University of Utah
#1 Best Online Colleges in Utah- Graduation Rate
- 64% C+
- Solid completion rate — most students graduate
- Earnings (10yr)
- $67,170 A
- Top 9% nationally — exceptional earning power
- Net Price
- $16,200 C
- Close to the national average
- Acceptance Rate
- 86% C-
- Accessible to most qualified applicants
Bottom line: A C+ overall grade — average outcomes for a U.S. college. 26.5× return on investment — every $1 spent returns $26.5 over 20 years. Ranked #1 in Best Online Colleges in Utah.
Every $1 spent returns $26.5 over 20 years — debt pays back in ~under a year. Net gain: $1,650,033.
What The Data Says
-
A C+ overall — outcomes above the typical U.S. college.
-
Graduates earn 65% more than the national college median.
-
Every $1 invested returns $26.5 over 20 years — an exceptional return.
Economic Footprint
- Inventor Rate
- 0.5%
- Top 44%
- Patents
- 75
- Linked to graduates
- World Rank
- #83
- Times Higher Education
- Patent Citations
- 103
- Downstream influence
- Research Score
- 54/100
- Times Higher Education
Why University of Utah Matters
University of Utah is a public research university in Salt Lake City, UT ranked #83 in the world by Times Higher Education, and its outcomes are not an accident. They are driven by a top-tier research enterprise and a well-connected, high-opportunity alumni network. The result: graduates whose earnings land in the top 9% of all U.S. colleges.
Interpretation generated from this school's federal outcomes, research, and mobility data.
Institutional Profile
- Institution Type
- Public Research University
- Carnegie Class
- R1 · Very High Research
- Enrollment
- 27,264
- Setting
- Urban
- Primary Strengths
- Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Computer Science & IT, Biology & Biomedical
Why students choose University of Utah
CollegeRanker Report Card
Graded on outcomes, against every U.S. college.
Each grade is this school's national percentile on a real outcome — earnings, value, mobility, and more.
How we grade →Admissions
Accessible — admits about 86% of applicants, with a middle-50% SAT of 1190–1380. Run your numbers in the admissions predictor below.
Check your odds →Net price + aid
Students pay about $16,200 a year after grants and scholarships — 5% below the typical U.S. college. See net price by family income below.
See cost & aid →Earnings + debt
Graduates earn a median of $67,170 ten years after enrolling — 65% above the typical college, against $19,000 in median debt.
See outcomes →Mobility + social capital
Moves 1.1% of its students from the bottom income fifth to the top — top 68% nationally for mobility. High social capital (1.74 economic connectedness).
See mobility →Overview
With an enrollment of over 27,000 students, the University of Utah is a good fit for those seeking a large, vibrant campus life where they can explore a variety of interests. Students here often dive into popular programs like Business & Marketing, Biology & Biomedical, and Computer Science & IT. The acceptance rate of 86% indicates that while the university is accessible, it still attracts a diverse and motivated student body.
Looking ahead, graduates can expect a solid earning potential, with a median income of $67,170 ten years after finishing their degrees. This figure highlights the value of a degree from Utah, especially when we consider that many students successfully advance their careers in fields like Psychology and Social Sciences. Affordability is a key factor as well; with a net price of $16,200, many students find that their investment pays off in the long run.
When it comes to financial considerations, the median debt for graduates is $19,000, which is manageable compared to potential earnings. This means students can graduate with a reasonable debt load, allowing them to focus on their careers rather than financial stress. Those who thrive here are often those who are proactive, engaged, and ready to take advantage of the university's resources, making the most of their time in Salt Lake City.
Rankings
Can I Get In?
How selective University of Utah is — and how your numbers stack up.
Tool
Will I Be Accepted?
Enter your credentials to see your chances at this school.
Academics & Admissions
Is It Hard to Get Into University of Utah? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
As a public institution in Salt Lake City, Utah, University of Utah admits most of the students who apply; the acceptance rate is roughly 86%. Admitted students typically arrive with an average SAT score near 1,257. The graduation rate is roughly 64%.
- Acceptance Rate
- 86%
- Retention Rate
- 86%
- SAT Average
- 1257
- ACT Midpoint
- 26
- SAT Range
- 1190–1380
- ACT Range
- 22–29
- Full-Time Faculty
- 88%
- Faculty Salary (mo)
- $12,776
- Student–Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Diversity Index
- 0.56
- First-Gen Students
- 29%
- Applicants
- 21,072
- Admitted
- 18,781
Inside the Admissions Office
School-reported Common Data Set · 2024-25
The acceptance rate tells you how hard University of Utah is to get into. Its Common Data Set tells you what happens once you are admitted: how many students say yes, how many arrived without test scores, and whether applying early tilts the odds.
- Submitted SAT
- 10%
- of enrolled freshmen
- Submitted ACT
- 38%
- of enrolled freshmen
Test-optional, in practice. Only about 48% of enrolled freshmen submitted an SAT or ACT score, so a strong application without test scores is genuinely competitive here, not a long shot.
Can I Afford It?
What you'll actually pay after grants and aid — not the sticker price.
Cost & Financial Aid
How Much Does It Cost to Attend University of Utah? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at University of Utah is $30,860, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $16,200. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $13,123 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $19,000 in federal student loans.
- In-State Tuition
- $9,620
- Out-of-State
- $30,860
- Avg Net Price
- $16,200
- Median Debt
- $19,000
- Pell Grant Rate
- 20%
- Federal Loan Rate
- 21%
What Families Actually Pay
- Family Income $0–$30K
- $13,123
- Family Income $30K–$48K
- $13,424
- Family Income $48K–$75K
- $14,246
- Family Income $110K+
- $21,533
What Happens After?
Earnings, debt, and where graduates actually land.
Students Like You
Tell us a little about yourself to see what students like you have typically experienced at University of Utah — the net price for your income, your admission odds, and the outcomes that follow. These are patterns from federal data, not predictions.
Graduate Outcomes
Is University of Utah Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of University of Utah earn a median of $67,170, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
- 6 Years After Entry
- $55,239
- 8 Years
- $61,202
- 10 Years
- $67,170
- Debt-to-Earnings
- 0.28x
- Earning > $25K
- 73%
Earnings Trajectory
Graduation by Timeframe
- 100% (820)
- 34%
- 100% (820)
- 34%
- 100% (820)
- 34%
- 100% (820)
- 34%
How University Compares
Dot right of center = above national average.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.
The Mobility Equation
Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?
College ROI Calculator
Is University of Utah Worth It?
A data-driven look at the return on your educational investment — using real federal data.
Yes — for most students, University of Utah delivers a positive return. Over four years, the typical net price is $16,200/year ($64,800 total). Graduates earn $67,170 at ten years, and over a 20-year career we project $1,714,833 in total earnings — a net gain of $1,650,033 (26.5× your investment). The median debt is $19,000, which takes less than a year to pay back at typical earnings. With a 64% graduation rate, the path to that return is well-tested. This is a exceptional ROI compared to national averages.
- Total Cost (4yr)
- $64,800
- Projected 20yr Earnings
- $1,714,833
- Net Return
- $1,650,033
- ROI Multiple
- 26.5×
- Cost Per Year
- $16,200
- Median Debt
- $19,000
- Debt Payback
- Less than 1 yr
- Graduation Rate
- 64%
Does It Change Lives?
Mobility, social capital, and innovation — does it move people up?
Social Mobility
Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records
Does University of Utah Drive Upward Mobility? Economic Mobility & Low-Income Outcomes
University of Utah is a measurable contributor to upward mobility. Its mobility rate, the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top, is 1.13%, in line with strong performers nationally. Access is narrower: only about 3.7% of students come from the bottom income quintile, typical of more selective, higher-income institutions. Among bottom-quintile students who attend, roughly 30.7% go on to reach the top of the income ladder. The median family income of students sits near $107,400, a snapshot of the campus's socioeconomic mix.
- Mobility Rate
- 1.13%
- Bottom 20% → Top 20%
- Success Rate
- 30.7%
- If bottom 20% get in
- From Bottom 20%
- 3.7%
- Share of students
- Parent Median Income
- $145,919
- today's $ (2015 cohort data)
Research & Teaching
Data: Times Higher Education World University Rankings
How Research-Intensive Is University of Utah? World Rank, Teaching & Citations
Times Higher Education places University of Utah at #83 worldwide, a mark of serious research standing. Its profile spans a research score of 54/100, teaching at 56/100, and citation impact of 72/100, reflecting both the volume of research output and how often that work is cited by scholars elsewhere.
- World Rank
- #83
- Teaching
- 55.8
- Research
- 54.2
- Citations
- 72
- International
- 22.5
Innovation & Knowledge Creation
Patents, inventors, and research influence · Opportunity Insights & Times Higher Education
University of Utah produces inventors at a measurable rate, with 75 patents tied to its graduates, and ranks among research universities with a 54/100 research score.
- Inventor Rate
- 0.52%
- Top 44% nationally
- Patents Produced
- 75
- Linked to graduates
- Patent Citations
- 103
- Downstream influence
- Research Score
- 54/100
- Times Higher Ed
- Academic Influence
- 72/100
- Citation impact (THE)
- Inventors From Low-Income
- 0.17%
- Bottom-20% families
Institutional Finances
Data: NCES IPEDS
- Investment Income
- $-127,858,000
Top Programs
The fields University of Utah awards the most degrees in, by share of completions. Where federal field-of-study data exists, we show what graduates in that major earned early in their careers. Each links to its degree guide — or see what someone with your income, scores, and major would pay and earn here in the Students Like You simulator.
- Business & Marketing 15% $76,630 early-career
- Social Sciences 14% $51,509 early-career
- Computer Science & IT 10% $88,291 early-career
- Biology & Biomedical 9% $33,980 early-career
- Engineering 8% $84,762 early-career
- Psychology 8% $35,762 early-career
- Visual & Performing Arts 6% $62,674 early-career
- Health Professions 6% $68,909 early-career
Early-career median earnings by major (typically 1–2 years after completion, bachelor's level where available), in today's dollars (CPI-adjusted). Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard field of study. Distinct from the school-wide 10-year median; suppressed for small programs.
Top Careers
Where these majors tend to lead — common career paths for University of Utah's most popular programs, ranked by median pay with our proprietary scorecard insights.
- CChief Executive Officer$189,520 · 3% growthAdaptable 64
- C+IT Manager$169,510 · 15% growthAdaptable 52
- C+Cloud Architect$142,000 · 15% growthAdaptable 52
- B-Site Reliability Engineer$140,000 · 20% growthAdaptable 52
- CSolutions Architect$138,000 · 12% growthAdaptable 52
- CHR Manager$136,350 · 5% growthAdaptable 64
- CPharmacist$136,030 · 3% growthResilient 82
- CPetroleum Engineer$135,690 · 2% growthResilient 72
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Hard to Get Into University of Utah? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
As a public institution in Salt Lake City, Utah, University of Utah admits most of the students who apply; the acceptance rate is roughly 86%. Admitted students typically arrive with an average SAT score near 1,257. The graduation rate is roughly 64%.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend University of Utah? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at University of Utah is $30,860, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $16,200. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $13,123 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $19,000 in federal student loans.
Is University of Utah Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of University of Utah earn a median of $67,170, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
Does University of Utah Drive Upward Mobility? Economic Mobility & Low-Income Outcomes
University of Utah is a measurable contributor to upward mobility. Its mobility rate, the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top, is 1.13%, in line with strong performers nationally. Access is narrower: only about 3.7% of students come from the bottom income quintile, typical of more selective, higher-income institutions. Among bottom-quintile students who attend, roughly 30.7% go on to reach the top of the income ladder. The median family income of students sits near $107,400, a snapshot of the campus's socioeconomic mix.
How Connected Is University of Utah? Social Capital & Cross-Class Networks
Social capital, the web of cross-class friendships that researchers link to long-run upward mobility, runs high at University of Utah. Its economic connectedness score is 1.74, where about 1.0 is the national norm. Its friending bias is low (-0.02), a sign that students from different economic backgrounds actually mix rather than self-segregate. Around 9% of students take part in civic and volunteering activity.
How Research-Intensive Is University of Utah? World Rank, Teaching & Citations
Times Higher Education places University of Utah at #83 worldwide, a mark of serious research standing. Its profile spans a research score of 54/100, teaching at 56/100, and citation impact of 72/100, reflecting both the volume of research output and how often that work is cited by scholars elsewhere.
Does University of Utah offer Early Decision?
No. University of Utah does not report a binding Early Decision plan (2024-25 Common Data Set).
Is University of Utah really test-optional?
In practice, yes. Only about 48% of enrolled first-year students submitted an SAT or ACT score, so a strong application without test scores is genuinely competitive at University of Utah (2024-25 Common Data Set).
Compare University of Utah
Similar Schools
Schools with similar outcomes, selectivity, and student profiles to University of Utah.
- Iowa State UniversityAmes, IA · Close peer75% grad $63,386 earn 89% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar size
- Washington State UniversityPullman, WA · Close peer61% grad $68,905 earn 87% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- Colorado State University-Fort CollinsFort Collins, CO · Close peer67% grad $60,543 earn 89% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- University of California-RiversideRiverside, CA · Close peer76% grad $67,699 earn 76% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity
- University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis, MN · Close peer85% grad $69,020 earn 80% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar size
- University of ArizonaTucson, AZ · Close peer67% grad $59,979 earn 86% acceptWhy: similar selectivity · similar grad rate · similar size
Social Capital
Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
How Connected Is University of Utah? Social Capital & Cross-Class Networks
Social capital, the web of cross-class friendships that researchers link to long-run upward mobility, runs high at University of Utah. Its economic connectedness score is 1.74, where about 1.0 is the national norm. Its friending bias is low (-0.02), a sign that students from different economic backgrounds actually mix rather than self-segregate. Around 9% of students take part in civic and volunteering activity.
Research Note