Best
Colleges in Utah in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Utah combines practical management skills with coursework in accounting, marketing, economics, finance, organizational behavior, and business law. Programs often include analytics, entrepreneurship, and strategic planning, with internships or team projects. Graduates commonly pursue roles as business analysts, marketing coordinators, human resources specialists, operations managers, or financial associates. Popular Utah colleges offering related degrees include the University of Utah, Brigham Young University, Utah State University, Weber State University, and Utah Valley University.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Utah combines coursework in developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, cognition, research methods, statistics, and social behavior. Students build skills in assessment, communication, and data analysis through classes and research opportunities. Popular options include the University of Utah, Brigham Young University, Utah State University, Weber State University, and Southern Utah University. Graduates may pursue roles as behavioral health technicians, case managers, research assistants, or human resources specialists; becoming a licensed psychologist requires graduate study.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Utah combines programming fundamentals with work in a technology sector. Typical courses include algorithms, data structures, software engineering, databases, operating systems, computer networks, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Students build problem-solving skills through projects, internships, and research. Popular options include the University of Utah, Brigham Young University, Utah State University, Weber State University, and Utah Valley University. Graduates pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, cybersecurity specialists, data scientists, and network engineers.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Utah combines courses in counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, multicultural practice, group counseling, and research methods. Students often complete supervised fieldwork and specialize in clinical mental health, school counseling, or marriage and family therapy. Popular options include the University of Utah, Utah State University, Brigham Young University, and Westminster University. Depending on degree and licensure, graduates may work as mental health counselors, school counselors, behavioral health specialists, or therapists.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Utah combines classroom learning with practice in hospitals and community settings. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, maternal-child health, mental health, and public health. Students build skills in patient assessment, medication administration, and care planning. Popular options include the University of Utah, Brigham Young University, Utah Valley University, and Weber State University. Graduates commonly work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, or community health programs.

Best Colleges in Utah Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 17,374.0, compared with 27,180.4 at schools in the top 10%, a difference of 9,806.4.
• An average of 100.0% of students receive financial aid across the schools, compared with 81.11% at top-10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 81.11%. Schools receive an average of 9,218.56 applicants, while top-10% schools average 22,061.2 applicants.
• The median number of applicants is 1,166.0 men and 1,798.0 women.
• Average test scores are 1,239.0 on the SAT and 26.0 on the ACT.
• Average enrollment is 22,546.6 students, including an average of 1,089.62 men and 1,185.33 women.
• The average graduation rate is 50.5%, compared with 64.3% at top-10% schools. The median graduation rate is 42.0% for men and 52.0% for women.
• There are 13 institutions offering associate's degrees, 21 offering bachelor's degrees, 15 offering master's degrees, and 4 offering doctor's degrees.
• There are 19 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total study costs and financial aid alongside graduation rates, admissions figures, test scores, enrollment, and available degree levels. The figures show that top-10% schools have higher median costs and graduation rates, while the overall average for financial aid recipients is higher; prospective students should weigh these factors against their own priorities.

How much does studying at a college in Utah cost?

Utah's average total cost of studying is $18,140.18, a helpful starting point for estimating what a degree may cost. Treat this as an average study-cost benchmark, not a guaranteed full-program or four-year price: your actual expenses depend on your college, program, residency status, and living arrangements.

The reported averages offer useful context, although the separate categories should not be added together as if they came from one student's bill.

• Average tuition and fees: $14,147.53.
• Average room and board: $11,290.60.
• Average books and supplies: $1,043.77.

At the University of Utah, Brigham Young University, or Utah State University, compare published attendance costs and aid before choosing. Campus housing can make room and board a major expense, while commuting or shared housing may change it. Check scholarships, grants, and resident tuition eligibility early; comparing options can make planning manageable and help you choose a school that fits your goals and finances.

How long does it take to finish college in Utah?

In Utah, a bachelor's degree typically takes about four years of full-time study, while an associate degree usually takes two. At the University of Utah, Brigham Young University, or Utah State, your timeline depends on major requirements, course availability, transfer credits, and whether you study part time. Some students take longer than the standard schedule, so planning semesters with an adviser can make your path clearer.

Graduation figures offer context: the average graduation rate is 50.5%, rising to 64.3% among the top 10% of schools. The averages are 43.41% for men and 52.89% for women. These rates show that completing a degree is achievable, though persistence and support matter. To finish sooner, consider:

• Use AP, CLEP, or dual-enrollment credits when your Utah college accepts them.
• Take summer courses to complete requirements year-round.
• Follow a degree map and check prerequisites with an adviser.
• Transfer eligible credits only after confirming acceptance.

Salary

Graduates of colleges and universities in Utah have a median alumni salary of about $52,910. At schools in the top 10% by alumni salary, the median is about $69,548. These figures offer a helpful benchmark, though they don't guarantee what you'll earn right after graduation.

Your prospects can vary with your major, experience, and career plans. Whether you study at the University of Utah, Brigham Young University, or Utah State University, internships and work experience can help you build skills and explore opportunities across the state.

• Use $52,910 as a broad Utah alumni salary benchmark, not a promised starting salary.
• The top-10% school benchmark is about $16,638 higher, showing how outcomes can differ across institutions.
• Compare programs, career services, and internship options alongside salary figures when choosing where to study.

People also ask

What are the three biggest colleges in Utah?

By total student enrollment, Utah Valley University is the largest, with about 46,000 students. The University of Utah follows with roughly 35,000, and Brigham Young University has around 34,000. Enrollment changes from year to year, but these three offer Utah students especially broad choices in programs, campus life, and community.

How many colleges are there in Utah?

A useful estimate is about 60 colleges and other postsecondary institutions statewide. The precise count depends on whether technical schools, specialized career schools, and additional campuses are included. Utah's public higher education system alone includes 16 institutions, alongside private colleges and other providers - so students can explore options ranging from short career programs to four-year degrees.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Colleges Ranking in Utah Ranking in 2026-2027

For Utah students, the University of Utah in Salt Lake City is a large public research university with 38,261 enrolled students. Its 65% graduation rate and 86% acceptance rate offer useful context when comparing admissions and completion. Total study cost is $29,701, while median alumni salary is $52,910. The campus offers broad academic options and access to the state's urban hub, making it a prominent choice for students seeking research opportunities and city life close to Utah's mountains and outdoors.

Brigham Young University in Provo is a private university with a faith-based educational environment and 37,337 enrolled students. Its 81% graduation rate is the highest among these five schools, while its 68% acceptance rate provides admissions context. The listed total study cost is $6,688, and median alumni salary is $55,539. For Utah-based students, BYU combines a large campus community in Provo with comparatively low stated cost and the strongest reported graduation and salary figures in the Utah school comparison here.

Westminster University is a small private university in Salt Lake City, with 1,168 enrolled students. It reports a 64% graduation rate and 67% acceptance rate, alongside a total study cost of $43,008. Median alumni salary is $49,765. Its smaller campus can appeal to Utah students seeking a more intimate learning setting near the state capital. Consider the comparatively high cost alongside its liberal arts character, location, and class community when weighing whether its size and urban access fit your goals.

Utah State University is a public land-grant university based in Logan, with 29,831 enrolled students. Its 59% graduation rate is the lowest in this group, while its 92% acceptance rate is the highest. Total study cost is $24,060, and median alumni salary is $47,882. For Utah residents, USU offers a student community in a northern Utah setting. Compare its admissions openness and cost with completion outcomes and Logan's smaller-city feel when choosing a campus suited to your academic and lifestyle priorities.

Southern Utah University is a public university in Cedar City, serving 15,825 enrolled students. It reports a 61% graduation rate and an 82% acceptance rate. The total study cost is $20,416, and median alumni salary is $43,317. Utah students may value its campus in the state's southern region and its smaller setting compared with the largest institutions. Weigh its accessible admissions and moderate stated cost against the completion rate and earnings when deciding whether Cedar City suits your college plans.