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89.1%Acceptance
$9,315Tuition
26,041Students
64%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$67,170Earnings
#4 in UtahPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Utah

The University of Utah has built a reputation as a powerhouse in research and innovation, particularly in computer graphics, biomedical engineering, and medicine. With 26,041 students on a mid-sized city campus, this public research university has produced tech pioneers like Adobe co-founder John Warnock and Atari founder Nolan Bushnell. The school accepts 89% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1290, making it accessible to students with solid academic records. Utah's computer science and engineering programs consistently rank among the nation's best, while the medical school anchors one of the country's leading academic medical centers.

Students pay an average net price of $13,172 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable research universities in the West. Graduates earn a median salary of $67,170 ten years after graduation, providing strong returns on investment. With median debt of just $19,000 and monthly loan payments of $201, most students avoid crushing financial burdens. In-state students get an strong deal at $9,315 in tuition.

The Utes compete in Division I athletics with 18 varsity sports and recently joined the Big 12 Conference. About 63% of students come from Utah, creating a tight-knit community feel despite the large enrollment. The 64% four-year graduation rate reflects the school's commitment to student success.

Academics & Faculty

The University of Utah stands out as a major research university with strong strength in computer science, engineering, and medicine. The school pioneered computer graphics technology and continues leading innovation in biomedical research. Students benefit from a moderate 18:1 student-faculty ratio that provides reasonable access to professors despite the large research focus. The 64% graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing rigorous academics with research opportunities. Engineering and pre-med programs attract top students, while the computer science department has produced tech giants like Adobe co-founder John Warnock. Research opportunities abound across disciplines, making this ideal for students seeking hands-on experience alongside their coursework.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
18:1
Full-Time Faculty
88.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
64.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
63.9%
Retention Rate
85.4%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$67,170
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral University (R1)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. Doctoral $104,192
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Doctoral $100,213
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $98,213
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Master $85,070
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. Master $84,653
Information Science/Studies. Master $76,998
Mechanical Engineering. Master $75,832
Computer Science. Bachelor $74,307
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Master $68,499
Finance and Financial Management Services. Master $67,995

View all 315 programs →

Campus Life

The University of Utah sits on a 1,500-acre campus in Salt Lake City with the dramatic Wasatch Mountains as a backdrop. Only 23% of the university's 26,041 students live on campus, creating a commuter-heavy atmosphere where many students drive to class. Winter means serious snow and temperatures that regularly dip below freezing, so pack a heavy coat. Summers are hot and dry with intense mountain sun.

The campus buzzes with Big 12 Conference athletics, especially football games at Rice-Eccles Stadium where students wear red to support the Utes. With 63% of students coming from in-state, there's a strong local connection and many students already know each other from high school. The nearby ski resorts like Park City and Alta are major weekend destinations during winter months. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social life. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means larger lecture classes are common, especially in popular programs like computer science and engineering. Downtown Salt Lake City offers internships and entertainment just minutes from campus.
Setting
City-Midsize
Housing Capacity
5,956 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1850

Campus Safety (2023)

965 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Rape 172 161 3 0
Dating Violence 158 156 0 0
Stalking 118 22 1 0
Fondling 52 5 3 0
Burglary 28 14 6 0
Domestic Violence 28 16 2 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 1 5 0
Aggravated Assault 3 0 0 4
Robbery 2 0 1 0
Arson 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
22°–39°F
July Avg
63°–92°F
Annual Precipitation
21.8"
Annual Snowfall
49.0"

Student Demographics

The University of Utah draws primarily from within state borders, with about two-thirds of its 26,041 students calling Utah home. This strong local presence reflects the school's role as the state's flagship research institution. Men slightly outnumber women, likely due to robust engineering and computer science programs that have produced tech pioneers like Adobe's John Warnock and Atari's Nolan Bushnell. One in five students receives Pell Grants, showing the university serves working families alongside Utah's growing tech workforce. The diverse mix includes significant Hispanic and Asian populations in this rapidly evolving western city.
Men
51.7%
Women
48.4%
White
63.2%
Black
1.3%
Hispanic
14.1%
Asian
6.2%
In-State Students
63.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
20.1%

Location

Salt Lake City sits 1,300 miles west of Denver and serves as Utah's capital and largest metropolitan area. The university sits at 4,226 feet elevation with the Wasatch Mountains rising directly to the east. Salt Lake City offers big-city amenities with a population of 200,000 in the city proper and over 1.2 million in the metro area. The region provides year-round outdoor recreation from strong skiing at nearby resorts like Park City to hiking and climbing in the surrounding mountains. The city balances urban culture with easy access to five national parks within driving distance. Students considering colleges in Utah may also compare University of Utah with similar schools in the region.
Address
Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-9008
MarioCapecchiFotoThalerTamas
MarioCapecchiFotoThalerTamas
VES Awards 89 cropped
VES Awards 89 cropped
John Warnock
John Warnock

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$67,170
Median Earnings (5 years)
$68,960
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$47,200
Loan Repayment Rate
71.8%
Monthly Loan Payment
$201/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Utah?

University of Utah admits 89.13% of applicants, making it accessible to most qualified students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1190-1390 on the SAT. This relatively high acceptance rate reflects the university's mission as a public research institution serving Utah residents and beyond.

How much does University of Utah cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $13,172 annually, making it affordable for most families. In-state students pay $9,315 in tuition while out-of-state students face $29,837. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of just $10,447 after aid.

What is University of Utah known for academically?

The university excels in research programs, particularly medicine, engineering, and computer science. With 26,041 students and an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, it offers serious research opportunities. The school has made major contributions to computer graphics and biomedical research, producing innovations that shape these fields.

What do University of Utah graduates earn after college?

Alumni earn a median of $67,170 ten years after graduation, reflecting strong career outcomes. The employment rate reaches 95.2% among graduates. With median debt of just $19,000 and monthly loan payments of $201, graduates maintain manageable debt loads relative to their earning potential.

Where is University of Utah located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Salt Lake City, providing access to both urban amenities and outdoor recreation. With housing for 5,956 students out of 26,041 total enrollment, many students live off-campus in the city. The retention rate of 85.38% suggests students generally enjoy their experience at this midsize city location.

Does University of Utah have notable alumni in technology?

The university has produced several tech industry pioneers, including Adobe co-founder John Warnock and Atari founder Nolan Bushnell. Nobel Prize winner Andrew Fire also graduated from here, demonstrating the school's strength in scientific research. These alumni reflect the university's long-standing excellence in computer science and innovation.

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