The state of Utah is well-known for having been settled by members of the LDS, or Mormon, Church. As such, it should come as no surprise that Brigham Young University figures prominently in our ranking.
However, UT is also home to a number of other excellent educational institutions, which this list highlights.
UT is also well-known for the opportunities to get outdoors. It boasts excellent snow, so for skiers and snowboarders, the state is paradise.
But you don’t have to wait till winter to take advantage of the great outdoors. Some of the nation’s most stunning National Parks are located in Utah as well. So if you’re also wondering about the extracurricular possibilities for your college years, this is a great place to be.
What are the best colleges in Utah?
If you’re interested in coming to school in Utah, whether you’re in-state or out-of-state, considering private or public schools, this list will help you get your bearings. If you’re looking for the Best Online Colleges in Utah, we have you covered there too.
We present the most distinguished schools in the state, assessed on three general criteria: institutional excellence, return on investment, and student satisfaction. Each of these benchmarks is the result of thorough data aggregation, gleaned from publicly accessible databases: Payscale, IPEDs, U.S. News & World Report, and student ranking sites.
1
Brigham Young University
Overview
Brigham Young University was founded in 1875 in Provo, Utah, by the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and the university’s namesake – Brigham Young. The Provo campus has 557 acres; however, there are other campuses in Idaho and Hawaii. Brigham Young University-Provo has the #1 Accounting program, #1 Best-value private law school and #3 when it comes to graduates graduating with the least debt.
Features
Brigham Young University-Provo offers 178 majors for 30,400 undergraduate students. Inside the classroom, the student-faculty ratio is 20-to-1. Nearly 56% of the classes have less than 20 students. Outside the classroom, student can access over 70 student organizations. Brigham Young University-Provo participates in NCAA Division I sports teams. Top majors include:
- Exercise Sciences
- Business Management
- Communications
- Accounting
- Family Life & Psychology
Notables
Brigham Young University is known for a several serious reasons – their strict honor code, their adherence to LDS teachings. However, they are also known for other reasons – having the first on-campus, full-service grocery store and sending over 70 players to the NFL in the last 30 years. This school has found a way to merge faith and practice.
2
University of Utah
Overview
The University of Utah (The U of U) was founded in 1850 in Salt Lake, Utah. It is the oldest institution of higher education in Utah. Today, U of U has over 1,535 acres and is the state’s flagship research university. It is named #1 for the entertainment arts and engineering programs.
Features
The University of Utah offers over 100 majors for 23,800 undergraduate students. Inside the classroom, the student-faculty ratio is 16-to-1. Nearly 40% of the classes have less than 20 students. Outside the classroom, student can access over 100 student organizations – including Greek Chapters. The University of Utah participates in NCAA Division I PAC-12 sports. Top majors include:
- Psychology
- Economics
- Human Development & Family Studies
- Kinesiology & Exercise Science
Notables
The University of Utah states that they have something for everyone. A 90% retention rate seems to prove that. The U consistently creates opportunities for the local and campus community to enjoy concerts, lectures, museums, plays and gardens.
3
Westminster College
Overview
Westminster College was founded in 1875 as a preparatory school by the First Presbyterian Church of Salt Lake City, Utah. Today, it is the only private, independent liberal arts college in Utah and is located in the eclectic Sugar House district on 32-acres. Westminster sent 23 students to compete at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games – the #1 higher education contributor to the games.
Features
Westminster College offers 38 majors for over 2,100 undergraduate students. Inside the classroom, the student-faculty ratio is 9-to-1. The average class size is 17 students. Nearly 73% of the classes have less than 20 students. Outside the classroom, student can access over 50 student organizations. Westminster College participates in NAIA sports teams – but recently just re-joined the NCAA Division II membership process. Top majors include:
- Business
- Health Professions
- Social Sciences
- Psychology
- Biological & Biomedical Sciences
Notables
Westminster has created their own core curriculum called the WCore. The WCore is a four-year program that engage your fellow students, explore subjects by taking WSeminars and Experience life outside of Westminster, and extend your learning with a capstone project. In total, you will be required to attend 6 core classes, 4 emphases classes and 1 world experience before you graduate.
4
Southern Utah University
Overview
Southern Utah University (SUU) was founded in 1897 in Cedar City, Utah, to train teachers. Since then, the university has expanded greatly on its 129-acre campus with many educational possibilities for their students. Students can catch a local flight from the Cedar City airport to either Salt Lake International Airport (250 miles away) or the Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (170 miles away for connecting flights.
Features
Southern Utah University offers 140 majors for 8,000 undergraduate students. Inside the classroom, the student-faculty ratio is 18-to-1. Nearly 43% of the classes have less than 20 students. Outside the classroom, student can access over 20 student organizations. Southern Utah University participates in NCAA Division I sports. Top majors include:
- Business
- Education
- Health Professions
- Visual & Performing Arts
- Psychology
Notables
Southern Utah University has an outstanding performing arts groups. One of the most notable companies is the SSU Ballroom Dance Company – the group does electric American Swing, elegant waltzes, and even the Brazilian Samba.
5
Utah State University
Overview
Utah State University (USU) was founded in 1888 in Logan, Utah, near the Northern Utah Mountains. Today, USU has four campuses: Logan, Brigham City, Tooele, and Uintah Basin), 1 comprehensive regional college and extension offices in 28 of 29 Utah counties to serve students where they live. This creates a strong bond between Utah State and their communities creating the opportunity for 75% of the students to participate in an internship or experience in their vocation prior to graduation
Features
Utah State University offers over 159 majors for 24,838 undergraduate students (16,000 in Logan). Inside the classroom, the student-faculty ratio is 21-to-1. Nearly 42% of the classes have less than 20 students. Outside the classroom, student can access over 200 student organizations. Utah State University participates in NCAA Division I athletics. Top majors include:
- Economics
- Psychology
- Communicative Disorders & Deaf Education
- Mechanical Engineering
- Education
Notables
The 400-acre main campus is a half day drive from 6 national parks and 10 major ski resorts. Today, Utah State University is the #2 university in the West, in the top 4 in the nation for the lowest tuition by Forbes Best College Buys. One of the way students can curtail costs is by borrowing a bike from the Aggie Blue Bikes lending program.
6
Weber State University
Overview
Weber State University was founded in 1889 in Ogden, Utah, by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Weber State University is named after the community as well as John Weber, an early fur trader in the area. The main Ogden campus has 526 acres. However, there are 7 other locations throughout Utah.
Features
Weber State University offers 225 certificate and degree programs for 26,318 undergraduate students. Inside the classroom, the student-faculty ratio is 20-to-1. Nearly 47% of the classes have less than 20 students. Outside the classroom, student can access over 200 student organizations. Weber State University participates in NCAA Division I sports teams. Top majors include:
- Nursing
- Sales Skills & Operations
- Computer Science
- Accounting
- Criminal Justice & Safety Studies
Notables
Weber State University is known for being the #1 Best Online Colleges in Utah and #9 in the Best Online Nursing Programs. The university is also known for their energy efficiency and conservation. Webster puts their students first and has a great support network to ensure graduation.
7
Neumont University
Overview
Neumont University is a for-profit, not-regionally accredited technical institute founded in 2003 in Salt Lake City, Utah, by Graham Doxey, Scott McKinley and Marlow Einelund. The University is specifically focused on computer science industry that combines theory, skills and experience to create their educational curriculum experience.
Features
Neumont University offers 10 majors for less than 500 undergraduate students. Inside the classroom, the student-faculty ratio is 24-to-1. Top majors include:
- Computer Science
- Software & Game Development
- Computer Information Systems
- Technology Management
- Web Design & Development
Notables
Neumont University is nationally recognized for their unique, original approach to computer science education that combines classroom instruction with a collaborative learning environment and real-world projects for companies like IBM, Nike and Bosch. They say that the average starting salary is $63,000.
