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Brigham Young University

Provo, UT

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

32,221
Total Students
$6K
Tuition (In-State)
$6K
Tuition (Out-State)
$14K
Avg Net Price
69%
Acceptance Rate
82%
Graduation Rate
6-year
89%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Brigham Young University

BYU: A leading private research university with a global outlook and strong values.

Brigham Young University stands as a distinguished private research institution nestled in Provo, Utah, and serves as the flagship university of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Church Educational System. BYU offers a truly distinctive educational experience, seamlessly blending rigorous academics with a commitment to faith and service. This unique environment attracts a globally-minded student body eager to learn and contribute.

The university's rich history began on October 16, 1875, when religious leader Brigham Young founded Brigham Young Academy with a vision for an education free from "pernicious atheistic influences." Evolving from an academy to a full university in 1903, BYU has grown into a major institution, establishing its iconic campus and fostering a strong sense of community and shared purpose, symbolized by the famous "Y" etched into the mountain overlooking Provo.

Academically, BYU is recognized as an "R1: Doctoral University – Very high research spending and doctorate production," offering a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs across 11 colleges and schools. These span vital fields such as liberal arts, engineering, management, physical and mathematical sciences, nursing, music, and law. The university's global perspective is truly remarkable: nearly 50% of its students have lived outside the United States, 65% speak a second language, and 63 languages are regularly taught.

Life at BYU is defined by an Honor Code, aligning student conduct with the teachings of the LDS Church and fostering a supportive community grounded in shared values. Beyond academics, the BYU Cougars command a strong presence in NCAA Division I athletics, competing in the Big 12 Conference, and boasting an impressive record of 14 NCAA and 26 non-NCAA championships. Prospective students and families will find an institution dedicated to developing well-rounded individuals prepared for global leadership and service.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Flagship private research university of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
  • ✦Founded October 16, 1875, by religious leader Brigham Young.
  • ✦Classified as an "R1: Doctoral University – Very high research spending and doctorate production."
  • ✦Boasts a $3.71 billion endowment (Fiscal Year 2025) and a student body of 37,205 (Fall 2025).
  • ✦Culturally rich: Nearly 50% of students have lived abroad, 65% speak a second language, and 63 languages are taught.
  • ✦Home to the NCAA Division I BYU Cougars (Big 12 Conference), with 14 NCAA championships.
  • ✦Main 560-acre campus in Provo, Utah, complemented by satellite campuses in Jerusalem, Salt Lake City, Washington D.C., and London.

Timeline

1862
Warren Dusenberry starts a school in Provo, a precursor to BYU.
1875
October 16: Brigham Young deeds property, formally establishing Brigham Young Academy.
1876
January 3: Classes officially commence at Brigham Young Academy.
1896
July 18: The school is officially absorbed and sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
1903
Brigham Young Academy is dissolved and replaced by Brigham Young University.
1904
BYU acquires 17 acres of land in Provo known as "Temple Hill," for its new campus.
1909
Construction begins on the Karl G. Maeser Memorial, the first building on the current campus.

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Brigham Young University

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Law

BYU offers programs in Law as part of its comprehensive academic offerings.

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