Get Your Degree!
Utahs nickname is the Beehive State and is the thirteenth biggest state in the country by land mass. However, it is the 10th least densely populated placing it 31st on the list of states for population. The state was voted best states to live in in a recentGallupsurvey. Educationally, the state is home to over 150 accredited higher education institutions. Private colleges and universities are defined by the fact they do not accept state funding. In fact, private universities must function through tuition, alumni, internal operations, corporate donations, and grants.
2025 Best Private Colleges in Utah
Brigham Young University (BYU) is an institute of higher learning located in the beautiful mountain region of Provo, Utah. It is dedicated to academic excellence and the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, and is recognized for very strong programs in language, performing arts, sports and international studies.
History
Brigham Young University was established in 1875 as "Brigham Young Academy" in the current city of Provo. The campus was moved in 1891, and the name was changed to Brigham Young University in 1903. The original charge was that all teachings at the university should be rooted in scripture, and the integration of academics and faith in the gospel continues today.
The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints sponsors BYU, which is part of the Church Educational System.
Academics
Brigham Young University follows a semester calendar with fall and winter semesters, and shorter spring and summer "terms."
Colleges and Schools
The colleges and schools at Brigham Young University include:
- Marriott Business School
- Continuing Education
- McKay School of Education
- Fulton College of Engineering and Technology
- Family, Home and Social Sciences
- Fine Arts and Communications
- Graduate Studies
- Humanities
- Independent Study
- David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies
- Law School
- Life Sciences
- Nursing
- Physical and Mathematical Sciences
- Religious Education
- Undergraduate Education
Student Life
Student Services at BYU include "Student Links," programs and organizations that help students to connect and become involved. These programs include BYUSA (Student Services Association), Campus Life Events, clubs, a graduate study society, international cinema, intramural sports, new student orientation, Outdoors Unlimited, service and learning opportunities, and more.
Other student services include an accessibility center, a book exchange and bookstore, the Center for Conflict Resolution, the Counseling & Career Center, Health Services, Wilkinson Student Center, Women's Services & Resources, and a selection of dining spots, among other amenities.
Brigham Young University offers various living on-campus living options for single and married students. Off-campus housing is also available from landlords who agree to abide by BYU's housing guidelines for students.
Traditions
BYU's mascot is "Cosmo" the Cougar, and one of BYU's two traditional spirit songs is known as "The Cougar Song" or "The Cougar Fight Song." The other traditional spirit song from BYU is the "College Song for Brigham Young University."
There is a giant "Y" that stands on the mountain behind the BYU campus, which is lit for special occasions and events.
Athletics
Brigham Young University has one of the top intercollegiate athletics programs in the country, with many national championships to its credit. The sports facilities at BYU are also top-notch, offering both indoor and outdoor training complexes and stadiums.
Intercollegiate sports at BYU include, but are not limited to:
Men's Sports Teams:
- Football
- Cross Country
- Golf
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Women's Sports Teams:
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Golf
- Soccer
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Satellite Campuses
BYU's main campus is in Provo, Utah, but there are many BYU continuing education and literacy programs, as well as seminaries and religious institutes, around the world.
BYU satellite campuses include:
- Laie, Hawaii
- Resburg, Idaho
- LDS Business College in Salt Lake City, Utah
Community Life
Provo, Utah and Provo Canyon are beautiful regional areas, offering much to see and do. There are many outdoor activities available, as well as musical concerts, films, museums and more.
Enrollment
34,499
Student to Faculty Ratio
--
Bennington College is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and helps students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Bennington, Vermont, which is a predominantly rural area. The school's smaller size in terms of enrollment, around 800 students, offers students a more hands on education due to the size of the class and ease of access to professors.
Students can pick from a few areas of study, including but not limited to:
- English Language And Literature
- Visual And Performing Arts
- Social Sciences
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Foreign Languages And Literature
Students applying for admission are usually required to submit an application, school records, standardized test scores and any requested personal statements, which will then be reviewed by the school. Roughly 70 percent of all applicant were admitted at Bennington College, with 26 percent of those admitted choosing to attend. More information regarding admissions can be found at bennington.edu.
The cost of undergraduate tuition is close to $47,000, but may change yearly. Students are encouraged to visit the school's tuition calculator to better estimate their cost of attending this school. Housing is available for students and costs around $7,200 for the year. Financial aid may be provided to students that meet the necessary requirements.
Students should take a look at the school's http://www.bennington.edu to see additional information.
Enrollment
811
Student to Faculty Ratio
9:1
History
Brigham Young University-Hawaii is located in Laie, on the northern portion of the island of Oahu. BYUH was established by missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ and the Latter Day Saints who had set out to establish missions in Polynesia. As the mission grew, a purchase was made of a plantation in Laiewai and Laiemalo that gave the church the necessary acreage to further its mission and establish a school. Over time the school grew and went through various iterations until it was declared the Hawaii campus of Bringham Young University in 1974. BYU-Hawaii stresses academic excellence and religious values, mixing secular and spiritual educations to ensure students become well rounded individuals.
Academics
BYUH offers bachelor's programs for a variety of majors, and stresses the importance of academic excellence. BYUH was ranked 23rd best school in the western region by U.S. News and World Report, the only school in Hawaii to do so.
Programs offered at BYUH include:
Admissions and Financial Aid
BYUH uses test scores, GPA and personal factors to determine whether a student is right for their school. Those wishing to apply should have a minimum of a 3.5 GPA and either a 25 or better on the ACT test or 1130 on the SAT. Applications should be filled out and sent by the given deadline and arrangements made for any transcripts or test scores to be delivered. Applications will not be reviewed until all documents are received.
Financial aid is available to students at BYUH. Interested students should visit the Office of Financial Aid and Student Accounts as well as fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Members of the Church of Jesus Christ and the Latter Day Saints will receive a discount in tuition as it 70% of the fees will be covered by the church.
Athletics
BYUH participates in NCAA Division II athletic competitions. The teams are known as the Seasiders. BYUH has received 19 titles in different sports.
Sports Programs:
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Dance Team
- Volleyball
- Tennis
- Golf
- Cross Country
- Soft Ball
Enrollment
3,176
Student to Faculty Ratio
--
Enrollment
1,681
Student to Faculty Ratio
19:1
Westminster College provides a variety of program options for students to guide them in their growth and development. The school is located in Salt Lake City, Utah and operated as a private institution. Enrollment at Westminster College is nearly three thousand per year. A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Education
- English Language And Literature
- Psychology
- Basketball (NAIA Division I)
- Track & Field (NAIA Division I)
- Golf (NAIA Division I)
- Soccer (NAIA Division I)
Enrollment
2,477
Student to Faculty Ratio
8:1
Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico - Miami Campus is located in Miami, FL and is a nonprofit private institution that helps students to meet their educational goals. The low student to teacher ratio and access to faculty and teachers are due primarily to the smaller enrollment, over 200 students, maintained by Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico - Miami Campus.
A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Business Administration
- Organizational and Nonprofit Management
- Engineering
- Computer
The school operates under an open enrollment policy, admitting any applicants that meet the minimum requirements for admission. Submission of transcripts, records, test scores, and letters of recommendations may be requested for certain programs.
Tuition is approximately $13,000 annually, though it may change based on different types of circumstances. Students may check the school's net price calculator to get a more personalized estimate of costs. Students attending Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico - Miami Campus may qualify for aid which is typically loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.
Students who would like to learn more about this school may visit their website at http://www.pupr.edu.
Enrollment
162
Student to Faculty Ratio
7:1
City College - Gainesville is a nonprofit private institution that has a large number of degree programs available for students to choose from. The school is located in Gainesville, Florida, in a predominantly suburban area. The school enrolls 500 students per year, allowing for a more personalized education.
Areas of study offered at City College - Gainesville include:
- Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
- Medical Insurance Coding
- Business Administration
- Mental Health Counseling
- Phlebotomy
- Paralegal
The admissions process starts with the submission of an application, school records, and test scores, which are then evaluated by admissions officials. Approximately 90% of all applicant were admitted at this school, with 79% of those accepted choosing to enroll.
The cost of tuition is nearly $15,000 per year. Tuition prices may change for any number of reasons, and that is why students should use the school's price of attendance calculator to identify their cost of attendance. Financial aid may be provided to students that meet the required requirements in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.
For a complete list of programs offered, enrollment information, admissions information, and more, please visit the school's website at http://www.citycollege.edu.
Enrollment
190
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Top Rated Utah Private Colleges

Top ranked private colleges in the state of Utah include Provo College, Brigham Young University, Westminster College, and Independence University. Private colleges in Utah offer an array of academic programs to consider. Areas of study include perennial favorites likecommunications,biology,history,geology,fire science, andcriminal justice. These same private universities also allow students to drill-down into specialty programs likephotojournalism,biotechnology,sustainability studies,forensic science,data modeling, andcriminology.
Resources to Find the Best Private College in Utah

Learn more about the college admissions process with our acclaimedeBook, ways tosave moneyon college, andhow to get into your top college. MatchCollege puts you first and continues to create valuable education resources and guidance to help you make the most of your talents. Get connected to today and receive information for top rated schools given your unique personal criteria only with MatchCollege.
List of Large 4-Year Private Universities in Utah
There are 2 large private universities in our database for Utah. Follow the links below to get more details about each school.
Large Universities with Research Facilities or Faculty
The universities listed below offer many diverse academic programs, have a large student body, and usually have research facilities or faculty involved with research. These schools very often have graduate and professional programs as well.

Brigham Young University - Hawaii (BYUH) in Provo, UT
Visit the website for Brigham Young University - Hawaii at byuh.edu
Program Details
- More Than 20,000 Undergraduate Students Enrolled
- Estimated tuition & fees: $6,000 per year
Large Primarily Academic Universities
Each university listed below offers a diverse set of degrees and programs, unlike the research universities listed above, these schools contain little to no research activity on campus and are primarily academic.
- Blue Ridge Community and Technical College in Logan, UT
Small to Medium Sized 4-Year Universities
The 4-year schools listed below have a small to medium sized student body and may offer a wide range of associate and bachelor's degrees. Get more information about each school by clicking the links below.
- Bennington College (Bennington) in Salt Lake City, UT
- Santa Barbara Business College - Ventura (sbbcollege) in Salt Lake City, UT
4-Year Colleges with a Special Focus on an Area of Study
The schools below are grouped by their special area of focus. To learn about admissions, tuition & fees, programs offered, and more click on the school names below.
Technology-Related Schools
- Johnson & Wales University - Charlotte in Salt Lake City, UT
Notes: Tuition & fee amounts are for both Utah in-state residents and out of state students, unless noted otherwise. The tuition information displayed is an estimate, which we calculated based on historical data and should be solely used for informational purposes only. Please contact the respective school for information about the current school year.
Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.