Southern Utah University vs University of Utah
Southern Utah University is moderately selective with a 80.5% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than University of Utah (87.2%). Graduates of University of Utah earn $16,874 more per year at the 10-year mark ($67,170 vs $50,296). For families earning $48k–$75k, Southern Utah University is more affordable at $11,243 net price vs $12,398. Students at Southern Utah University graduate with less debt ($12,500 vs $19,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
University of Utah has a higher yield rate (27.7%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Cedar City, UT
Salt Lake City, UT
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Southern Utah University is more affordable at $7,156 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $15,580 vs $17,278.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Southern Utah University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (24%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Southern Utah University
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$53,108
- 2 Computer Science$52,107
- 3 Engineering Technology, General$51,273
- 4 Economics$47,952
- 5 Computer and Information Sciences, General$47,260
University of Utah
- 1 Computer Science$74,307
- 2 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$66,821
- 3 Chemical Engineering$65,894
- 4 Finance and Financial Management Services$64,493
- 5 Information Science/Studies$62,409
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Southern Utah University
- 1 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- 2 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 3 Biology, General
- 4 Psychology, General
- 5 Accounting and Related Services
University of Utah
- 1 Research and Experimental Psychology
- 2 Communication and Media Studies
- 3 Biology, General
- 4 Computer Science
- 5 Economics
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Southern Utah University
- International students5%
- Tuition (international)$19,822
- Est. total cost/year$27,960
- School typePublic
University of Utah
- International students9%
- Tuition (international)$26,017
- Est. total cost/year$37,421
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Southern Utah University or University of Utah?
Southern Utah University is more selective with a 80.5% acceptance rate, compared to 87.2%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Southern Utah University or University of Utah?
University of Utah graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $67,170 compared to $50,296. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Southern Utah University or University of Utah?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Southern Utah University has a lower net price at $11,243 per year vs $12,398. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Southern Utah University vs University of Utah?
University of Utah has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 63.9%, compared to 59.0%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Southern Utah University or University of Utah?
University of Utah has a larger international student population at 9% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Southern Utah University and University of Utah?
At Southern Utah University, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates earn a median of $53,108 within two years. At University of Utah, the top-earning major is Computer Science at $74,307. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.