Utah has some of the best colleges and universities in the western United States. The schools here are known for their good academics, beautiful campuses, and friendly learning environments. Whether you want a big university in the city or a smaller college in a quiet mountain town, there’s something for everyone in Utah.
These schools provide programs in nearly every field you can think of—business, engineering, computer science, health, arts, and more, backed by dedicated faculty and modern learning facilities. Many of them are also nationally ranked for value, innovation, and student success.
In this article, we’ve listed some of the best colleges in Utah, based on their academic quality, available programs, cost, and overall student experience. If you’re planning to start college soon or thinking about transferring, this list will help you find a school in Utah that’s right for you.
Best Colleges in Utah
These are some of the best colleges in Utah, each offering quality education, unique learning experiences, and plenty of opportunities for students to grow.
1. Brigham Young University (BYU)
Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, is one of the most recognized schools in the state, and for good reason. It’s a private university owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and has over 35,000 students from all over the U.S. and beyond.
BYU offers close to 200 undergraduate majors and several graduate programs, with strong reputations in business, accounting, engineering, and the arts. Getting in isn’t too hard, with an acceptance rate of about 69%, but you’ll still need solid grades. One thing that makes BYU stand out is its affordable tuition, especially for members of the sponsoring church, who pay about half of what non-members do.
2. The University of Utah
The University of Utah, often called “The U,” is the state’s flagship public research university, located right in Salt Lake City. It’s one of the biggest and most respected schools in Utah, with about 35,000 students and a wide range of programs, from engineering and business to medicine, law, and the arts.
Tuition is fairly affordable for Utah residents, though higher for out-of-state students, as with most public universities. The school also keeps class sizes reasonable, so you get a good mix of personal attention and academic challenge.
3. Utah State University (USU)
Utah State University (USU) in Logan is one of Utah’s top public universities, known for its wide academic offerings and strong research culture. With nearly 29,000 students, it provides over 370 degree options across fields like engineering, business, computer science, education, agriculture, and natural resources.
Students benefit from small class sizes and a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, which means you’re more likely to get personal attention from professors. USU also runs several statewide campuses and online programs, making it a flexible choice for students who can’t study full-time in Logan.
The university is affordable for Utah residents, with many scholarship options available, and it’s recognized nationally as a top research institution.
4. Utah Valley University (UVU)
Utah Valley University (UVU), in Orem, Utah, is the state’s largest public university by enrollment. It started as a vocational school back in 1941 and evolved into a full university, offering a wide range of degrees from associate to master’s.
The university offers hundreds of programs across fields like business, education, health, arts, and computing. It has an “open admissions” philosophy, meaning most students who apply can enroll, and then the school supports them to succeed.
UVU values accessibility, diversity, and student success. It supports first-generation college-goers, nontraditional students, and those balancing multiple roles.
5. Neumont College of Computer Science
Neumont College of Computer Science in Salt Lake City is a small, private college that focuses entirely on technology and computer science. It offers a tight-knit learning environment and small classes where students get plenty of hands-on experience. The school’s programs are fast-paced and career-driven, allowing students to complete a bachelor’s degree in just three years.
Neumont offers degrees in areas like Computer Science, Software and Game Development, Software Engineering, Applied AI and Data Engineering, and Cybersecurity. The learning approach is very practical; students spend much of their time working on real projects, often in partnership with tech companies, so they graduate with both experience and a strong portfolio.
Tuition is around $27,000 per year, which is on the higher side, but the school provides financial aid and scholarships.
6. Weber State University
Weber State University is a public school in Ogden, Utah, with around 30,500 students total — the vast majority are undergraduates. They offer a mix of associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs in things like arts, sciences, business, technology, health professions, and education.
If you’re someone who needs flexibility, Weber State has you covered: many students take only some courses online, or fully online, and there are evening and part-time options. There are about 244 total academic programs, with around 34 of them available fully or partially online.
Tuition is much more affordable for in-state students than for non-residents.
7. Snow College
Snow College is a public state college in Ephraim, Utah (with another campus in Richfield) that started back in 1888. It’s best known for smaller class sizes, personal attention from teachers, and a close-knit, safe environment.
Academically, Snow starts with associate degree programs and vocational/technical certificates, but it also offers a few full bachelor’s degree options, like in Software Engineering and Commercial Music. It’s strong in liberal arts, sciences, and applied tech programs. If you do the first two years here, many graduates transfer smoothly into four-year universities to finish a bachelor’s degree.
Cost is one of the big pluses. For in-state students, tuition is quite reasonable compared to many larger universities, and there are scholarships and financial aid available.
8. Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University (SUU), located in Cedar City, is a public university with about 15,000 students total, around 13,000 undergraduates, and nearly 2,000 graduate students.
SUU offers over 150 undergraduate majors and about 30-plus graduate and certificate programs, plus a professional doctorate. Students can study anything from business, education, arts, and humanities to science, engineering, technology, and performing arts. Whether you want a career in business, teaching, or media, there are programs built to help you get there.
Tuition for in-state students is relatively affordable compared to many U.S. universities; out-of-state tuition is higher, but SUU also emphasizes value and access.
FAQs About Studying in Utah
1. What makes Utah a good place to go to college?
Utah is known for its safe cities, friendly people, and affordable cost of living. The state’s colleges combine strong academics with real-world learning, and students enjoy access to outdoor recreation, tech hubs, and growing job opportunities.
2. Are Utah colleges affordable?
Compared to many states, Utah offers lower tuition and living costs. Public universities, especially for in-state students, are quite affordable, and many schools provide scholarships or work-study programs to help cover expenses.
3. What jobs can I get after graduating from a Utah college?
Graduates in Utah often find work in technology, business, healthcare, and education. The “Silicon Slopes” area, home to major tech companies, provides plenty of openings for new graduates in computer science and related fields.
4. Do Utah colleges accept out-of-state or international students?
Yes. Most Utah universities welcome both out-of-state and international students. Many offer support services, orientation programs, and housing options to help them adjust easily.
5. Which city in Utah is best for college students?
Salt Lake City and Provo are top picks because they blend academics with vibrant city life and job opportunities. However, smaller towns like Logan or Cedar City offer peaceful settings and tight-knit campus communities.