BYU vs. Southern Utah University

Comparable Facts

Compare Brigham Young University in Provo, UT with Southern Utah University in Cedar City, UT on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Brigham Young University is larger than Southern Utah University based on total student enrollment (35,873 students vs. 15,444 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brigham Young University is located in Provo, UT (Midsize City setting); Southern Utah University is in Cedar City, UT (Remote Town setting).
• Brigham Young University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Utah University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brigham Young University 21:1; Southern Utah University 22:1.

BYU vs. Southern Utah University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BYU or Southern Utah University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Southern Utah University than BYU ($11,840 vs. $16,694).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Utah University are 11.2% lower than at Brigham Young University ($9,236 vs. $10,396).
• Southern Utah University is 4.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than BYU (about $274 more per year; $6,962.00 vs. $6,688.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 216.9% higher at Southern Utah University than at Brigham Young University (about $14,504 more per year; $21,192.00 vs. $6,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Utah University than at Brigham Young University (94% vs. 51%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Utah University students is 60.6% larger than aid received by Brigham Young University students ($9,779 vs. $6,088).

BYU vs. Southern Utah University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BYU or Southern Utah University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Southern Utah University and BYU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Brigham Young University (1370) is 230 points higher than at Southern Utah University (1140).
• Incoming BYU students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 23 at Southern Utah University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brigham Young University 1270/1460; Southern Utah University 1030/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brigham Young University 28/32; Southern Utah University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BYU - Test optional; Southern Utah University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: BYU Dec 16, 2026; Southern Utah University Sep 8, 2026.
• Accepted freshman BYU students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Southern Utah University (3.58).
• Southern Utah University has a higher acceptance rate (81.8%) than BYU (67.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 77.5% at BYU vs. 13.7% at Southern Utah University.

BYU vs. Southern Utah University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BYU and Southern Utah University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Brigham Young University's six-year graduation rate (78%) is higher than Southern Utah University's (35%).
• Graduates from Brigham Young University earn a median of about $25,800 more per year than Southern Utah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($69,100 vs. $43,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Brigham Young University graduates have a $1,575 lower median loan debt than Southern Utah University graduates ($11,000 vs. $12,575).
• Among borrowers, BYU graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Utah University graduates ($113 vs. $130).
• More BYU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Utah University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 69%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.