University of Utah
The University of Utah is the public flagship and largest research university in the state, set in the Wasatch foothills above Salt Lake City. Admission stays accessible for a major research university, with about 86% of roughly 26,800 applicants admitted, and enrolled first-years carry an average high school GPA near 3.67. Utah residents win admission at the highest rate, but the university draws a national pool: 36% of undergraduates come from out of state. Business and marketing leads degrees conferred at about 14%, with strong programs in computing, the life sciences, and engineering, and low in-state tuition makes it one of the better values among Western public flagships.
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Utah admissions statistics
Acceptance Rate
Overall acceptance rate, plus the in-state and out-of-state admit rates the school reports separately.
Admit rate by residency
% admittedEarly Action
Utah offers non-binding Early Action — an earlier decision with no commitment to enroll.
Standardized Tests
Utah is currently test-optional — you may apply without submitting scores.
SAT Accepted?
ACT Accepted?
Test Optional?
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Admissions Factors
How Utah weighs each part of your application.
Rigor of High School Record
Academic GPA
Standardized Test Scores
Application Essay
Recommendations
Extracurricular Activities
Character / Personal Qualities
Talent / Ability
First Generation
Level of Applicant's Interest
Class Rank
Volunteer Work
Work Experience
Geographical Residence
State Residency
Alumni Relation
Racial / Ethnic Status
Religious Affiliation
Cost of Attendance
Estimated full-time annual cost from Utah's Common Data Set. Only tuition changes with residency.
Out-of-state students pay $24,350 more — entirely in tuition. Room, board, and other costs are identical regardless of residency.
Financial Aid
Need-based aid statistics for full-time first-year students.
Major Distribution
Bachelor's degrees awarded in the past year by academic major.
Student Diversity
Racial and ethnic breakdown of enrolled undergraduate students.
Student-Faculty Ratio
The number of students for every one faculty member, indicating the average level of access students have to instructional staff.
Campus Life
On-campus housing and Greek life participation rates.
Enrollment by Gender
Since some students did not report gender, totals may not fully reflect the student body.
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Frequently asked questions about Utah admissions
Is it hard to get into the University of Utah?＋
No, the University of Utah is moderately selective and admits about 86% of applicants, drawing roughly 26,800 applications and enrolling around 6,000 first-year students. Strong grades in a rigorous course load carry the most weight, since the rigor of your high school record and your academic GPA are the only two factors rated very important in Utah's review.
What are my chances of getting into the University of Utah from out of state?＋
Out-of-state applicants are admitted at a strong rate, just slightly below Utah residents. For Fall 2024 the university admitted 88.2% of in-state applicants and 84.5% of out-of-state applicants, so the residency gap is small. Out-of-state students make up 36% of undergraduates, so non-residents enroll in large numbers despite the higher tuition.
What GPA do you need to get into the University of Utah?＋
Aim for a high-B average or better: enrolled first-years averaged a 3.67 high school GPA, and 97% submitted a GPA. There is no hard cutoff, but academic GPA and the rigor of your course load are the two factors Utah weighs as very important, so strong grades in challenging classes matter most.
Is the University of Utah test-optional?＋
Yes, the University of Utah is test-optional, so you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Among enrolled first-years who submitted, the middle 50% scored 1200–1370 on the SAT and 22–29 on the ACT. Only 10% submitted SAT scores and 38% submitted ACT scores, and when sent, test scores are weighed as a considered factor rather than a required one.
Is a 1300 SAT good enough for the University of Utah?＋
Yes, a 1300 is a competitive SAT score for the University of Utah. It lands above the median: the middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 1200–1370, with a 50th-percentile mark of 1290, so a 1300 sits comfortably in the upper half of submitted scores.
How much does the University of Utah cost in-state vs. out-of-state?＋
Annual tuition and required fees run about $10,848 for Utah residents and $35,198 for out-of-state students, keeping the in-state price among the lower flagship rates in the West. Roughly 36% of first-years receive need-based grant aid, with an average need-based scholarship or grant near $13,241, and Utah meets about 54% of demonstrated need on average.
What are the most popular majors at the University of Utah?＋
Business and marketing leads at about 14% of bachelor's degrees, followed closely by the social sciences at 13% and the biological and life sciences at 10%. Computing and psychology each account for about 9%, and engineering adds another 8%, giving Utah broad strength across STEM, business, and the liberal arts.
Does the application essay matter at the University of Utah?＋
Yes, the University of Utah reads the application essay as part of a holistic review, where it is rated a considered factor alongside recommendations, activities, and test scores. Grades and course rigor drive the decision, but with so many applicants clearing the academic bar, a specific, well-revised essay helps your file stand out.
Source: University of Utah Common Data Set 2024-2025. Figures transcribed 2026-06-10. Esslo aggregates publicly reported data and is not affiliated with Utah. Banner photo by InSapphoWeTrust, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0).