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Westminster University

Salt Lake City, UT | Private Nonprofit | University

Westminster University is a private nonprofit university in Salt Lake City, UT ranked #602 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B+, enrolling about 882 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 68.8%. Students most often pursue Finance and Financial Management Services and Air Transportation.

Academically, students benefit from a 8:1 student-faculty ratio, 75.9% first-year retention, and 69.4% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.

Families typically invest $26,536, about $9,538 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -50.1%, roughly 135.4 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $52,994. That's about $9,306 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.

B+
Ranking
#602 of 1,971
How We Rank Schools Small campus feel
At a Glance
Ranking
#602 of 1,971 (Top 30.5%)
Tuition
$41,416
Net Price
$26,536
4-Year Tuition
$165,664
Acceptance Rate
68.8%
Transfer Rate
7.2%
Student Population
882
Student-Faculty
8:1
Graduation Rate
69.4%
Retention Rate
75.9%
6-Yr Earnings
$52,994
ROI
-50.1%

Who is Westminster University Best For?

A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.

Students who thrive with close mentoring
Learners who value a tight-knit campus
Students valuing supportive learning environments

EDsmart Scores Summary

Overall Ranking
#602 of 1,971
Top 30.5% of all institutions
EDsmart Score
69.5 / 100 (national index)
Curved score (top institution = 100.0)
Value Rating
3.48 / 5
Based on ROI and outcomes
Completion
B+
#548 of 1,971
Affordability
C+
#1,603 of 1,971
Support
B+
#370 of 1,971
Career Outcomes
B+
#504 of 1,971

Westminster University graduates 69.4% of students within six years and keeps 75.9% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.

How we calculate this →

Cost & Financial Aid

Quick Answers

Can you afford it?
Depends on income
$17,947-$30,467 annual net price based on family income.
Will you graduate?
Likely
69.4% finish within six years. 58.5% complete in four years.
Will you get a job?
Highly likely
84.6% of alumni are employed within three years of leaving. Median earnings six years after entry are $52,994. Pay varies by major.
Get Your Personalized Cost Estimate

The costs shown are averages. Use Westminster University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.

Calculate Your Net Price →

Total Degree Cost Summary

4-Year Total Cost (Pay with Cash)
$227,204
$56,801 × 4 years
Average Total Cost (Pay with Financial Aid)
$119,412
$26,536 × 4.5 years average
Time to Degree
Average: 4.5 years | 4-Year Rate: 58.5% | 6-Year Rate: 69.4%
Most students finish in about four to five years. Four-year completion is 58.5% and six-year completion is 69.4%.

Annual Cost Comparison

Pay with Cash
$56,801
Total annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses; excluding any financial aid, grants or scholarships.
Pay with Financial Aid
$26,536
Average annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses after financial aid, grants or scholarships.

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 $41,416
Books and Supplies $1,000
On-Campus Room and Board $11,770
On-Campus Other Expenses $3,681
Total On-Campus Cost $56,801

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

Pell Grant
25.1%
Federal Loan
0.0%

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 25.1% of Westminster 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.

$0 - $30,000
$17,947
Average annual cost for families earning $0-$30K
$30,001 - $48,000
$19,820
Average annual cost for families earning $30K-$48K
$48,001 - $75,000
$21,345
Average annual cost for families earning $48K-$75K
$75,001 - $110,000
$26,189
Average annual cost for families earning $75K-$110K
$110,001+
$30,467
Average annual cost for families earning $110K+

Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $17,947 to $30,467 depending on family income. Use Westminster University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

4-Year Total Cost Estimates:
$0-$30K families
~$80,762
$30K-$48K families
~$89,190
$48K-$75K families
~$96,052
$75K-$110K families
~$117,850
AFFORDABILITY ALERT

If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $26,189/year

If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $30,467/year

See all income brackets →

ROI & Career Outcomes

Return on Investment
-50.1%
Based on 6-year median earnings vs. total degree cost
  • 6-Year Median Earnings $52,994
  • 10-Year Median Earnings $52,994
  • Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
  • Average Student Debt $18,500
  • Repayment Rate (3yr) 72.6%
  • Employment Rate 84.6%

Graduate Earnings Distribution

Earnings range for Westminster 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.

Graduates earn a median of $52,994 six years after enrollment — roughly 21% above the national median.
Payback Period
2.25 years
Total Degree Cost ÷ Annual Earnings

Westminster University vs. National Average

Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Westminster University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Westminster University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.

EDsmart Insight: While Westminster University graduates earn $52,994 median, the -50.1% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.

Acceptance & Selectivity

Getting In

Acceptance Rate
68.8%
Less Selective
National Average
69%
Average acceptance rate
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading 598-718
  • SAT Math 550-660
  • SAT Writing Not reported
  • ACT Composite 23-29
  • SAT & ACT Required
  • Undergraduate Enrollment 882
  • Full-Time Students 95.0%
  • Part-Time Students 5.0%
  • Retention Rate 75.9%
  • Graduation Rate 69.4%
  • Student-Faculty Ratio 8:1

How to Get Into Westminster University

1. Meet Academic Requirements: Westminster 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 68.8%, Westminster 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 68.8% acceptance rate, Westminster University 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 1148 and 1378 on the SAT.

Academic Programs

Undergraduate Program Distribution

Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Westminster University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Finance and Financial Management Services, and Business Administration, Management and Operations draw the most students.

  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 17.4%
  • Finance and Financial Management Services 8.0%
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations 5.0%
  • Research and Experimental Psychology 4.8%
  • Marketing 4.8%
  • Public Health 4.4%
See more majors
  • Biology, General 4.2%
  • Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other 4.2%

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. Finance and Financial Management Services $84,788
  • 2. Air Transportation $80,220
  • 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $76,552
Show additional high-earning majors
  • 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations $70,934
  • 5. Marketing $62,912
  • 6. Communication and Media Studies $53,741
  • 7. Public Health $52,380
  • 8. Psychology, General $49,564
  • 9. Sociology $46,148
  • 10. Natural Resources Conservation and Research $44,612

Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)

  • 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $129,073
  • 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $119,963
  • 3. Communication and Media Studies (Master's Degree) $98,552
Show additional graduate majors
  • 4. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $92,877
  • 5. Public Health (Master's Degree) $81,939
  • 6. Education, General (Master's Degree) $67,010
  • 7. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $62,781

Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Finance and Financial Management Services grads earn $84,788—90% more than Natural Resources Conservation and Research ($44,612). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $129,073 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.

Online Degrees & Distance Learning

College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Westminster 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

  • Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 38 graduates)
  • Education, General (Master's Degree, 35 graduates)
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 24 graduates)
  • Research and Experimental Psychology (Bachelor's Degree, 23 graduates)
  • Marketing (Bachelor's Degree, 23 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 (62 programs)â–¼
  • Finance and Financial Management Services
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • Research and Experimental Psychology
  • Marketing
  • Public Health
  • Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
  • Biology, General
  • Air Transportation
  • Communication and Media Studies
  • English Language and Literature, General
  • Neurobiology and Neurosciences
  • Computer Science
  • Accounting and Related Services
  • Mathematics
  • Economics
  • Sociology
  • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
  • Music
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
  • Outdoor Education
  • Fine and Studio Arts
  • Criminal Justice and Corrections
  • Political Science and Government
  • Natural Resources Conservation and Research
  • International Business
  • Chemistry
  • Special Education and Teaching
  • Physics
  • History
  • Health and Physical Education/Fitness
  • Computer and Information Sciences, General
  • Dance
  • Philosophy
  • Education, General
  • Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
  • Area Studies
  • Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
  • Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
  • English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
  • Education, Other
  • Visual and Performing Arts, Other
  • Urban Studies/Affairs
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
  • Social Sciences, General
  • Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
  • Psychology, General
  • Medieval and Renaissance Studies
  • Medical Illustration and Informatics
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
  • International/Global Studies
  • International Relations and National Security Studies
  • Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies
  • Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
  • Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
  • Film/Video and Photographic Arts
  • Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
  • Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
  • Design and Applied Arts
  • Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
  • Business/Managerial Economics
  • Business/Commerce, General
  • Bioethics/Medical Ethics
Online Master's Degrees (7 programs)â–¼
  • Education, General
  • Public Health
  • Community Organization and Advocacy
  • Accounting and Related Services
  • Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
  • Special Education and Teaching
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (11 programs)â–¼
  • Public Health
  • Accounting and Related Services
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
  • Marketing
  • International Business
  • Finance and Financial Management Services
  • Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
  • Education, General
  • Community Organization and Advocacy
  • Business/Managerial Economics
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)â–¼
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

Student Demographics

Student Population

  • Total Undergraduate Enrollment 882
  • Full-Time Students 95.0%
  • Part-Time Students 5.0%
  • Male Students 39.9%
  • Female Students 60.1%
  • Caucasian 67.2%
  • Asian 3.3%
  • Hispanic 14.1%
  • Black 2.0%
  • Pell Grant Recipients 25.1%

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Westminster University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.

Gender Distribution

Gender breakdown of Westminster University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does Westminster University support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
63.3%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
70.4%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
7.1 pts
good equity

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 Westminster University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

EDsmart Insight: Women make up 60.1% of undergraduates.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does Westminster University support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
63.3%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
70.4%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
7.1 pts
good equity

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 Westminster University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

Our Take

Westminster University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -50.1% ROI. Ranked #602 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.

The $26,536 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $52,994 median earnings. With 69.4% graduating within six years and 75.9% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.

Private University Value: Westminster University's Positioning

With a B+ grade and #602 ranking, Westminster University competes in the crowded regional private university market.

The Private University Premium: At $26,536 annually, Westminster University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 75.9% retention rate suggests students value this environment.

Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $18,575 achieve particularly strong value.

Cost-Benefit Reality: The -50.1% ROI and $52,994 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $16,536+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.

Competitive Standing: Westminster University ranks #602 of 1971 institutions, with 1106 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.

Key Takeaways

  • 69.4% six-year graduation rate sits 6.9 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
  • 75.9% first-year retention is 0.9 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
  • -50.1% return on investment is 135.4 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
  • Median earnings of $52,994 run about 21% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
  • Average net price of $26,536 is roughly $6,637 higher than the national median of $19,899.

Helpfulness for Students

Green Flags
  • 8:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
  • 75.9% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
  • 84.6% employment rate within three years sits 16.4 points above national outcomes.
Red Flags
  • Average net price of $26,536 is about $6,637 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
  • Pell participation at 25.1% trails the national share by 8.4 points, so equity work remains important.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis

EDsmart rates Westminster University—a private nonprofit university in Salt Lake City, UT—at B+ overall. It stands at #602 among 1971 schools Grades by category break down as Completion B+, Support B+, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability C+.

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.

Student momentum is strong: 75.9% retention and 69.4% six-year graduation. The reported ROI is -50.1%, 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 $26,536 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $56,801.

Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $30,265 per year.

Graduates leave with a median of $18,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.

About 25.1% 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

Graduates report median earnings of about $52,994 six years after entry. This is roughly 21% above typical U.S. college outcomes.

Employment outcomes report about 84.6% of alumni working within three years.

Plan around an ROI of about -50.1% 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

68.8% 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 Westminster 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.

EDsmart Verdict
3.48 / 5
Value Rating - Based on affordability and career outcomes

Your Decision Toolkit

Run the Net Price Calculator
Get your personalized cost estimate
Compare with similar schools
See how Westminster University stacks up to alternatives
Check your major's earnings
See ROI for your specific field of study
Visit the campus
Schedule a campus tour or virtual visit
Visit Westminster University Website →

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Contact Information

  • AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
  • Endowment$80.3M
  • Transfer Enrollment Rate7.2%

Data Source & Methodology â–¼