder of Leadership Lift
- Christina Decker – Director of Nursing at Intermountain Healthcare
Top Employers of Graduates
- Amazon
- Microsoft
- Intermountain Healthcare
- Boeing
- HCA Healthcare
10. Utah Valley University (UVU)
Overview of Utah Valley University
Location: Orem, Utah
Founded in 1941, Utah Valley University (UVU) is a large public university known for its programs in business, engineering, and aviation. UVU emphasizes hands-on learning, offering students numerous internship and job placement opportunities. UVU’s “engaged learning” model ensures that students are prepared for real-world experiences, and it has a strong focus on technology and innovation.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #94 Regional Universities West
- Number of Students: Approximately 41,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Average SAT Score: 1050-1270
Extracurricular Activities
- UVU Wolverines Athletics (NCAA Division I, WAC)
- UVUSA (student government)
- Wolverine Gaming (eSports)
- Outdoor Adventure Center
- Greek Life
Famous Alumni
- Brandon Sanderson – Bestselling fantasy author
- Jake Gibb – Olympic beach volleyball player
- Noelle Pikus-Pace – Olympic silver medalist in skeleton
- Daniel Rona – LDS Church leader
- Riley Nelson – NFL player
Top Employers of Graduates
- Adobe
- Vivint
- Qualtrics
- Utah Valley University
- Oracle