Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University is a public university in Cedar City, UT ranked #1039 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B-, enrolling about 9,289 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 81.8%. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Engineering Technology.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, 75.5% first-year retention, and 60.7% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $10,462, about $6,536 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -1.7%, roughly 87.0 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $41,147. That's about $2,541 below national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Southern Utah University has an acceptance rate of 81.8%, annual tuition of $6,962, average net price of $10,462, and a national rank of #1039 (Grade B-), with a 60.7% six-year graduation rate, about 9,289 undergraduates, and median earnings of $41,147 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is Southern Utah University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Southern Utah University graduates 60.7% of students within six years and keeps 75.5% 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 Southern Utah University'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 | $6,962 |
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $9,236 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,900 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $19,416 |
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 24.9% of Southern Utah University 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 $6,070 to $14,917 depending on family income. Use Southern Utah University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $12,487/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $14,917/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $41,147
- 10-Year Median Earnings $41,147
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $7,751
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 68.9%
- Employment Rate 83.1%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Southern Utah University 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.
Southern Utah University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Southern Utah University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Southern Utah University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Southern Utah University graduates earn $41,147 median, the -1.7% 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 Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 9,289
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 75.5%
- Graduation Rate 60.7%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 22:1
How to Get Into Southern Utah University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Southern Utah University 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 81.8%, Southern Utah University 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 81.8% acceptance rate, Southern Utah University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Southern Utah University undergraduates. Psychology, General, Biology, General, and Communication and Media Studies draw the most students.
- Psychology, General 7.5%
- Biology, General 7.3%
- Communication and Media Studies 6.2%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 5.5%
- Accounting and Related Services 5.2%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 4.9%
See more majors
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 4.7%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 4.3%
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 $83,405
- 2. Engineering Technology, General $81,628
- 3. Computer and Information Sciences, General $79,081
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Finance and Financial Management Services $77,808
- 5. Accounting and Related Services $74,399
- 6. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $70,566
- 7. Biology, General $58,829
- 8. Agriculture, General $57,314
- 9. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $52,567
- 10. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $52,531
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degree) $104,483
- 2. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $92,791
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $90,167
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Education, General (Master's Degree) $83,779
- 5. Public Administration (Master's Degree) $67,135
- 6. Communication and Media Studies (Master's Degree) $47,538
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $83,405—59% more than Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($52,531). Graduate: Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management programs lead with $104,483 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Southern Utah University. 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
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 380 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 95 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 92 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 59 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degree, 45 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 (31 programs)â–¼
- Psychology, General
- Biology, General
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- English Language and Literature, General
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Agriculture, General
- Construction Engineering Technologies
- Economics
- Design and Applied Arts
- Chemistry
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Engineering Technology, General
- Computer Science
- Sociology
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Mechanical Engineering
- Anthropology
- Music
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Air Transportation
- Engineering, General
- Dance
Online Master's Degrees (5 programs)â–¼
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Data Analytics
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (9 programs)â–¼
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Air Transportation
- Political Science and Government
- International Business
- Geography and Cartography
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Communication and Media Studies
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 9,289
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 44.7%
- Female Students 55.3%
- Caucasian 72.2%
- Asian 1.6%
- Hispanic 8.9%
- Black 1.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients 24.9%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Southern Utah University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Southern Utah University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Southern Utah University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate 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 Southern Utah University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 72.2% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. About 24.9% 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 Southern Utah University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate 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 Southern Utah University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Southern Utah University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1039 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $10,462 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $41,147 median earnings. The 60.7% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 75.5% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Southern Utah University's Strengths
Ranked #1039 with a B- grade, Southern Utah University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Southern Utah University excel at providing affordable education ($10,462 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: Southern Utah University's 75.5% retention and 60.7% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($41,147 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Southern Utah University and $10,462 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 60.7% six-year graduation rate sits 1.8 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 75.5% first-year retention is 1.3 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -1.7% return on investment is 87.0 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $41,147 run about 6% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $10,462 is roughly $6,935 lower than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 22:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 75.5% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 83.1% employment rate within three years sits 14.9 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 24.9% trails the national share by 14.2 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
EDsmart rates Southern Utah University—a public university in Cedar City, UT—at B- overall. It stands at #1039 among 6101 schools Grades by category break down as Completion B, Support C+, 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.
75.5% of learners come back after year one while 60.7% complete the degree within six years. The reported ROI is -1.7%, 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 $10,462 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $19,416.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $8,954 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $7,751 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 24.9% 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
Median earnings come in near $41,147 six years after enrollment. That sits about 6% below the national median.
Roughly 83.1% of graduates are employed three years out.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -1.7%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
81.8% 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 Southern Utah University 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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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Utah University's acceptance rate?
Southern Utah University's acceptance rate is 81.8%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Southern Utah University cost?
At Southern Utah University, listed tuition and fees are $6,962 per year, and the average net price after aid is $10,462. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Southern Utah University's ranking?
Southern Utah University ranks #1039 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Southern Utah University's graduation rate?
At Southern Utah University, the six-year graduation rate is 60.7%, and first-year retention is 75.5%.
What are Southern Utah University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Southern Utah University report median earnings of $41,147 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Southern Utah University's student population?
Southern Utah University enrolls about 9,289 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Cedar City, UT 84720
- Website www.suu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Endowment$36.5M