University of Utah logo

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

26,041
Total Students
$9K
Tuition (In-State)
$30K
Tuition (Out-State)
$13K
Avg Net Price
87%
Acceptance Rate
64%
Graduation Rate
6-year
85%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification

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

About University of Utah

Utah's flagship research powerhouse, blending historic legacy with groundbreaking innovation.

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Salt Lake City, the University of Utah stands as the state's oldest and flagship institution of higher education, a public research powerhouse with a rich history dating back to 1850. As an R1: Doctoral University with "very high research activity" and a proud member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), the U of U is a hub for innovation, contributing significantly to advancements in fields from computer science to medicine. With an impressive $723.7 million in research and development funding in fiscal year 2023, it ranks among the nation's top institutions for discovery and innovation.

From its establishment as the University of Deseret to its strategic move to the scenic Fort Douglas land, the University of Utah has consistently adapted and grown. Its campus transformed into the Olympic Village for the 2002 Winter Olympics, showcasing its capacity for global events and leaving a legacy of enhanced facilities. This blend of historical significance and forward-looking vision creates a dynamic environment for learning and discovery, attracting a diverse student body and world-class faculty.

Prospective students will find a comprehensive academic experience, whether pursuing graduate studies in the S.J. Quinney College of Law or Utah's first School of Medicine, or exploring a vast array of undergraduate programs. With a fall 2024 enrollment of 36,881 students, the U of U offers a vibrant campus life, supported by competitive NCAA Division I athletics as the Utes, now a proud member of the Big 12 Conference. The university's impact extends far beyond campus, boasting an impressive list of alumni including four Nobel Prize winners, three Turing Award winners, and twenty-two Rhodes Scholars, inspiring current students to imagine, then do.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1850 as the University of Deseret, it is Utah's oldest institution of higher education.
  • Designated an R1: Doctoral University – Very high research activity, and a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU).
  • Received $723.7 million in research and development funding in FY 2023, ranking 47th nationally.
  • Boasts an endowment of $2.07 billion as of FY 2025.
  • Hosted the Olympic Village and opening/closing ceremonies for the 2002 Winter Olympics.
  • Alumni and faculty include four Nobel Prize winners, three Turing Award winners, and twenty-two Rhodes Scholars.
  • Home to 36,881 students (Fall 2024), competing in NCAA Division I athletics as the Utes in the Big 12 Conference.

Timeline

1850
Established as the University of Deseret by the General Assembly of the provisional State of Deseret.
1853
University closed due to lack of funds and feeder schools.
1867
Began to be re-established under David O. Calder and John R. Park.
1892
Name officially changed to the University of Utah.
1900
Moved permanently to its current location on former Fort Douglas land; Dr. John R. Park bequeathed his entire fortune.
1915
Experienced an academic freedom controversy involving faculty dismissals and resignations.
2002
Hosted the Olympic Village and opening/closing ceremonies for the Winter Olympics.
2014
Opened the University of Utah Asia Campus in Incheon, South Korea.
2015
Helped open the Ensign College of Public Health in Kpong, Ghana.
2019
Named a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU).

Schools & Colleges

3 notable schools within University of Utah

⚖️

S.J. Quinney College of Law

A distinguished graduate program in law, part of the university's comprehensive graduate studies.

🏥

School of Medicine

Utah's first medical school, offering advanced studies in medicine as part of the university's graduate programs.

🏛️

Ensign College of Public Health

A college in Kpong, Ghana, which the University of Utah helped open in 2015.

Find Scholarships at University of Utah

Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.

Start Your Free Search