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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: Pioneering academics and Olympic spirit since 1850.

Nestled in the vibrant landscape of Salt Lake City, the University of Utah stands as the state's oldest and most distinguished institution of higher education. Established in 1850 as the University of Deseret, the U has evolved into a public research powerhouse, earning the prestigious "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" classification. It's not just a university; it's a dynamic hub of discovery, innovation, and community, serving as the flagship institution of the Utah System of Higher Education.

The U's rich history is marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a commitment to progress. From its early days to its permanent home on former Fort Douglas land, the university has continuously expanded its reach and influence. A pivotal moment arrived in 2002 when the campus transformed into the Olympic Village for the Winter Olympics, hosting athletes and ceremonies alike, leaving a legacy of world-class facilities and a truly unique student experience.

Academically, the University of Utah is a beacon of excellence. As a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), it attracts top-tier talent and secures substantial research funding, investing $723.7 million in research and development in FY 2023. Prospective students will find robust programs in critical fields like computer science and medicine, alongside highly respected professional schools such as the S.J. Quinney College of Law and Utah's first School of Medicine. With a diverse student body of over 36,000, the U fosters an environment where innovation thrives and students are encouraged to imagine, then do.

Beyond academics, life at the U is vibrant. Students cheer on the Utes in NCAA Division I athletics, enjoy a midsize city campus spanning 1,534 acres, and benefit from a comprehensive health care system that includes four hospitals and numerous clinics. The university's global footprint is also growing, with an Asia Campus in South Korea, offering unique opportunities for international study and collaboration. Joining the U means becoming part of a community with a proud history and an even brighter future.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Utah's oldest and flagship institution, established as the University of Deseret in 1850.
  • ✦Classified as an "R1: Doctoral University – Very high research activity" by the Carnegie Classification.
  • ✦A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU) since 2019.
  • ✦Received $723.7 million in research and development funding in FY 2023, ranking 47th nationally.
  • ✦Home to 36,881 students (fall 2024), including a robust graduate program with Utah's first medical school and the S.J. Quinney College of Law.
  • ✦Proudly hosted the Olympic Village and opening/closing ceremonies for the 2002 Winter Olympics.
  • ✦Its community includes four Nobel Prize winners, three Turing Award winners, and 22 Rhodes Scholars among its affiliates.

Timeline

1850
Established as the University of Deseret.
1853
University closed temporarily due to lack of funds.
1867
University began to be re-established.
1892
Name officially changed to the University of Utah.
1900
Moved permanently to its current location on former Fort Douglas land.
1915
Experienced an academic freedom controversy.
2002
Hosted the Olympic Village and ceremonies for the Winter Olympics.
2014
Opened the University of Utah Asia Campus in South Korea.
2019
Named a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU).

Schools & Colleges

2 notable schools within University of Utah

⚖️

S.J. Quinney College of Law

A distinguished professional school offering comprehensive legal education.

🏥

School of Medicine

Utah's first medical school, providing in-depth medical training and research opportunities.

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