University of Utah vs BYU

Comparison of University of Utah and Brigham Young University

Subject Strength

Both Brigham Young University (BYU) and University of Utah (U of U) are strong in business and computer science. The U of U's David Eccles School of Business is ranked #40 (tie) in Best Business Schools (graduate-level), with an elite entrepreneurship program ranks #8 overall and #5 among public schools in 2025, whereas BYU's Marriott School of Business is ranked #38 (tie) among graduate business schools, outstanding in accounting (#3). For computer science, Ranked #54 (tie) for graduate Computer Science by U.S. News, just ahead of BYU's Ranked around #99 for graduate Computer Science. Those pursuing medical or research fields might like the U of U for its on-campus hospital and is an R1 Research institution with a School of Medicine, while BYU is better for accounting and management.

General Information

The University of Utah, established in 1850, is a public R1 research university with 35,260 students, 8,905 of whom are graduate students, on a 1,534-acre campus in Salt Lake City. BYU, established in 1875, is a private institution sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with 35,074 students, 2,853 of whom are graduate students, on a 560-acre campus in Provo. The U of U student body is diverse with 10% international students, whereas BYU's has a majority of LDS students to create a faith-based community.

Acceptance Rate

The University of Utah has a higher rate of acceptance at 87.2% (SAT ~1285, GPA ~3.68) than BYU's 69.2%, making the U of U more welcoming. The U of U needs an average SAT of ~1285 and GPA of 3.68, whereas BYU's is an average SAT of 1290–1440 and GPA of 3.90. Application fees at the U of U are $55 and at BYU are $35. International students will appreciate the U of U's higher acceptance rate and lower GPA standards.

Location Facts

The U of U campus in Salt Lake City provides an urban environment within walking distance of cultural, tech, and outdoor recreation opportunities in the Wasatch Mountains. BYU's Provo campus is a more subdued, family-oriented college town environment 45 miles south of Salt Lake City with a view of Mount Timpanogos. Both have dynamic student lives, but Salt Lake City's urban environment provides greater professional networking. 

Hostel Fees

The University of Utah on-campus housing fees vary from $8,500-$12,000 annually, while off-campus facilities average $900-$1,400/month. BYU is less expensive, at $7,200-$9,720 yearly, due to its lower cost of living in Provo. 

Salary Package and Recruitment Process

University of Utah alumni have a median starting salary of $61,300 with good hiring in healthcare and technology from its medical school and location near Salt Lake City's industry center. BYU alumni have a higher median of $69,100, especially in accounting and tech within three months. 

Infrastructure

Over million books are housed in the U of U's Marriott Library and support state-of-the-art research facilities, such as the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine. BYU's #1-ranked Harold B. Lee Library houses 8.5 million items on 98 miles of shelf space. The U of U's expanded campus features enhanced medical and research facilities, whereas BYU's facilities reflect a well-maintained faith-based environment for learning.