Most
Affordable Colleges in Utah in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Utah prepares students for careers across industries through practical skills and foundational knowledge. Typical courses include accounting, finance, marketing, management, business law, economics, and data analytics. Projects and internships build communication, leadership, and planning abilities. Popular colleges offering degrees include the University of Utah, Brigham Young University, Utah State University, Weber State University, and Utah Valley University. Graduates often become financial analysts, marketing coordinators, human resources specialists, operations managers, or entrepreneurs.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Utah typically combines coursework in research methods, statistics, developmental psychology, social behavior, cognition, and mental health. Students may explore clinical theories and cultural influences through labs and internships. Popular options include the University of Utah, Brigham Young University, Utah State University, Weber State University, and Utah Valley University. Graduates commonly pursue roles as case managers, behavioral health technicians, human resources specialists, research assistants, or social service workers; licensure is required for clinical practice.

Computer Science

Utah offers computer science programs at the University of Utah, Brigham Young University, Utah State University, and Utah Valley University. Typical coursework covers programming, algorithms, data structures, computer architecture, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Students gain practical experience through projects and internships. Graduates often become software developers, systems analysts, cybersecurity specialists, data scientists, web developers, or computer systems engineers. Utah's growing technology sector offers opportunities in software, healthcare, finance, government, and research organizations.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Utah typically combines psychology and practical training. Courses often cover human development, counseling theories, ethics, assessment, group counseling, and multicultural practice. Depending on the degree and licensure, graduates may work as mental health counselors, school counselors, substance-use counselors, or case managers. Utah colleges offering related study include the University of Utah, Utah State University, Brigham Young University, and Utah Valley University. Programs range from bachelor's study to graduate licensure preparation.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Utah offers pathways from practical nursing certificates to bachelor's degrees and graduate study. Typical coursework includes anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing theory, and supervised clinical rotations. Utah schools include the University of Utah, Brigham Young University, Utah Valley University, and Weber State University. Graduates may work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings, or pursue roles in long-term care, public health, and specialty nursing after gaining experience.

Best Colleges in Utah Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The total median cost of studying is 17,374.0, compared with 27,180.4 at schools in the top 10%.
• On average, 100.0% of students receive financial aid across the schools, compared with 81.11% at schools in the top 10%.
• The average acceptance rate is 81.11%. Schools receive an average of 9,218.56 applicants, while schools in the top 10% average 22,061.2 applicants.
• The median number of applicants is 1,166.0 men and 1,798.0 women.
• The average SAT score is 1,239.0, and the average ACT score is 26.0.
• The average number of enrolled students is 23,721.37. Average enrollment is 1,089.62 men and 1,185.33 women.
• The average graduation rate is 51.24%, compared with 64.4% at schools in the top 10%. The median graduation rate is 42.5% for men and 53.0% for women.
• There are 12 institutions offering associate's degrees, 19 offering bachelor's degrees, 14 offering master's degrees, and 3 offering doctor's degrees.
• There are 18 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare the overall and top-10% cost and financial-aid figures, and consider how each school's admissions profile, available degree levels, enrollment, and graduation rates fit your priorities. The reported averages and medians offer useful points of comparison, but individual schools may differ.

How much does studying at a college in Utah cost?

The average total cost of studying in Utah is $18,140.18, while average tuition and fees are $14,147.53. Treat these figures as planning benchmarks, not a guaranteed price for completing an entire degree: actual costs depend on the college, program, housing choice, and how long you study.

Other statewide averages can help you build a realistic budget:

• Room and board: $11,290.60
• Books and supplies: $1,043.77
• Total cost of studying: $18,140.18

These figures are averages and should not be added together as though they were a single school's itemized bill. For example, students considering the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah State University in Logan, or Brigham Young University in Provo should check each institution's current tuition, fees, and housing estimates, since campus and program choices affect the final amount. Even so, the statewide figures give Utah students a useful starting point for comparing options and mapping out savings, scholarships, and financial aid before enrollment, with confidence and less stress.

How long does it take to finish college in Utah?

In Utah, a bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study, while an associate degree commonly takes two. Part-time enrollment, changing majors, or course availability can extend that timeline. At the University of Utah, Utah State University, BYU, Weber State, or Utah Valley University, your pace depends on credits completed each term and program requirements.

Graduation figures offer a useful reality check: the average graduation rate is 51.24%, compared with 64.4% among the top 10% of schools. The average is 46.12% for men and 53.35% for women. These rates show that finishing is achievable, though persistence and a workable plan matter.

Ways to finish sooner include:

• Bring AP, IB, or dual-enrollment credits; ask whether prior coursework meets degree requirements.
• Take summer courses or heavier terms when manageable; advisers can map prerequisites and prevent wasted credits.
• Explore transfer pathways, online classes, or competency-based options to fit more learning into your schedule.

Salary

College graduates in Utah earn a median alumni salary of about $52,741. For graduates of schools in the top 10%, the median rises to about $70,215 - a promising payoff to consider as you plan your education and career.

Utah offers many paths to a degree, including the University of Utah, Brigham Young University, and Utah State University. Your earnings will depend on factors such as your field of study, experience, and the roles available where you want to work.

• Median alumni salary: about $52,741
• Median for graduates of top 10% schools: about $70,215

People also ask

What college in Utah has the lowest tuition?

For Utah residents comparing public colleges, Snow College is often among the lowest-cost options, with tuition and fees generally lower than those at four-year universities. Your actual bill depends on your residency, course load, and fees, so check the latest rates before applying. Lower tuition can make starting college feel more manageable.

What college in Utah has the lowest GPA requirement?

Salt Lake Community College has an open-admissions approach for general admission, so a minimum high school GPA is generally not required to apply. Some programs and courses have separate academic prerequisites, though. If your grades aren't where you hoped, SLCC may offer an encouraging place to begin and build momentum toward your goals.

Top 5 Colleges in the Most Affordable Colleges Ranking in Utah Ranking in 2026-2027

The University of Utah is a large Utah-based option for students seeking a degree, with 38,261 enrolled students and an 86% acceptance rate. Its 65% graduation rate offers one measure of how students progress, while the median alumni salary is $52,910. The reported total study cost is $29,701, useful for comparing budgets with other Utah schools. As the top-ranked school in this list, it may suit applicants wanting a sizable university community and a balance of access, outcomes, and cost.

Brigham Young University is a Utah degree option with 37,337 enrolled students, an 81% graduation rate, and a 68% acceptance rate. Its reported total cost of $6,688 is the lowest among these five schools, making affordability a notable point for students comparing in-state choices. The median alumni salary is $55,539, the highest figure in this group. BYU may appeal to applicants prioritizing graduation outcomes and lower listed costs while considering how its campus environment fits their preferences and academic goals.

Southern Utah University offers another Utah-based route to a degree, enrolling 15,825 students. Its 82% acceptance rate suggests relatively broad access among the schools listed, while its 61% graduation rate provides a useful completion comparison. The reported total cost is $20,416, and median alumni salary is $43,317. Students weighing Utah options may find SUU worth considering for its mid-sized enrollment and combination of accessible admissions and moderate listed expenses, while comparing its outcomes with their academic priorities and career plans.

Utah State University is a substantial Utah choice for degree-seeking students, with 29,831 enrolled. It reports a 92% acceptance rate, the highest in this five-school group, alongside a 59% graduation rate. Total study cost is listed at $24,060, and median alumni salary is $47,882. For Utah applicants, these figures offer a practical basis for comparing access, expenses, and outcomes. Utah State may suit students seeking a broad university setting and evaluating affordability alongside completion, postgraduation earnings, and career prospects.

Utah Valley University has the largest enrollment in this group, with 48,669 students, making it a prominent option for Utah residents seeking a degree. Its acceptance rate is unavailable in the supplied data, so applicants should compare admissions information directly when planning. The school's 45% graduation rate is the lowest listed, while total study cost is $17,800 and median alumni salary is $52,571. Those figures can help students weigh cost and outcomes as they explore Utah-based college choices and goals.