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Southern Utah University

351 W University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720, USA

Southern Utah University award
Southern Utah University award
US ranking
position: 231
Tuition & fees per year: $7,094
Acceptance rate: 80.00%
Median alumni salary: $42,158
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1135 SAT, 23 ACT
Entrance difficulty: Moderate

What does Southern Utah University offer in terms of athletics?

Southern Utah University supports a variety of athletic programs that compete at the NCAA Division I level. The university's teams, known as the Thunderbirds, participate in the Western Athletic Conference, providing student-athletes with opportunities to compete regionally and nationally. Sports offerings include men's and women's basketball, cross country, track and field, as well as soccer, volleyball, and golf, among others. The campus facilities are designed to support both training and competition, featuring venues such as a multi-purpose arena and sports fields tailored to different athletic programs.

The university emphasizes fostering both competitive spirit and academic success for its athletes, encouraging a balanced college experience. Prospective students interested in participating in collegiate sports can find programs that accommodate various skill levels, from highly competitive varsity teams to club and intramural sports. Athletic involvement at Southern Utah University also provides avenues for leadership development and community engagement through team activities and events.

What student groups and Associations are available at Southern Utah University?

Southern Utah University offers a diverse array of student organizations that cater to a wide range of interests, although specific details on these groups are not provided in the available data. The university enrolls a total of 8,303 students, with 3,643 men and 4,660 women, reflecting a balanced student body potentially engaged in various campus activities. While precise information on the percentage of students involved in social organizations is not available, prospective students can anticipate opportunities to participate in numerous clubs and associations that support academic, cultural, social, and recreational interests.

Who studies at Southern Utah University?

Southern Utah University hosts a notably diverse student body in terms of enrollment size, age, residency, and ethnicity, offering prospective students a broad campus community. The university enrolls a high number of freshmen, with 2,281 new students representing one of the largest incoming classes nationally, placing it in the top 25% for this category. Transfer students number 802, which is considered average but still ranks in the top 35% compared to other institutions. Overall, the student population is substantial, exceeding 3,000, also landing in the top 25% for total enrollment size.

The student body's age distribution reflects a wide range, especially among undergraduates. Younger students dominate the 18 to 21 age bracket, with nearly 6,000 students combined in that category. However, Southern Utah University also attracts older students, with significant representation across age groups from mid-20s through late 60s, including more than 1,300 students aged 40 to 49 and close to 700 students between 50 and 64. Graduate students tend to be older, notably concentrated in their mid-20s to late 40s. This age diversity may appeal to nontraditional students or those seeking graduate education later in life.

Regarding residency status, the majority of students are from within the state, with 69% representing in-state residents. This percentage places the university slightly above average and within the top half of institutions nationwide for in-state attendance. Out-of-state students constitute about 25%, a figure that is lower compared to many universities and ranks in the lower 45% nationally. Domestic students make up 94% of the population, placing Southern Utah University among the upper tier for attracting U. S.-based attendees. International students come from around five different countries, representing an average level of global diversity.

The ethnic composition of Southern Utah University shows a predominance of white students, who total 6,703 and rank in the top 15% nationally for their share. Native American students, numbering 86, also appear at a relatively high level, placing the university comfortably within the top 25% for this demographic. Hispanic students account for 824, which is near the national median, while Asian and Pacific Islander groups each make up smaller proportions, with 146 and 92 students respectively. African American students number 180 and fall below the national average in representation, in the bottom 40% percentile. Students identifying with two or more races are fewer, totaling 69, while a notably high count of 579 students are classified with unknown ethnicity, ranking the institution among the top 15% for this category.

How does student life look like at Southern Utah University?

Southern Utah University supports a vibrant campus culture with a variety of extracurricular and cultural opportunities available to students. The university offers several performance and media outlets, including a campus newspaper, drama productions, radio, television, band, and chorus groups. These options provide diverse creative outlets and avenues for student engagement beyond academics.

Health and wellness resources are also accessible, with an on-campus health clinic and psychological counseling services. Such support systems aim to promote student well-being throughout their academic journey. Additionally, the university maintains a Women's Center, fostering gender-related support and advocacy.

Athletically, Southern Utah University is a member of the NCAA, indicating participation in competitive collegiate sports. This affiliation enhances campus spirit and offers student-athletes opportunities to compete at a high level.

The student-to-faculty ratio stands at 22: 1, a figure considered very high compared to national averages, which may affect classroom dynamics and individual attention. With a total enrollment of around 15,444 students, the campus population is relatively large, contributing to a dynamic and diverse student community.

The university employs approximately 407 full-time and 300 part-time staff members, maintaining an average staffing level that supports student services and campus operations.

What libraries are available to students at Southern Utah University?

Southern Utah University offers access to the Gerald R Sherratt Library as its primary library resource. The university maintains a single library facility, which places it in the lower range compared to other institutions, ranking in the bottom 40% for the number of libraries available.

The Gerald R Sherratt Library provides a physical space with study rooms and is staffed by trained personnel to assist students. While it does not offer all-day access, it operates with established hours and grants students both physical and digital access to its collections.

In terms of collection size, Southern Utah University has approximately 241,434 books and a total of 441,219 ebooks, both categories falling into the lower half when compared nationally. The library subscribes to 676 periodicals and offers 22,603 digital subscriptions, also positioning it in the bottom 40% relative to peer institutions. Additionally, the library maintains 218 databases, which places it around the median level nationally.

Students can also benefit from access to shared collections beyond the Gerald R Sherratt Library, broadening their research resources despite the relatively moderate size of the university's own holdings.

Southern Utah University Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

15444

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

1964

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

407 full time, 300 part time

Veterans affair office

No

Southern Utah University Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Gerald R Sherratt Library

Number of libraries on campus

1

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

Southern Utah University Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

Southern Utah University Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Southern Utah University Location & Map