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$6,074Tuition
8,320Students
34%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$44,570Earnings
#13 in UtahPublic4-yearNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Utah Tech University

Utah Tech University transforms traditional higher education through hands-on polytechnic programs that prepare students for immediate career success. The 8,320 students on this Saint George campus dive into practical learning experiences rather than theoretical coursework. This approach shows in the school's focus on technical fields, engineering, and professional programs that connect directly to industry needs.

Students pay an average net price of $15,265, which proves reasonable given the strong earning potential. Graduates earn a median of $44,570 within ten years of leaving school. The typical graduate carries just $15,000 in debt with monthly payments around $159. These numbers reflect Utah Tech's mission of career preparation over prestige, delivering solid returns on investment for students seeking practical skills.

The Trailblazers compete in 14 NCAA Division I sports as members of the Western Athletic Conference. With 392 total athletes receiving $3.6 million in athletic scholarships, sports play a significant role on campus. The student body skews female at 59% and draws primarily from Utah, with 75% coming from in-state. Campus housing accommodates 1,050 students, creating a tight-knit community feel despite the university's recent growth and transition to four-year status.

Academics & Faculty

Utah Tech focuses on polytechnic education that blends technical training with traditional academics. The university emphasizes hands-on learning across programs like engineering technology, aviation, nursing, and business. Students work directly with industry-standard equipment in labs and workshops designed to mirror real workplaces. The 22:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes, especially in introductory courses. Only 34% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the school's appeal to working students and career changers who often attend part-time. Many programs include internships and cooperative education experiences with regional employers. The polytechnic model prepares graduates for immediate employment rather than graduate school, with strong connections to Utah's growing tech and healthcare industries.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
22:1
Full-Time Faculty
41.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
34.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
34.2%
Retention Rate
63.0%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$44,570
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $57,318
Finance and Financial Management Services. Bachelor $51,106
Computer and Information Sciences, General. Bachelor $48,041
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. Bachelor $47,394
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $44,542
Accounting and Related Services. Bachelor $42,682
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $37,748
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Bachelor $37,653
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. Bachelor $37,208
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. Bachelor $34,420

View all 93 programs →

Campus Life

Utah Tech sits in Saint George, a desert city of 95,000 people about two hours north of Las Vegas. With housing for just 1,050 students and total enrollment of 8,320, only about 13% of students live on campus. Most commute from nearby apartments or family homes. The red rock landscape means 300+ days of sunshine annually, so pack sunscreen instead of heavy coats.

The polytechnic focus creates a hands-on campus culture where students spend significant time in labs and workshops. With 59.29% women and a strong emphasis on career preparation, study groups often form around technical projects. The 22:1 student-faculty ratio means larger lecture classes, but lab sessions stay smaller. Weekends revolve around outdoor activities like hiking Zion National Park (45 minutes away) or biking the Virgin River Trail. The Trailblazers compete in 14 NCAA Division I sports with 392 total athletes. Saint George's growing tech sector provides internship opportunities, while the tourist economy offers part-time work. The desert setting attracts students who want warm weather year-round and easy access to national parks.
Setting
City-Midsize
Housing Capacity
1,050 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1911

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Stalking 9 3 0 0
Rape 5 5 0 0
Fondling 6 1 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 0 0 0
Burglary 1 1 0 0
Dating Violence 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
31°–53°F
July Avg
74°–101°F
Annual Precipitation
19.2"
Annual Snowfall
-774.8"

Student Demographics

Utah Tech draws primarily local students, with three-quarters coming from Utah. The student body skews female at nearly 60%, reflecting strong programs in health sciences and education that attract women. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, indicating the school serves working-class families seeking affordable career training. The polytechnic focus on hands-on learning appeals to first-generation college students looking for practical skills over traditional academics. Most students are white, mirroring southern Utah's demographics, though Hispanic enrollment reaches nearly 14% in this growing region.
Men
40.7%
Women
59.3%
White
74.5%
Black
1.7%
Hispanic
13.7%
Asian
1.3%
In-State Students
74.6%
Pell Grant Recipients
22.3%

Location

Saint George sits in Utah's southwestern corner, about 120 miles northeast of Las Vegas and 300 miles south of Salt Lake City. The city of 95,000 residents serves as a gateway to Utah's red rock country, with Zion National Park just 40 minutes away. Students here experience a desert climate with over 300 sunny days annually and winter temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. The surrounding landscape features dramatic sandstone cliffs and mesas that attract outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Saint George has evolved from a retirement destination into a growing tech center, with companies like Intermountain Healthcare and SkyWest Airlines providing internship opportunities. Students considering colleges in Utah may also compare Utah Tech University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Saint George, Utah 84770-3876
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After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$44,570
Median Earnings (5 years)
$53,920
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$32,500
Loan Repayment Rate
50.3%
Monthly Loan Payment
$159/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student-faculty ratio at Utah Tech University?

Utah Tech University has a student-faculty ratio of 22:1. This polytechnic university emphasizes hands-on learning and career preparation, though the larger class sizes reflect its focus on practical skills training rather than intimate seminar-style education.

How much does Utah Tech University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Utah Tech University is $15,265 annually. Students from families earning less than $30,000 pay around $11,977, making this southern Utah polytechnic relatively affordable for hands-on career training.

What is the graduation rate at Utah Tech University?

Utah Tech University has a 6-year graduation rate of 34.20% and a 4-year rate of 34.85%. The school's polytechnic focus means many students enter workforce programs or transfer to complete specialized training, which affects traditional graduation metrics.

How much do Utah Tech University graduates earn?

Utah Tech University graduates earn a median of $44,570 ten years after graduation. The polytechnic curriculum prepares students for technical careers in southern Utah's growing economy, with an employment rate of 94.9%.

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

Utah Tech University sits in Saint George, a mid-size city in southern Utah with 8,320 students enrolled. The campus houses 1,050 students and fields 14 varsity sports as NCAA Division I Trailblazers, creating an active campus environment in the scenic red rock country.

What makes Utah Tech University unique as a polytechnic institution?

Utah Tech University operates as a polytechnic university founded in 1911, emphasizing practical, hands-on learning over traditional liberal arts education. With 392 student-athletes competing in the Western Athletic Conference and strong career preparation programs, the school blends technical training with college athletics in southern Utah's outdoor recreation center.