University of Utah
University of Utah is a public university in Salt Lake City, UT ranked #350 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B+, enrolling about 26,041 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 87.2%. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 18:1 student-faculty ratio, 85.4% first-year retention, and 63.9% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $13,172, about $3,826 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at 4.8%, roughly 80.5 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $55,239. That's about $11,551 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is University of Utah Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of Utah graduates 63.9% of students within six years and keeps 85.4% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of Utah's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $9,315 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,100 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,398 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $7,800 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $21,799 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 20.1% of University of Utah students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $10,447 to $17,278 depending on family income. Use University of Utah's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $16,886/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $17,278/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $55,239
- 10-Year Median Earnings $55,239
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $14,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 71.8%
- Employment Rate 87.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of Utah graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of Utah vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of Utah's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of Utah's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While University of Utah graduates earn $55,239 median, the 4.8% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 590-698
- SAT Math 590-700
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 22-29
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 26,041
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 85.4%
- Graduation Rate 63.9%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 18:1
How to Get Into University of Utah
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of Utah requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 87.2%, University of Utah is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 87.2% acceptance rate, University of Utah is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1180 and 1398 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of Utah undergraduates. Communication and Media Studies, Research and Experimental Psychology, and Health and Physical Education/Fitness draw the most students.
- Communication and Media Studies 6.5%
- Research and Experimental Psychology 5.3%
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 4.5%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 4.0%
- Biology, General 3.8%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 3.8%
See more majors
- Economics 3.7%
- Mechanical Engineering 3.3%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Science $116,395
- 2. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $112,994
- 3. Information Science/Studies $110,079
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Biomedical/Medical Engineering $97,195
- 5. Finance and Financial Management Services $96,414
- 6. Chemical Engineering $94,911
- 7. Computer Engineering $89,605
- 8. Mechanical Engineering $87,070
- 9. Business Administration, Management and Operations $83,910
- 10. Accounting and Related Services $82,700
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Medicine (First Professional Degree) $158,816
- 2. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degree) $137,742
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $135,170
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degree) $123,559
- 5. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $121,439
- 6. Information Science/Studies (Master's Degree) $115,541
- 7. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $115,495
- 8. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $115,329
- 9. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $114,395
- 10. Law (First Professional Degree) $108,890
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $116,395—41% more than Accounting and Related Services ($82,700). Graduate: Medicine programs lead with $158,816 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of Utah. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 347 graduates)
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Graduate/Professional Certificate, 270 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 241 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 213 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 200 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (81 programs)â–¼
- Communication and Media Studies
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Biology, General
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Accounting and Related Services
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Political Science and Government
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Marketing
- International/Global Studies
- Information Science/Studies
- Chemistry
- Social Sciences, General
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- English Language and Literature, General
- Public Health
- Mathematics
- Anthropology
- Chemical Engineering
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- History
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Dance
- Geography and Cartography
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Computer Engineering
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Criminology
- Applied Mathematics
- Music
- Physics
- Materials Engineering
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Area Studies
- Philosophy
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Design and Applied Arts
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies
- Mining and Mineral Engineering
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Special Education and Teaching
- Physical Sciences, Other
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Geological/Geophysical Engineering
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Engineering, General
- Architecture and Related Services, Other
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Physical Sciences
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Education, General
- Construction Engineering
- Business/Commerce, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Architecture
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Online Master's Degrees (87 programs)â–¼
- Accounting and Related Services
- Social Work
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Public Health
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Public Administration
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Special Education and Teaching
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Computer Science
- Real Estate
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Music
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Computer Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Mathematics
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Physics
- International/Global Studies
- Chemistry
- Public Policy Analysis
- Sustainability Studies
- Economics
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- History
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Geography and Cartography
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Chemical Engineering
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Genetics
- English Language and Literature, General
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Materials Engineering
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Dance
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Petroleum Engineering
- Communication and Media Studies
- Biology, General
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Area Studies
- Sociology
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Mining and Mineral Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Political Science and Government
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Anthropology
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Nuclear Engineering
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Turkic, Uralic-Altaic, Caucasian, and Central Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Statistics
- Physical Sciences, Other
- Philosophy
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Marketing
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Iranian/Persian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Geological/Geophysical Engineering
- Engineering Mechanics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Construction Engineering
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Business/Commerce, General
- Applied Mathematics
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
Online Doctoral Degrees (58 programs)â–¼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Music
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Biology, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Chemical Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Economics
- English Language and Literature, General
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Genetics
- Computer Science
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Anthropology
- Public Health
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Social Work
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Sociology
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Political Science and Government
- History
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Civil Engineering
- Special Education and Teaching
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Philosophy
- Materials Engineering
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Geological/Geophysical Engineering
- Geography and Cartography
- Turkic, Uralic-Altaic, Caucasian, and Central Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Nuclear Engineering
- Mining and Mineral Engineering
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Iranian/Persian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Area Studies
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (48 programs)â–¼
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Business/Commerce, General
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Psychology, Other
- Criminology
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Geography and Cartography
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Public Health
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Sustainability Studies
- Statistics
- Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
- Social Sciences, General
- History
- Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Community Organization and Advocacy
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Nanotechnology
- Music
- Design and Applied Arts
- Mechanical Engineering
- International/Global Studies
- Homeland Security
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Dance
- Social Work
- Real Estate
- Public Administration
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Marketing
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Genetics
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, Other
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Engineering, General
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
Online First Professional Degrees (7 programs)â–¼
- Medicine
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Law
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Dentistry
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 26,041
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 51.6%
- Female Students 48.4%
- Caucasian 63.2%
- Asian 6.2%
- Hispanic 14.1%
- Black 1.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients 20.1%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of Utah's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of Utah's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Utah support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Utah, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: About 20.1% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Utah support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Utah, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of Utah serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #350 nationally with a 4.8% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $13,172 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $55,239 median earnings. The 63.9% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 85.4% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: University of Utah's Strengths
Ranked #350 with a B+ grade, University of Utah prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like University of Utah excel at providing affordable education ($13,172 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: University of Utah's 85.4% retention and 63.9% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($55,239 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, University of Utah's 4.8% ROI and $13,172 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 63.9% six-year graduation rate sits 1.4 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 85.4% first-year retention is 8.6 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 4.8% return on investment is 80.5 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $55,239 run about 26% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $13,172 is roughly $6,727 lower than the national median of $19,899.
Helpfulness for Students
- 18:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 85.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 87.2% employment rate within three years sits 19.0 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 20.1% trails the national share by 13.4 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
University of Utah, a public university in Salt Lake City, UT, secures a B+ grade in our latest review. It appears at #350 in EDsmart's national list Category results include Completion (B+), Support (B), Career Outcomes (B+), and Affordability (B).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 85.4% of first-year students return, and roughly 63.9% finish within six years. The reported ROI is 4.8%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $13,172 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $21,799.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $8,627 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $14,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 20.1% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $55,239 at the median. That sits about 26% above the national median.
Roughly 87.2% of graduates are employed three years out.
Plan around an ROI of about 4.8% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
87.2% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of Utah admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Salt Lake City, UT 84112-9008
- Website www.utah.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Endowment$1.36B