University of Utah
Utah County, United States
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States
Founded
1850
Institution Type
Public Research University
Total Students
36,800+
Acceptance Rate
87%
Discover the University of Utah: History & Overview
Discover the University of Utah: History & Overview
Founded on February 28, 1850, the University of Utah is the oldest public university west of the Missouri River. Originally chartered as the University of Deseret by the General Assembly of the provisional State of Deseret, the institution was renamed the University of Utah in 1892 and relocated to its current campus on the east bench of the Salt Lake Valley in 1900.
Today, the University of Utah is the flagship institution of the Utah System of Higher Education and is classified as an R1 Doctoral University with very high research activity. It is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU) and received USD 723.7 million in research and development funding in fiscal year 2023, ranking 47th nationally.
The university organizes its 150 academic departments and programs into 17 colleges and schools, serving over 36,800 students from all 50 states and 108 countries. Its health care system includes four hospitals, the renowned Huntsman Cancer Institute, and twelve community clinics, making it one of only 12 institutions in the country co-locating a comprehensive research university with an academic medical center.
Key Milestones
- 1850: Founded as the University of Deseret, the first state university west of the Missouri River
- 1892: Renamed the University of Utah and began planning relocation to the east bench campus
- 1969: Became one of the original four nodes of ARPANET, the precursor to the modern Internet
- 1982: World's first permanent artificial heart transplant performed at the university medical center
Academic Structure & Colleges
Academic Structure & Colleges
The University of Utah offers over 100 undergraduate and 90 graduate programs through 17 colleges and schools. Its academic strengths span medicine, engineering, computer science, law, fine arts, and business, with several programs earning national and international recognition.
College of Engineering
Offers comprehensive programs in engineering disciplines with strong ties to Utah's growing tech industry. The college is known for research in biomedical engineering, computing, and mineral engineering.
- Computer Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
School of Medicine
Utah's only accredited allopathic medical school, renowned for groundbreaking contributions to medicine including the first permanent artificial heart transplant and pioneering genetics research.
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Physician Assistant Studies
- Biomedical Informatics
David Eccles School of Business
Recognized for its focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership, the business school offers highly regarded undergraduate and MBA programs with strong industry connections.
- Business Administration (MBA)
- Finance
- Entrepreneurship
S.J. Quinney College of Law
Founded in 1913, the College of Law was the only law school in Utah until the 1970s. It is known for strong programs in environmental law, health law, and legal writing.
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- Environmental & Natural Resources Law
- Health Law
College of Science
Home to cutting-edge research in physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics. The college benefits from the university's unique advantages in population genetics research and the Genetic Science Learning Center.
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics & Astronomy
College of Fine Arts
Features nationally recognized programs in ballet, theatre, film, and visual arts. The Department of Ballet, founded in 1951 by William F. Christensen, is one of the oldest and most reputable university ballet departments in the country.
- Ballet
- Film & Media Arts
- Theatre
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Admissions
- ApplicationCommon Application or University of Utah Application
- High School GPAAverage admitted GPA of 3.66
- Standardized TestsTest-optional (SAT/ACT accepted but not required)
- English ProficiencyTOEFL or IELTS required for non-native English speakers
- Application FeeContact the university for current fee information
Graduate Admissions
- Bachelor's DegreeRequired from an accredited institution
- TranscriptsOfficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
- English ProficiencyTOEFL or IELTS for international applicants
- RecommendationsLetters of recommendation (number varies by program)
- Statement of PurposeRequired for most graduate programs along with a resume/CV
Recommended early deadline for priority scholarship consideration and admission review.
Standard application deadline for fall semester undergraduate admission.
Deadlines vary by department and program. Check the Graduate Admissions page for specific dates.
Deadline for students seeking spring semester enrollment where available.
Tuition & Scholarships at the University of Utah
Tuition & Scholarships at the University of Utah
The University of Utah offers competitive tuition rates compared to peer R1 research universities. Costs differ based on residency status, with Utah residents benefiting from significantly lower tuition. All figures below are for the 2024-2025 academic year and are subject to annual adjustment.
| Expense Category | Utah Resident | Non-Resident / International |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | USD 9,620 | USD 30,860 |
| Books & Supplies | USD 1,240 | USD 1,240 |
| Room & Board (On-Campus) | USD 12,500 | USD 12,500 |
| Other Living Expenses | USD 10,515 | USD 10,515 |
| Total | USD 33,875 | USD 55,115 |
Merit-Based Scholarships
The University of Utah offers a range of merit-based scholarships to incoming freshmen for summer or fall terms, based on academic achievement, leadership, and extracurricular involvement.
- Eligibility: Incoming freshmen with strong academic records
- Award Range: Contact the university for current award amounts
- Deadline: December 1 for priority consideration
Need-Based Financial Aid
Approximately 37% of first-year students receive need-based financial aid. The university participates in federal aid programs including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
- Average Aid Amount: Approximately USD 10,995
- FAFSA Required: Yes, for all need-based aid consideration
- Work-Study: Federal Work-Study positions available on campus
Campus & Facilities
Campus & Facilities
The University of Utah's campus spans over 1,534 acres on the east bench of the Salt Lake Valley, with the dramatic Wasatch Mountains as a backdrop. The campus features over 225 buildings including state-of-the-art research labs, performance venues, museums, and the Red Butte Garden and Arboretum.
The historic heart of campus featuring beautiful architecture and landscaped grounds dating back to the early 1900s.
Home of the Utah Utes football team and the venue for the 2002 Winter Olympics opening and closing ceremonies.
The university's main library housing nearly three million books and extensive digital collections for research and study.
Housing & Dining
On-Campus Housing
The university offers a variety of residence halls and apartment-style living options for undergraduate and graduate students, with over 5,500 students living on campus.
- Traditional residence halls for first-year students
- Apartment-style housing for upperclassmen
- Family and graduate student housing options
Dining Services
Multiple dining venues across campus offer diverse cuisine options, from all-you-can-eat dining halls to specialty cafes and food courts.
- Residence hall dining facilities with flexible meal plans
- Student Union food court with varied options
- Coffee shops and grab-and-go locations throughout campus
Student Life at the University of Utah
Student Life at the University of Utah
Student life at the University of Utah is vibrant and diverse, with more than 400 clubs and organizations available. The campus culture blends academic rigor with outdoor recreation, arts engagement, and a strong sense of community in one of the most dynamic cities in the American West.
Salt Lake City: Your University City
Salt Lake City: Your University City
Life in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is the capital of Utah and a rapidly growing metropolitan area known for its stunning natural beauty, thriving tech economy, and cultural diversity. The city offers students an affordable cost of living compared to many major U.S. cities, combined with easy access to world-class skiing, hiking, and national parks.
Outdoor Recreation
Seven major ski resorts are within an hour's drive, and five national parks are accessible for weekend trips. The Wasatch Mountains provide year-round hiking, climbing, and mountain biking.
Tech & Innovation Hub
Salt Lake City anchors the Silicon Slopes tech corridor, home to companies like Adobe, Qualtrics, and numerous startups, providing abundant internship and career opportunities.
Arts & Culture
The city features the Utah Symphony, Ballet West, Sundance Film Festival screenings, and vibrant gallery districts. Campus attractions include the Utah Museum of Fine Arts and Natural History Museum of Utah.
Transportation & Access
Salt Lake City International Airport offers direct flights to major domestic and international destinations. The TRAX light rail system connects the campus to downtown and the wider metro area.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Top Employers of University of Utah Graduates
Practical Information for Students
Practical Information for Students
For International Students
Provides immigration advising, cultural adjustment support, and programming to help international students thrive at the University of Utah.
Offers intensive English programs and academic English courses for students who need to strengthen their language skills before or during their studies.
Coordinates study abroad programs, international partnerships, and cross-cultural opportunities including the Asia Campus in Incheon, South Korea.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
University of Utah: Worldwide Rankings
University of Utah: Worldwide Rankings
The University of Utah is recognized globally for its research output and academic excellence. As an AAU member and R1 research institution, it consistently appears in major world university rankings across multiple disciplines, with particular strengths in health sciences, engineering, and computer science.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical & Health Sciences | Times Higher Education | #126-150 |
| Mineral & Mining Engineering | QS World Rankings by Subject | #43 |
| Game Design (Undergraduate) | US News & World Report | #2 |
| Medicine (Primary Care) | US News Best Grad Schools | #31 |
Features
The University of Utah fosters student success by preparing students from diverse backgrounds for lives of impact as leaders and citizens. We generate and share new knowledge, discoveries, and innovations, and we engage local and global communities to promote education, health, and quality of life. These contributions, in addition to responsible stewardship of our intellectual, physical, and financial resources, ensure the long-term success and viability of the institution.\n\n
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
December - August
Location
201 Presidents' Cir, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States
Map not found.
Uni4Edu AI Assistant
