About Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University has built its reputation around teacher education and outdoor recreation programs that take advantage of its stunning mountain setting. The university serves 9,533 students in Cedar City, a remote town surrounded by national parks and outdoor adventure opportunities. Notable graduates include NFL quarterback Alex Smith and U.S. Senator Mike Lee, reflecting the school's ability to produce leaders in sports and politics.
Students pay an average net price of $11,432 after financial aid, making SUU an affordable option for most families. Graduates earn a median of $50,296 ten years after leaving school, while carrying typical debt of just $12,500. With monthly loan payments averaging only $133, the financial burden remains manageable compared to many universities. In-state students get an especially good deal at $6,770 in tuition.
The Thunderbirds compete in NCAA Division I athletics across 11 sports, with 373 student-athletes receiving over $5.2 million in scholarships. The student body is 73% in-state and predominantly white at 73%, creating a tight-knit community feel. However, the 73% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the remote location or academic demands. The 22:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than at smaller colleges.
Students pay an average net price of $11,432 after financial aid, making SUU an affordable option for most families. Graduates earn a median of $50,296 ten years after leaving school, while carrying typical debt of just $12,500. With monthly loan payments averaging only $133, the financial burden remains manageable compared to many universities. In-state students get an especially good deal at $6,770 in tuition.
The Thunderbirds compete in NCAA Division I athletics across 11 sports, with 373 student-athletes receiving over $5.2 million in scholarships. The student body is 73% in-state and predominantly white at 73%, creating a tight-knit community feel. However, the 73% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the remote location or academic demands. The 22:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than at smaller colleges.
Academics & Faculty
Southern Utah University built its reputation on teacher education, preparing educators for classrooms across the Mountain West since 1897. The school operates with a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, creating larger class sizes typical of regional public universities. Students graduate at a 59% rate within six years, reflecting the challenges many face balancing academics with work or family obligations. The university has expanded beyond education into business, engineering, and the arts, but teaching remains its cornerstone program. Faculty connections matter more through departmental mentoring than intimate classroom settings. Students often appreciate professors who bring real-world experience from Utah's education system and local industries.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 22:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 70.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 58.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 59.0%
- Retention Rate
- 73.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,296
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Education, General. | Master | $59,320 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $59,042 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $53,108 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $52,107 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $52,107 |
| Engineering Technology, General. | Bachelor | $51,273 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $50,439 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $47,952 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
Campus Life
Cedar City sits in a high desert valley surrounded by red rock canyons and mountains, about 250 miles south of Salt Lake City. With housing capacity for 1,011 students and total enrollment of 9,533, only about 11% of students live on campus. The 7,000-foot elevation means you'll need both sunscreen and a winter coat - summers hit the 80s while winters bring snow and temperatures in the 20s.
Students flock to nearby Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks on weekends, making SUU a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The campus buzzes with Division I athletics despite its smaller size, with 373 athletes competing across 11 sports as the Thunderbirds. The strong teacher education programs reflect the school's practical focus - graduates earn a median of $50,296 after ten years with relatively low debt loads averaging $12,500. Small-town Cedar City offers a tight-knit community feel where the 22:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, though big-city amenities require a drive to Las Vegas or Salt Lake City.
Students flock to nearby Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks on weekends, making SUU a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The campus buzzes with Division I athletics despite its smaller size, with 373 athletes competing across 11 sports as the Thunderbirds. The strong teacher education programs reflect the school's practical focus - graduates earn a median of $50,296 after ten years with relatively low debt loads averaging $12,500. Small-town Cedar City offers a tight-knit community feel where the 22:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, though big-city amenities require a drive to Las Vegas or Salt Lake City.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 1,011 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1897
Campus Safety (2023)
34 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 5 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Stalking | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Fondling | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 19°–42°F
- July Avg
- 56°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 29.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Southern Utah draws a heavily local crowd, with nearly three-quarters of students coming from within Utah. The student body leans female at 56%, reflecting the university's strength in education programs where women traditionally enroll at higher rates. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, indicating SUU serves a solid middle-class population rather than exclusively wealthy families. The overwhelming majority of students are white, mirroring the demographics of rural southern Utah where the university has deep community ties spanning over a century.
- Men
- 43.9%
- Women
- 56.1%
- White
- 73.4%
- Black
- 2.0%
- Hispanic
- 8.7%
- Asian
- 1.4%
- In-State Students
- 73.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 24.2%
Location
Cedar City sits in southern Utah, about 250 miles south of Salt Lake City and 170 miles northeast of Las Vegas. The town of 35,000 residents is surrounded by red rock canyons and serves as a gateway to five national parks, including nearby Zion and Bryce Canyon. At 5,800 feet elevation, Cedar City experiences four distinct seasons with snow in winter and mild summers. The 9,533-student campus dominates this college town, where 73.94% of students come from in-state. The remote setting offers strong outdoor recreation but limited urban amenities. Students considering colleges in Utah may also compare Southern Utah University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Cedar City, Utah 84720
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,296
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $53,250
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 68.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $133/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $12,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Southern Utah University?
Southern Utah University accepts 83.85% of applicants, making it relatively accessible to most students. The university attracts students primarily from Utah, with 73.94% coming from in-state.
How much does Southern Utah University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $11,432 annually after financial aid. The university keeps costs manageable with median debt of just $12,500 and monthly loan payments averaging $133.
What is Southern Utah University known for academically?
The university is recognized for its strong teacher education programs and outdoor recreation opportunities. With a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, classes tend to be larger than at smaller colleges.
What are the graduation rates at Southern Utah University?
Southern Utah University graduates 59% of students within six years and maintains a 73.52% retention rate. Graduates earn a median salary of $50,296 ten years after enrollment, with an employment rate of 93.1%.
Where is Southern Utah University located and what is campus life like?
Cedar City provides a remote town setting in southern Utah with access to national parks and outdoor recreation. The campus houses 1,011 students in residence halls, serving a total enrollment of 9,533.
Does Southern Utah University compete in Division I athletics?
The Thunderbirds compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Western Athletic Conference. The university fields 11 varsity sports with 373 total athletes supported by $5,204,718 in athletic scholarships.
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