Best Colleges in Utah

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Best Accredited Colleges

#1 Brigham Young University-Provo

Provo, UT

$12864

83%

Brigham Young, located in Provo, 45 miles south of Salt Lake City, has 10 colleges, including a graduate school, law school, and school of management. BYU offers over 170 bachelor’s programs with an array of majors including wildlife and wildlands conservation, physics, philosophy, neuroscience, exercise science, Arabic language, nutritional science, and linguistics.Guided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, BYU’s mission is to support students who seek perfection and eternal life. BYU encourages students to integrate their faith with their education; undergraduate students must take one religion class each semester until they earn 14 semester hours. The student body represents over 100 countries, and more than 23,000 students participate each year in over 70 community service programs. Certain degree programs require applied learning experiences like internships, clinical work, or field studies, while other programs recommend it to enhance a student’s major.BYU’s academic environment, unique among colleges in Utah, extends beyond the classroom. BYU is home to a 100,000-square-foot museum of art, a science museum with three million biological specimens, and an archaeological and ethnographic museum with special expertise in prehistoric Utah and the American Southwest.

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#2 Independence University

Salt Lake City, UT

$26240

37%

Independence is an online university offering employment-focused degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. IU is known for its fast track degree programs, personalized support, and monthly program starts.Independence merged with Stevens-Henager College in 2010 and is a branch of Stevens-Henager’s main campus in Ogden. There are additional campuses in Provo, Salt Lake City, Layton, St George, and Logan. IU has schools of healthcare, business, technology, and graphic arts. It offers six associate degrees, like the medical specialties program; 16 bachelor’s degrees, like the accounting with a forensic accounting emphasis program; and eight master’s programs, like the nursing administration program. The programs are fully online and career focused, with no elective courses. The schools of healthcare, technology, and business offer curriculums that reflect feedback from the schools’ business partners and advisory committee. Unique among colleges in Utah, all students receive a tablet on the first day of school and later, a new Mac® laptop loaded with software.

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#3 University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT

$12363

67%

Serving nearly 30,000 students each year through a rich array of high-quality programs, the University of Utah tops our ranking of the best online schools in the state. Fully asynchronous courses at the university allow students to learn on their own schedule. Distance learners can earn either a bachelor's or master's degree in fields such as biomedical informatics, business administration, electrical and computer engineering, and nursing. All students at the U, regardless of how they study, enjoy free access to online tutoring in a wide variety of subject areas. The university also provides personalized writing and research assistance, 24/7 technical support, and career and mental health counseling services. In addition, student success advocates can help learners hone study and time management skills and connect students to additional resources available at the university. To apply to an undergraduate program, prospective learners must submit high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. Admission requirements vary across graduate programs, though most require a bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0 GPA.

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#4 Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, UT

$6500

38%

Western Governors University was founded in 1997 to meet the unique needs of online learners. Today, the university offers dozens of fully online and accredited degrees, preparing graduates for diverse careers in business, teaching, information technology, and healthcare. Online programs at WGU are competency-based, which means students can advance through their coursework as soon as they demonstrate mastery of core concepts and skills. This self-paced style of learning -- combined with the university's generous credit transfer policies -- allow students to earn their degree faster. In addition, programs begin once every month, giving learners the flexibility to schedule their learning around busy periods at home or work. Undergraduate applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, though WGU does not require ACT or SAT scores. Some bachelor's programs, however, may require incoming students to take a collegiate readiness assessment. Applicants who do not pass this exam may need to enroll in a developmental writing course prior to entering a program.

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#5 Westminster College

Salt Lake City, UT

$23608

62%

Westminster College administers four online programs: a four-year bachelor's in business administration, a bachelor's completion program for registered nurses, and master's degrees in business administration and strategic communication. The college pairs all of its online students with a faculty mentor who helps them select courses, identify experiential learning opportunities, and explore various career paths. Online learning at Westminster is competency-based, and students must complete a series of projects to graduate. Business administration undergraduates, for example, may develop a business plan, deal with hypothetical ethical dilemmas, and conduct a financial analysis of an existing company. Because students work independently on these projects, they can move through their required sequence at their own pace. Applying to the business administration bachelor's program requires a high school diploma, a personal essay, and one letter of recommendation. Nursing students must hold an associate degree and a current license. Graduate applicants need a bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0 GPA.

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#6 Utah Valley University

Orem, UT

$6738

29%

Utah Valley started as a vocational school during World War II. The school has eight colleges, a graduate school, and six satellite centers for nontraditional students. Utah Valley is the largest public educational institution among Utah colleges and recognized as one of the safest schools in the country. It has largest Latter Day Saints Institute program in the world; UVU is located a few miles from Brigham Young University.Utah Valley offers 146 bachelor’s degree programs including a diverse selection of majors in personal finance planning, mechatronics engineering technology, digital cinema, and botany. The school has eight master’s degree programs and a distance learning program, including certificates and associate degrees. UVU provides numerous academic, vocational, technical, and workforce training projects for students. The field station at Capitol Reef National Park supports engaged learning and research through fieldwork in the Colorado Plateau.

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#7 Snow College

Ephraim, UT

$9658

47%

Snow, located in the mountains of Sanpete County in central Utah, has campuses in Ephraim and Richfield, along with an online degree option. As a community college, Snow is committed to helping students get started on their journey, whether they’re transferring to a major university or launching their career immediately after graduation. The school offers more than 80 associate degrees and over 40 certificate programs in subjects like welding, farm and ranch management, and business and music technology. There are two bachelor’s programs: the first is music with an emphasis in commercial music, a degree that is unique among Utah colleges with its focus on the music industry and entrepreneurship. The second bachelor program is for software engineering, a new course starting this year that offers three areas of emphasis: entrepreneurship, digital media design, and web development. Most fields of study expect students to take certain prerequisite courses that prepare them for transfer; Snow offers nearly all of these courses.

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#8 Weber State University

Ogden, UT

$9321

32%

Weber State maintains campuses in Ogden, Layton, Morgan, Roy, Clearfield, and Farmington to provide undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, and certificates throughout the Northern Utah region. Weber is organized into seven academic colleges with over 50 academic departments offering more than 230 programs, online and on-campus. Undergraduate programs include business administration, criminal justice, early childhood education, and electrical engineering. The student body of over 24,000 students attend either WSU’s main campuses in Ogden or Layton, or the additional learning centers in Roy and Clearfield.Compared to other Utah colleges, WSU students are more likely to be first generation college students, work full-time, and receive financial aid. 56% of WSU students attend school part-time, and their average age is 26. The school believes protecting the environment is important and has pledged to become carbon-neutral by 2050. Weber has men’s and women’s athletic teams.

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#9 Southern Utah University

Cedar City, UT

$14451

47%

Online students at Southern Utah University can pursue associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in disciplines such as accounting, cybersecurity and information assurance, elementary education, and public administration. All online programs at the university feature fully asynchronous coursework, and dedicated personal advisors help answer questions and direct online learners to a host of support services. The university's Finish Line Scholarship covers up to 100% of the cost of in-state tuition for four semesters and is open to both online and on-campus students. To qualify for this award, learners cannot have attended SUU within the past year and must be working toward their first bachelor's degree. Renewing the scholarship requires maintaining at least a 2.0 GPA. Undergraduate admission requires a high school diploma or GED. Applicants under the age of 24 must also submit ACT or SAT scores. Along with a bachelor's degree and entrance exam scores, some graduate programs at SUU may require several years of relevant professional experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best colleges in Utah?

Some of the best colleges in Utah include Brigham Young University, University of Utah, Utah State University, Westminster College, and Dixie State University.

2. How do I apply to colleges in Utah?

To apply to colleges in Utah, you typically need to complete an online application form, submit your high school transcripts, provide standardized test scores (such as SAT or ACT), write an essay, and obtain letters of recommendation.

3. What majors and programs are offered at Utah colleges?

Utah colleges offer a wide range of majors and programs, including but not limited to business, engineering, computer science, nursing, education, psychology, biology, and fine arts. Each college may have its own unique offerings, so it's best to explore their websites for specific details.

4. How much does tuition cost at Utah colleges?

Tuition costs vary depending on the college and program you choose. On average, in-state tuition for public colleges in Utah is around $6,000 to $8,000 per year, while out-of-state tuition can range from $20,000 to $30,000 per year. Private colleges tend to have higher tuition rates.

5. Are there scholarships available for Utah college students?

Yes, there are various scholarships available for Utah college students. These scholarships can be merit-based, need-based, or specific to certain fields of study. It's recommended to check with the individual colleges and also explore external scholarship opportunities.

6. What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Utah colleges?

The student-to-faculty ratio varies among Utah colleges. On average, it can range from 15:1 to 20:1. Some colleges may have smaller class sizes and a lower student-to-faculty ratio, providing more personalized attention and interaction with professors.

7. Are there on-campus housing options available?

Yes, most Utah colleges offer on-campus housing options for students. These can include dormitories, apartments, or residential halls. It's important to check with the specific college for details on housing availability, costs, and application processes.

8. Can I transfer credits from a community college to a four-year college in Utah?

Yes, many four-year colleges in Utah accept transfer credits from community colleges. However, the transferability of credits depends on factors such as the specific courses taken, grades earned, and the policies of the receiving college. It's advisable to consult with academic advisors at both institutions for a smooth transfer process.

9. Are there opportunities for internships and job placements in Utah?

Yes, Utah offers various opportunities for internships and job placements. The state has a growing economy with industries such as technology, healthcare, finance, and outdoor recreation. Colleges often have career centers that assist students in finding internships and connecting with potential employers.

10. What support services are available for students at Utah colleges?

Utah colleges provide a range of support services to help students succeed academically and personally. These services may include academic advising, tutoring centers, counseling services, career guidance, health services, and extracurricular activities. Students can take advantage of these resources to enhance their college experience.