About Westminster University
Westminster University builds its reputation on intimate classroom experiences and personalized attention. With just 882 students enrolled, this liberal arts college creates the kind of close-knit environment where professors know your name and academic interests. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll get direct mentorship rather than lectures to packed auditoriums. Students come from across the country, with 43% from Utah and the rest drawn by Westminster's strong undergraduate programs in Salt Lake City's active urban setting.
The financial picture tells a encouraging story for middle-class families. While sticker price hits $54,186, most students pay far less through aid packages. The average net price drops to $26,536, making this private education surprisingly accessible. Graduates earn a median of $66,215 ten years after graduation, well above the national average for liberal arts colleges. Monthly loan payments average just $236, and typical debt loads of $22,250 remain manageable compared to career earning potential.
The Griffin athletics program competes in NCAA Division II with 212 student-athletes across 13 sports. Women make up 60% of the student body, creating a campus culture that balances academic focus with active participation. The 96.8% employment rate demonstrates that Westminster's personalized approach translates into real career outcomes.
The financial picture tells a encouraging story for middle-class families. While sticker price hits $54,186, most students pay far less through aid packages. The average net price drops to $26,536, making this private education surprisingly accessible. Graduates earn a median of $66,215 ten years after graduation, well above the national average for liberal arts colleges. Monthly loan payments average just $236, and typical debt loads of $22,250 remain manageable compared to career earning potential.
The Griffin athletics program competes in NCAA Division II with 212 student-athletes across 13 sports. Women make up 60% of the student body, creating a campus culture that balances academic focus with active participation. The 96.8% employment rate demonstrates that Westminster's personalized approach translates into real career outcomes.
Academics & Faculty
Westminster operates as a small liberal arts college where students work closely with faculty in an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio. This intimate academic environment helps explain why 66.75% of students graduate in four years and 69.40% finish within six years. The college emphasizes personalized education across traditional liberal arts disciplines, allowing students to explore diverse subjects while building critical thinking skills. With only 882 students total, classes remain small and discussion-based. Faculty members know students by name and often serve as mentors throughout their academic journey. Westminster's liberal arts approach prepares graduates for various career paths by developing strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving abilities rather than narrow technical specialization.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 8:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 66.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 69.4%
- Retention Rate
- 75.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $66,215
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $125,866 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $80,521 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Master | $71,643 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $69,338 |
| Community Organization and Advocacy. | Master | $61,020 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $59,846 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,995 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $55,547 |
| Public Health. | Master | $53,358 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $46,087 |
Campus Life
Westminster sits in Salt Lake City's Sugar House neighborhood, giving students easy access to downtown while maintaining a small-college feel. With just 882 students, the campus feels intimate and walkable. Housing capacity reaches 496 students, meaning more than half of the student body can live on campus if they choose. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll likely know your professors personally and see familiar faces crossing the quad daily.
Salt Lake City's high desert climate brings four distinct seasons - pack both winter coats for snowy January days and sunscreen for intense summer sun at 4,300 feet elevation. Students take advantage of strong skiing just 30 minutes away in winter and hiking trails throughout the nearby Wasatch Mountains. The school's Four-One-Four calendar system creates an intensive January term that many students use for travel or internships. With 60% women and strong liberal arts programs, campus culture tends toward collaborative rather than competitive. Weekend activities often blend outdoor recreation with the city's growing arts and food scene.
Salt Lake City's high desert climate brings four distinct seasons - pack both winter coats for snowy January days and sunscreen for intense summer sun at 4,300 feet elevation. Students take advantage of strong skiing just 30 minutes away in winter and hiking trails throughout the nearby Wasatch Mountains. The school's Four-One-Four calendar system creates an intensive January term that many students use for travel or internships. With 60% women and strong liberal arts programs, campus culture tends toward collaborative rather than competitive. Weekend activities often blend outdoor recreation with the city's growing arts and food scene.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 496 beds
- Calendar System
- Four-One-Four
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
10 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 22°–39°F
- July Avg
- 63°–92°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 21.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 49.0"
Student Demographics
Westminster draws a mix of Utah locals and out-of-state students who want personalized attention at a small liberal arts college. Women make up 60% of the student body, reflecting the school's strong programs in education, nursing, and social sciences. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing Westminster serves middle-class families alongside more affluent students. The diverse student body includes significant Hispanic representation at 14%, mirroring Salt Lake City's growing diversity. Students typically choose Westminster for its 8:1 student-faculty ratio and close-knit campus community of fewer than 900 undergraduates.
- Men
- 39.9%
- Women
- 60.1%
- White
- 67.2%
- Black
- 2.0%
- Hispanic
- 14.1%
- Asian
- 3.3%
- In-State Students
- 43.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 25.1%
Location
Westminster University sits in Salt Lake City, Utah's capital and largest metropolitan area with over 1.2 million residents. The campus lies just minutes from downtown Salt Lake City, placing students at the heart of a major Western city. The Wasatch Mountains rise dramatically to the east, offering strong skiing within 30 minutes of campus. Salt Lake City serves as the economic and cultural center for the Intermountain West, hosting major corporations and outdoor recreation companies. The city's unique geography between desert and mountains creates four distinct seasons. Students considering colleges in Utah may also compare Westminster University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Salt Lake City, Utah 84105
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $66,215
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $64,576
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $44,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 72.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $236/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Westminster University?
Westminster admits 69.75% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1270. This selective liberal arts college draws students who value small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty.
How much does Westminster University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $26,536, lower than the full tuition of $41,416. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $17,947 after aid, making this private education surprisingly accessible.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Westminster University?
Westminster maintains an 8:1 student-faculty ratio with just 882 total students. This intimate setting allows for close mentoring relationships and personalized academic support typical of top liberal arts colleges.
What are the career outcomes for Westminster University graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $66,215 ten years after graduation with a 96.8% employment rate. The typical monthly loan payment is just $236, reflecting reasonable debt levels for a private college education.
Where do Westminster University students live on campus?
Campus housing accommodates 496 students, serving more than half of the 882-person student body. The close-knit residential community reinforces Westminster's focus on building strong relationships between students and faculty.
Does Westminster University compete in Division I athletics?
Westminster competes in NCAA Division II with 13 varsity sports and 212 total athletes known as the Griffins. The school awards $1,411,221 in athletic scholarships while maintaining its academic focus as a liberal arts institution.
