University of Utah vs Utah State University

University of Utah vs Utah State University

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

Both Utah State University and the University of Utah are public research universities within Utah, with the University of Utah having a stronger international and national academic standing. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, University of Utah is approximately 540th, while Utah State University ranks 1001–1200th. Utah is ranked #240 nationally by U.S. News & World Report, with Utah State ranking approximately #500.

In discipline areas, University of Utah stands out in Medicine, Engineering, Business Analytics, Law, and Computer Science, with multiple programs ranking among the top 250 worldwide. Utah State University is specifically prominent in many fields, including Agricultural Sciences, Education, Mechanical Engineering, and Veterinary Medicine, with a focus on applied research and local development. Utah's urban environment and medical research facilities provide an advantage in terms of innovation, data analytics, and data science, while Utah State's land-grant mission promotes community-oriented education and research.

General Information

The University of Utah, which was established in 1850, is situated in Salt Lake City, a midurban center. It has a student body of around 35,260, out of which 26,827 are undergraduates. The Utah State University, which was founded in 1888, is situated in Logan, a small college town, and has an overall enrollment of around 28,063, out of which 25,048 are undergraduates3.

Utah provides a big, research-based campus with exposure to healthcare networks and tech sectors. Utah State offers a compact, nature-based campus with heavy connections to agriculture, education, and rural studies.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Both universities have open admissions. University of Utah has an acceptance rate of about 87.2%, and Utah State University has a slightly lower one at 94%. Utah students generally have SAT scores of 1180–1398 and ACT scores of 22–29, while Utah State's admitted students have averages of 1060–1300 SAT and 20–28 ACT.

Both universities are test-optional and place high value on GPA, rigor of coursework, and extracurricular activities. Utah draws more competitive students for its STEM and health schools, while Utah State provides wider access to its campuses throughout the state.

Research Impact & Facilities

University of Utah is an R1 research university with more than $600 million in yearly research funding, including such prominent projects as the FORGE geothermal project and development of HIV-preventative drugs. It is home to the University of Utah Health System, Eccles Broadcast Center, and Research Park, facilitating advanced work in medicine, engineering, and public policy.

Utah State University is also an R1 university, with $495 million in sponsored programs and more than 50 research institutes, such as the Space Dynamics Lab and ASPIRE transportation initiative4. It excels in agricultural innovation, environmental science, and veterinary medicine and has healthy federal and industry partnerships.

Cost & Financial Aid

Both schools are inexpensive public schools. In-state tuition at University of Utah is approximately $8,175, while out-of-state tuition is $28,697. In-state tuition at Utah State is slightly more at $8,310, but out-of-state tuition is less at $23,884.

Utah has a lower average net price ($13,341) than Utah State ($15,825), although 93% of Utah State students have grant aid, compared to 73% at Utah. Utah provides higher average grants ($12,148) than Utah State ($9,272), which is more generous for students who qualify.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

University of Utah alumni make a median salary of $61,300 within ten years after graduation, with excellent placement in healthcare, engineering, law, and technology fields. Its network of alumni is comprised of physicians, business leaders, and public servants, enabled by strong employer connections and career services5.

Alumni of Utah State University make a median salary of $48,600, with the strongest majors in education, agriculture, engineering, and business6. Alumni include astronauts for NASA, Nobel winners, and successful entrepreneurs such as one of the founders of Crumbl Cookies and Utah's current governor. Career services consist of job fairs, internships, and one-on-one counseling, with more than 180 employers visiting campus each year to recruit.