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Brigham Young University

Provo, UT

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Wikipedia
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

Brigham Young University: Where faith, global perspective, and top-tier research unite.

Brigham Young University, a distinguished private research institution nestled in Provo, Utah, stands as the flagship university of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Church Educational System. Founded in 1875 by the visionary religious leader Brigham Young, the university was established with a unique purpose: to provide a robust education infused with spiritual values, free from what Young termed "pernicious atheistic influences." Today, BYU is recognized among "R1: Doctoral Universities" for its very high research spending and doctorate production, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence.

The university offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs spanning liberal arts, engineering, agriculture, management, physical and mathematical sciences, nursing, music, and law, organized into 11 colleges and schools. A defining aspect of the BYU experience is its deeply rooted religious affiliation; nearly all students are members of the LDS Church and adhere to a unique honor code that guides behavior, academic integrity, and personal conduct in line with church teachings. This commitment extends to a required curriculum in LDS religious education for all undergraduates.

BYU cultivates a remarkably global student body, largely due to the church's emphasis on missionary service. Nearly half of its students have lived abroad, and an impressive 65% speak a second language, with the university regularly teaching 63 different languages. Beyond academics and spiritual development, BYU is also a powerhouse in collegiate athletics. Its teams, known as the BYU Cougars, compete in NCAA Division I as part of the Big 12 Conference, boasting a proud history of 14 NCAA championships. This blend of faith, rigorous academics, global perspective, and competitive spirit defines the vibrant Brigham Young University community.

Key Highlights

  • Flagship university of The Church Educational System (CES) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
  • Classified as "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research spending and doctorate production."
  • Operating with an endowment of $3.71 billion (FY 2025).
  • Home to 37,205 students (fall 2025), including 34,224 undergraduates.
  • Almost 50% of students have lived outside the United States, and 65% speak a second language.
  • Offers instruction in 63 languages regularly.
  • NCAA Division I athletics, competing in the Big 12 Conference, with 14 NCAA championships.

Timeline

1862
Warren Dusenberry started a Provo school, an early precursor to BYU.
1875
On October 16, Brigham Young deeded property, formally establishing Brigham Young Academy.
1876
Classes at Brigham Young Academy commenced on January 3.
1896
The school became officially sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
1903
Brigham Young Academy was dissolved and replaced by Brigham Young University and Brigham Young High School.
1904
BYU acquired 17 acres of land in Provo, known as "Temple Hill," for its new campus.
1909
Construction began on the Karl G. Maeser Memorial, the first building on BYU's current campus.

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