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The state of Utah is the 13th largest state by land area and the 31st most populous state in the country. With over three million residents, it has been voted the best state to reside by theGalluporganization and it noted as the state with the least income equality. Utah is home to over 150 universities, colleges, and technical institutes. The state university system offers undergraduate and graduate students an array of schools to choose among ranging from Cedar City and Saint George to Salt Lake City to Orem. Top ranked public colleges in Utah include Weber State University, Utah State University, Southern Utah University, and the University of Utah. Start your college search today by investing time in our popular eBook on theComplete Guide to the College Admissions Process. It will help answer many questions you have about college along with questions you have yet to ask. Only then can you efficiently navigate the accredited college landscape to collect information on our educational portal. The lists and search tools are designed to make the most of your resources and time. Start with the end in mind and strive to achieve your goals one steady step at a time.

2024 Best Public Colleges in Utah

University of Utah, located in Salt Lake City is ranked as one of the top public research universities in the United States, and is Utah's oldest and largest institution of higher learning. It has world-class facilities, including its University Hospital. The university offers more than 100 undergraduate degrees and more than 90 graduate-level degrees. Commonly known as the "U of U" or "the U," its excellent programs and faculty attract a diverse, and international, student body.

The U of U is a leading institution in technology commercialization and, along with MIT; it ranks at the top of the list for creating new start-up companies based on its research and/or inventions. More than 90 companies have been founded with U of U technology in the past four years.

The U of U's School of Medicine and its Colleges of Nursing, Pharmacy and Health are very highly regarded research and teaching institutions.  Its Ballet and Creative Dance programs are also notable.

History

The University of Utah was founded in 1850 as the University of Deseret.

Academics

The University of Utah academic calendar follows the semester system, with fall, spring and summer semesters.

Colleges and Schools

  • College of Architecture and Planning
  • David Eccles School of Business
  • College of Education
  • College of Engineering
  • College of Fine Arts
  • Graduate School
  • College of Health
  • Honors College
  • College of Humanities
  • College of Law
  • School of Medicine
  • College of Mines & Earth Sciences
  • College of Nursing
  • College of Pharmacy
  • College of Science
  • College of Social & Behavioral Science
  • College of Social Work

University of Utah offers a variety of academic degrees in many disciplines, to include:

  • Bachelor of University Studies
  • Bachelor & Master of Arts
  • Bachelor & Master of Fine Arts
  • Bachelor & Master of Science
  • Bachelor & Master of Social Work
  • Bachelor & Master of Music
  • Honors Bachelor degrees
  • Master of Architecture
  • Master of Engineering
  • Master of Business Administration
  • Master of Physical Therapy
  • Master of Public Health
  • Master of Occupational Therapy
  • Master of Statistics
  • Master of Professional Accountancy
  • Master of Public Administration
  • Master of Arts in Teaching
  • Master of Physician Assistant Studies
  • Master of Law
  • Master & Doctor of Education
  • Master of Electrical Engineering
  • Juris Doctor
  • Master of Science & Technology
  • Doctor of Pharmacy
  • Master & Doctor of Philosophy
  • Doctor of Medicine

Student Life

There are many resources and opportunities for involvement offered to students at the University of Utah.  Career services and on-campus employment or internships are available.  There is a counseling center and student health center, as well as the University Union.  More than 200 student clubs, groups, organizations and activities are available for those students who wish to connect with others, including fraternities and sororities, skiing excursions and other outdoor adventure trips, community service programs, arts, culture, and more.

Student housing is offered on or off campus, and the campus also offers a variety of dining services.  There are many recreation and sports facilities on campus available to students.

Athletics

The Utah "Utes" athletic teams compete in 17 intercollegiate sports. The Utes have won championships in several areas, with the women's gymnastics team being particularly notable. The gymnastics team has won 10 national championships, 24 individual event championships, and 312 All-American awards.

Men's Sports:

  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Skiing
  • Swimming & Diving
  • Tennis 

Women's Sports:

  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Gymnastics
  • Skiing
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Swimming & Diving
  • Tennis
  • Track & Field
  • Volleyball

Community Life

There are many things to do and see in Salt Lake City, and the University of Utah partners with some of the best offerings in the community.  The U of U campus is home of the Museum of Fine Arts.  It partners with the Museum of Natural History, and the Red Butte Garden and Arboretum. The university also has several performance venues on and around campus.  The university runs many youth programs that are available to children in the community.

The Bennion Center at the U of U has the goal of fostering service and civic participation by engaging the university in community efforts. U of U students, faculty and staff provide nearly 175,000 hours of volunteer community service each year through non-profit organizations.

Enrollment

33,023

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Utah State University is a public institution located in Logan, Utah and provides a large number of educational opportunities for students. As a land grant institution this school is one of the larger public institutions in the state of Utah. USU is a large institution, enrolling approximately sixteen thousand per year.

Areas of study offered at USU include:

  • Liberal Arts And Sciences
  • Social Sciences
  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Education
  • Health And Clinical Professions

Students applying for admission are most often required to submit an application, school records, standardized test scores and any requested letters of recommendations, which will then be reviewed by the admissions office. An ACT or SAT exam may be required prior to applying, with scores within the range of 950 - 1220 on the SAT and between 20 - 27 on the ACT is common among students admitted to Utah State University. More information from the admissions office can be found at usu.edu.

The cost of tuition is different for in-state and nonresidents. In-state residents pay around $5,700, while out-of-state residents pay $17,000 annually. Student housing is available for students, which costs about $1,900 for the year. USU may provide financial aid for students that are eligible in the form of grants and loans.

The USU "Aggies" have a number of intercollegiate athletic programs through participation in the NCAA. Available sports offered:

  • Basketball (NCAA Division I-A)
  • Track & Field (NCAA Division I-A)
  • Football (NCAA Division I-A)
  • Golf (NCAA Division I-A)

To see a full list of areas of study, enrollment information, admissions information, and more, please visit the school's website at http://www.usu.edu.

Enrollment

27,932

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

SUU is a public institution located in Cedar City, Utah and provides a large number of program options for students. Over eight thousand students enroll at SUU annually. Students can select from many areas of study, including:

  • Liberal Arts And Sciences
  • Education
  • Health And Clinical Professions
  • Psychology
Students applying for admission are most often required to submit an application, transcripts, records, standardized test scores and any requested letters of recommendations, which will then be reviewed by admissions staff. The most common standardized test scores among applicants admitted to this school are between 19 to 26 on the ACT, or 1350 to 1700 on the SAT. 76% of those students that apply are accepted to Southern Utah University, of which 42 percent choose to enroll. More information from the admissions office can be found at suu.edu. Tuition & fees at this school vary for in-state and nonresidents. In-state tuition costs around $5,700 per year, while out-of-state tuition costing $18,000 annually. Housing may be available for those that want to live on-campus at an estimated cost of $3,100 for the year. Students enrolled at this school may be eligible for aid which is typically scholarships, grants, and loans. The mascot for Southern Utah University is the "Thunderbirds", and they participate in intercollegiate athletics through oversight by the NCAA. Sports available may include the following:
  • Baseball (NCAA Division I-AA)
  • Basketball (NCAA Division I-AA)
  • Track & Field (NCAA Division I-AA)
  • Football (NCAA Division I-AA)
Students may visit the SUU website to get a complete list of programs offered, admissions information, and more that is available at this school.

Enrollment

10,196

Student to Faculty Ratio

--

Weber State University (WSU) is a public university in Ogden, Utah, offering more than 250 degrees and professional certificates at the undergraduate level, including both associate's and bachelor's degrees, as well as 11 graduate degrees. WSU also offers online courses for distance learning, and independent study and evening classes. High school students can enroll in an Early College program to enter college early, taking WSU classes for credit.

The Main Campus in Ogden covers more than 500 acres, situated in the scenic Wasatch Mountains on the Western flank of the Rockies. The campus features the Ott Planetarium, the Val A. Browning Center for the Performing Arts and the Kimball Visual Arts Center. 

Weber State University has several unique programs, including its participation in the American Democracy project (ADP) under the "eCitizenship" initiative. This initiative uses social media to engage college students as active, involved citizens and community members. WSU is heavily involved in service programs that benefit youth in the community, and has been repeatedly placed on the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for its exceptional service efforts.

History

Weber State University was founded in 1889 as Weber State Academy. The school was named after early fur trader, John Henry Weber. The academy later became a state junior college, and after WWII, moved to its present campus in the Wasatch Mountains. The school was renamed "Weber State University" in 1991.

Academics

The academic calendar for Weber State University follows the semester format, with fall, spring and summer semesters.

Colleges and Schools

  • College of Applied Science & Technology
  • Telitha E. Lindquist College of Arts and Humanities
  • John B. Goddard School of Business and Economics
  • Jerry and Vickie Moyes College of Education
  • Dr. Ezekiel R. Dumke College of Health Professions
  • College of Science
  • College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
  • Bachelor of Integrated Studies
  • Honors Program 

Interdisciplinary Programs:

  • Asian Studies
  • Biotechnician Training Program
  • Ethnic Studies
  • European Studies
  • First Year Experience
  • Latin American Studies
  • Legal Studies
  • Neuroscience Program
  • Urban & Regional Planning
  • Women's Studies

Student Life

Weber State University offers more than 100 student clubs and organizations, covering a wide range of interests and pursuits. The Shepherd Union Building and Dee Events Center offer many activities and events for student entertainment and recreation. Students at WSU also enjoy many outdoor activities in the surrounding area, including skiing, rock climbing and river rafting.

Traditions

The WSU school colors are purple and silver, with white and black as accent colors. The WSU athletic teams are nicknamed the "Wildcats."

Athletics

The WSU "Wildcats" athletic teams compete in 14 intercollegiate sports at the NCAA Division I level, including:

Men's Sports:

  • Basketball
  • Cross County
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Track and Field
  • Wrestling 

Women's Sports:

  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Golf
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Tennis
  • Track and Field
  • Volleyball

Satellite Campuses

The Main Campus for WSU is in Ogden, Utah, which is situated in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains in the western section of the Rockies.

WSU has one satellite campus, WSU Davis, located in Layton, Utah.

Community Life

Ogden, Utah, the location of WSU's Main Campus, is 30 miles from Salt Lake City. WSU is involved in several initiatives that benefit the local community, including numerous youth programs.

Enrollment

28,247

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

Utah Valley University (UVU), located in Orem, Utah, is an institution of higher education that emphasizes hands-on learning that it refers to as "engaged learning," and earned the school the status of a "community engaged" school. In fact, UVU has an "Engaged Learning Office" and receives grants to support its many engaged learning projects, which includes internships and community service.

UVU offers 57 bachelor's degree programs and three master's degree programs.  Additionally, UVU offers many career and technical training programs both on campus and through its partnership with Mountainland Applied Technology College.

History

In 1941, UVU was founded as Central Utah Vocational School to provide war production training. It was part of the Provo School District in Utah. In 1947, the school received funds to become a permanent state school, and in 1948 it received a permanent campus site in Provo. Once the school grew, the state acquired more land for a larger campus in Orem, Utah. The first building at this new site was erected in 1977.  After several name changes through the years, the school is now called the Utah Valley University (UVU). It has 46 buildings on its main Orem Campus, with additional sites in Provo, Heber City and Lehi, Utah. The school's mission remains to serve the communities in the southern Utah region, including Utah, Wasatch and Summit counties.

Academics

Utah Valley University's academic calendar follows the semester format, with fall and spring semesters, and a summer term that is comprised of three shorter sessions.

Colleges and Schools

  • College of Humanities & Social Sciences
  • College of Science and Health
  • College of Technology and Computing
  • School of Public Services
  • School of the Arts
  • School of Education
  • University College
  • Woodbury School of Business

In addition to its Colleges and Schools, UVU has several academic centers and Institutes.

Student Life

There is much to do at UVU, and many opportunities for student involvement.  UVU has many student clubs and organizations that focus on academics, sports, religion, special interests and more. For students who are interested in the arts, there are exhibits, showings and performances available at the Woodbury Art Museum, Noorda Theatre, Regan Theatre, and UCCU Center for sports events. In addition to intramural sports teams, there is the Outdoor Adventure Center, which organizes outdoor excursions that include river rafting, skiing, and rock climbing.

Additional services and facilities for students include a multicultural center, Service Learning Center, Center for the Advancement of Leadership, Honors Program, Student Ambassadors program, and more.  

Athletics

The "Wolverines" athletic teams of UVU compete in many intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Golf
  • Track & Field
  • Wrestling

Women's Sports:

  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Golf
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Track & Field
  • Volleyball

Satellite Campuses

In addition to its main campus in Orem, Utah, UVU has the following campuses and sites:

  • Wasatch Campus (Heber City, Utah)
  • Provo Airport Campus (Provo Municipal Airport)
  • Canyon Park Building (Orem, Utah)
  • Capitol Reef Field Station (Capitol Reef National Park, Utah)
  • UVU North (Westlake High School, Saratoga Springs, Utah)
  • UVU North (Lehi Jr. High School, Orem, Utah)
  • UVU West (Orem, Utah)
  • UVU South (Spanish Fork High School, Orem, Utah)
  • Mountainland Applied Technology College

Community Life

Orem, Utah is located 45 minutes south of Salt Lake City.  It is nestled in the Wasatch Mountains near Utah Lake. Students and community members have access to outdoor adventures year round, such as water or snow skiing, hiking, and rock climbing.  There are numerous parks in Orem, and the many outdoor concerts and other community activities contribute to making it a great place to raise a family. Orem also boasts a vibrant grass roots art and music scene, in addition to its excellent shopping venues.  The Orem area is also a hub for business, with many major companies and start-ups located in the region.

Enrollment

39,931

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

Degree Programs at Utah State Universities

The academic programs offered by Utah state universities include a number of traditional degree pathways along with emerging areas of study and exciting research opportunities. First, the traditional paths for students include programs liketeaching,accounting,psychologist,criminal justice,finance,public administration, andexercise science. Exciting areas of study that are rapidly growing in prominence includetoxicology,robotics,cytotechnology,immunology,respiratory therapy,actuarial science,epidemiology, andpharmacology. Regardless of your interest in graduate, undergraduate, and professional tracks the state of Utahs public university system has programs to support your goals.

Utah System of Higher Education

The 6 schools listed below are part of the Utah System of Higher Education. By following the links below, you can view each school's profile in detail.

Salt Lake Community College (UVU) in Orem, UT

Visit the website for Salt Lake Community College at http://www.slcc.edu

Program Details

  • More Than 20,000 Undergraduate Students Enrolled
  • Tuition & fees $4,000 per year for state residents ($13,000 Nonresidents)
Southern Utah University in Ephraim, UT

Visit the website for Southern Utah University at http://www.suu.edu/

Program Details

  • 5,000 to 9,999 Undergraduate Students Enrolled
  • Tuition & fees $7,000 per year for state residents ($22,000 Nonresidents)
Stevens - Henager College - Ogden in Cedar City, UT

Visit the website for Stevens - Henager College - Ogden at http://www.stevenshenager.edu

Program Details

  • 10,000 to 19,999 Undergraduate Students Enrolled
  • Tuition & fees $15,000 per year
Utah Valley University in Logan, UT

Visit the website for Utah Valley University at http://www.uvu.edu

Program Details

  • More Than 20,000 Undergraduate Students Enrolled
  • Tuition & fees $6,000 per year for state residents ($17,000 Nonresidents)
Weber State University in Salt Lake City, UT

Visit the website for Weber State University at http://www.weber.edu

Program Details

  • More Than 20,000 Undergraduate Students Enrolled
  • Tuition & fees $6,000 per year for state residents ($17,000 Nonresidents)
Westminster College - Salt Lake City (Westminster) in Ogden, UT

Visit the website for Westminster College - Salt Lake City at http://www.westminstercollege.edu

Program Details

  • More Than 20,000 Undergraduate Students Enrolled
  • Tuition & fees $37,000 per year

Other Public 4-Year State Universities & Colleges

Below is a list of other 4-year state universities and colleges in Utah.

Provo College - Provo in Provo, UT

Visit the website for Provo College - Provo at http://www.provocollege.edu

Program Details

  • Less Than 1,000 Undergraduate Students Enrolled
  • Tuition & fees $16,000 per year

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.

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