Southern Utah University vs. Utah

Comparable Facts

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

University of Utah is larger than Southern Utah University based on total student enrollment (36,894 students vs. 15,444 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Utah University is located in Cedar City, UT (Remote Town setting); University of Utah is in Salt Lake City, UT (Midsize City setting).
• Southern Utah University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Utah is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Utah University 22:1; University of Utah 19:1.

Southern Utah University vs. Utah Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Utah University or Utah? 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 Utah ($11,840 vs. $16,583).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Utah University are 30.6% lower than at University of Utah ($9,236 vs. $13,315).
• University of Utah is 38.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Utah University (about $2,658 more per year; $9,620.00 vs. $6,962.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 45.6% higher at Utah than at Southern Utah University (about $9,668 more per year; $30,860.00 vs. $21,192.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Utah University than at University of Utah (94% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Utah students is 30.3% larger than aid received by Southern Utah University students ($12,744 vs. $9,779).

Southern Utah University vs. Utah Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Southern Utah University or Utah? 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 Utah and Southern Utah University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Utah (1290) is 150 points higher than at Southern Utah University (1140).
• Incoming Utah students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at Southern Utah University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Utah University 1030/1240; University of Utah 1190/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Utah University 20/26; University of Utah 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Utah University - Test-free; Utah - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southern Utah University Sep 8, 2026; Utah Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Utah students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.64) than students at Southern Utah University (3.58).
• Utah has a higher acceptance rate (86%) than Southern Utah University (81.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.7% at Southern Utah University vs. 26% at Utah.

Southern Utah University vs. Utah Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern Utah University and Utah? 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).

• University of Utah's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Southern Utah University's (35%).
• Graduates from University of Utah earn a median of about $18,000 more per year than Southern Utah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,300 vs. $43,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Utah University graduates have a $2,425 lower median loan debt than Utah graduates ($12,575 vs. $15,000).
• Among borrowers, Southern Utah University graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Utah graduates ($130 vs. $155).
• More Utah graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Utah University students, three years after graduation. (72% 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.