University of Utah vs BYU: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Utah and Brigham Young University-Provo, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of Utah vs BYU at a glance
University of Utah admits 86% of applicants and BYU 67.8% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $27,314 at University of Utah and $13,397 at BYU. Six-year graduation rates are 66.3% and 80.8%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- University of Utah admits 86% of applicants and BYU 67.8%, so BYU is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $27,314 a year at University of Utah and $13,397 at BYU; BYU costs $13,917 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $24,961 at University of Utah and $9,893 at BYU.
- 66.3% of students graduate within six years at University of Utah, against 80.8% at BYU.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $72,729 for University of Utah and $80,228 for BYU; BYU is $7,499 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $16,878 at University of Utah and $12,250 at BYU.
- University of Utah enrolls 27,264 students (midsize city) and BYU 32,952 (midsize city).
- University of Utah is a public college and BYU is a private nonprofit college.
Side by side
University of Utah and BYU in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | University of Utah | BYU |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 86% | 67.8% |
| Applicants | 18,302 | 11,608 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1190–1380 | 1270–1460 |
| ACT middle 50% | 22–29 | 28–32 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $27,314 | $13,397 |
| Tuition, in state | $9,832 | $6,888 |
| Tuition, out of state | $31,768 | $6,888 |
| Cost of attendance | $37,284 | $21,235 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $24,961 | $9,893 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $23,936 | $8,507 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $25,277 | $9,268 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $27,795 | $12,916 |
| Over $110,000 | $32,141 | $19,162 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 66.3% | 80.8% |
| First-year retention | 86.2% | 91% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $72,729 | $80,228 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $16,878 | $12,250 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $192 | $139 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 27,264 | 32,952 |
| Type | Public | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Midsize | City: Midsize |
| Location | Salt Lake City, UT | Provo, UT |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
University of Utah reports 92 bachelor's programs and BYU 97; 60 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about University of Utah vs BYU
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of Utah or BYU?
BYU is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of Utah admits 86% of applicants and BYU admits 67.8%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of Utah 1190–1380; BYU 1270–1460.
Which is cheaper, University of Utah or BYU?
BYU has the lower average net price after grants: $27,314 a year at University of Utah against $13,397 at BYU. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $24,961 and $9,893. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of Utah or BYU graduates earn more?
BYU graduates earn more at the median: $72,729 ten years after entry for University of Utah and $80,228 for BYU. Median federal debt at graduation is $16,878 and $12,250.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of Utah or BYU?
BYU does: 66.3% of University of Utah students graduate within six years, against 80.8% at BYU.
How big are University of Utah and BYU?
University of Utah has 27,264 students in Salt Lake City, UT and BYU has 32,952 students in Provo, UT.