About Brigham Young University
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints runs America's largest private university, drawing 32,221 students to the foothills of Utah's Wasatch Mountains in midsize Provo. BYU produces notable graduates across entertainment and politics, from Twilight author Stephenie Meyer to former presidential candidate Mitt Romney. Students follow an honor code that prohibits alcohol, coffee, and premarital sex, creating a distinctly conservative campus culture. The acceptance rate of 66.67% makes admission competitive but not impossible for students with strong academics.
The financial picture looks remarkably bright for most families. Students pay just $6,496 in tuition regardless of residency, with the total cost of attendance reaching only $17,256 including room and board. The average net price drops to $14,487 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $75,790 ten years after graduation while carrying just $11,069 in debt. Those numbers represent one of the best return-on-investment ratios in higher education.
The student body skews heavily toward members of the LDS faith, with 80.68% identifying as white and strong representation from western states. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than top privates. BYU competes in Division I athletics as part of the Big 12 Conference, with the Cougars fielding 17 varsity sports.
The financial picture looks remarkably bright for most families. Students pay just $6,496 in tuition regardless of residency, with the total cost of attendance reaching only $17,256 including room and board. The average net price drops to $14,487 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $75,790 ten years after graduation while carrying just $11,069 in debt. Those numbers represent one of the best return-on-investment ratios in higher education.
The student body skews heavily toward members of the LDS faith, with 80.68% identifying as white and strong representation from western states. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than top privates. BYU competes in Division I athletics as part of the Big 12 Conference, with the Cougars fielding 17 varsity sports.
Academics & Faculty
BYU operates as a major research university with particularly strong programs in business, engineering, and communications. The Marriott School of Business ranks among the nation's top undergraduate programs, while the engineering school has built a solid reputation in computer science and mechanical engineering. Students work with a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, which means larger lecture classes but accessible professors for office hours and research opportunities. The university's 82% six-year graduation rate reflects both academic rigor and the LDS culture of persistence and service. BYU also excels in language programs, operating one of the largest study abroad networks globally. The combination of academic excellence and religious mission creates an environment focused on both intellectual growth and character development.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 21:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 71.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 80.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 82.2%
- Retention Rate
- 89.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $75,790
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $119,642 |
| Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other. | Master | $94,972 |
| Statistics. | Master | $90,856 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $87,604 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Master | $86,498 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $83,848 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $83,177 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $83,177 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $76,460 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $76,460 |
Campus Life
The Wasatch Mountains tower over BYU's 560-acre campus in Provo, about 45 minutes south of Salt Lake City. With housing for 7,697 students and total enrollment of 32,221, roughly 24% of students live on campus in a community shaped by the university's Latter-day Saints affiliation. You'll need a winter coat for snowy Utah winters and layers for the high desert climate's temperature swings.
The Honor Code governs daily life here, requiring standards like no alcohol, coffee, or premarital sex that create a distinctly different college experience. Students gather for devotionals on Tuesdays and often spend weekends hiking nearby canyons, attending sporting events, or participating in service projects. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes, but the tight-knit LDS community fosters strong social bonds. With 68% of students coming from out-of-state, many are drawn by the $6,496 tuition that's the same for everyone. Campus traditions like the Y Mountain hike and rivalry games against Utah create shared experiences in this academically rigorous but socially conservative environment.
The Honor Code governs daily life here, requiring standards like no alcohol, coffee, or premarital sex that create a distinctly different college experience. Students gather for devotionals on Tuesdays and often spend weekends hiking nearby canyons, attending sporting events, or participating in service projects. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes, but the tight-knit LDS community fosters strong social bonds. With 68% of students coming from out-of-state, many are drawn by the $6,496 tuition that's the same for everyone. Campus traditions like the Y Mountain hike and rivalry games against Utah create shared experiences in this academically rigorous but socially conservative environment.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 7,697 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1875
Campus Safety (2023)
95 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 18 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 16 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 7 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 11 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Domestic Violence | 3 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Burglary | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 22°–39°F
- July Avg
- 61°–93°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 19.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 57.1"
Student Demographics
BYU draws students from across the nation, with 68% coming from outside Utah despite the university's deep roots in the state. The student body reflects the global reach of the LDS Church, bringing together committed Latter-day Saints from diverse geographic backgrounds. With 32% receiving Pell Grants, the university serves many middle-class families seeking affordable, values-based education. The nearly even gender split of 52% women and 48% men mirrors the church's emphasis on both traditional family roles and educational achievement for all members. Students share common religious values while representing varied economic circumstances.
- Men
- 48.0%
- Women
- 52.0%
- White
- 80.7%
- Black
- 0.4%
- Hispanic
- 8.0%
- Asian
- 1.7%
- In-State Students
- 32.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 32.3%
Location
Provo sits about 45 miles south of Salt Lake City in Utah's Wasatch Valley. The city of 116,000 residents creates a classic college town atmosphere around BYU's sprawling campus. With 32,221 students enrolled, the university shapes the local culture and economy. The dramatic Wasatch Mountains rise directly east of campus, offering strong skiing and hiking within minutes of classrooms. Provo's elevation of 4,549 feet provides four distinct seasons and stunning mountain views. The area maintains a conservative, family-oriented character that aligns with the university's Latter-day Saints foundation. Students considering colleges in Utah may also compare Brigham Young University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Provo, Utah 84602
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $75,790
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $74,621
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $46,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 80.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $117/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $11,069
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Brigham Young University?
BYU accepts 66.67% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a research university. The average SAT score is 1374, reflecting the strong academic preparation of students who choose this LDS-affiliated institution.
How much does Brigham Young University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $14,487, remarkably affordable for a private university. Tuition is just $6,496 for all students regardless of residency, subsidized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Brigham Young University?
BYU has a 21:1 student-faculty ratio with over 32,000 students, making it one of the largest private universities in America. The school emphasizes both academic excellence and service, reflecting its motto 'Enter to learn; go forth to serve.'
What are the career outcomes for Brigham Young University graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $75,790 ten years after graduation with a low median debt of $11,069. The employment rate reaches 91.3%, showing strong career preparation at this research university.
Where is Brigham Young University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Provo, Utah, housing 7,697 students in on-campus facilities. With 17 varsity sports competing in the Big 12 Conference and a retention rate of 89.05%, the Cougars maintain a tight-knit community despite their large enrollment.
Does Brigham Young University require students to follow religious standards?
As the flagship institution of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, BYU maintains strict honor codes including dress standards and behavioral expectations. The student body is 80.68% white with only 32.01% coming from Utah, drawing faithful LDS students from around the world.
