Suburban Colleges in Utah
| # | School | Setting | Enrollment | Net Price | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, Utah
|
Suburb-Large | 135,822 | $10,442 | 50.9% |
| 2 |
Salt Lake Community College
Salt Lake City, Utah
|
Suburb-Large | 17,247 | $7,661 | 29.7% |
| 3 |
Fortis College-Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City, Utah
|
Suburb-Large | 371 | $25,803 | 42.4% |
| 4 |
Eagle Gate College-Layton
Layton, Utah
|
Suburb-Large | 205 | $32,097 | 68.0% |
| 5 |
Galen Health Institutes-Salt Lake City
Draper, Utah
|
Suburb-Large | 63 | ||
| 6 |
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences
Draper, Utah
|
Suburb-Large | 1,892 | $31,013 | 47.1% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Western Governors University unique among Utah suburban colleges?
Western Governors University operates as a competency-based online institution with 135,822 students, making it the largest by far. At $10,442 net price, it costs significantly less than traditional universities while maintaining a 50.9% graduation rate. Graduates earn $60,615 annually, reflecting strong career outcomes.
How do graduation rates vary across Utah's suburban colleges?
Graduation rates span from 29.7% at Salt Lake Community College to 68% at Eagle Gate College-Layton. The wide range reflects different institutional missions, with community colleges serving transfer students and career schools focusing on job-ready skills training.
Is healthcare education prominent in Utah's suburban college market?
Three schools focus specifically on healthcare training. Galen Health Institutes graduates earn $61,480, the highest among all schools. Joyce University enrolls 1,892 nursing students with 97.4% acceptance, while Eagle Gate College emphasizes allied health programs.
What career outcomes can students expect after graduating?
Graduate earnings range from $34,509 at Fortis College to $61,480 at Galen Health Institutes. The $27,000 spread reflects program focus, with healthcare and technical degrees commanding higher salaries in Utah's expanding Silicon Slopes job market.
Where do most suburban college students in Utah attend school?
Salt Lake City area dominates with four institutions, including the massive Western Governors University and Salt Lake Community College with 17,247 students. Layton and Draper each host one specialized college, serving the broader Wasatch Front metropolitan region.
See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.