Utah residents are proud of their heritage, but they can also be proud of their literacy. Utah ranks sixth in the nation in the percentage of residents who have received a high school degree. Plus, 24 percent of Utahns have four-year college degrees and higher.

Utah's average class size is large when compared to other states, yet excellent results are achieved. In fact, nearly half of the state's budget is spent on public education.

Utah has 40 public school districts, 55 private/parochial schools, nine public colleges and universities and ten private institutions of higher education. Of these, three are major research universities and two have law schools. Learn more about the individual school districts that comprise the Salt Lake Valley: Full listing of school districts in Utah




Higher Education

Utah has nine public universities and colleges and several private institutions including Brigham Young University, LDS Business College and Westminster College. Neumont University is the most recent to open their doors and they specialize in software engineering.

is a private school located in Provo nex to the mountains. The university is well known for its computer science program. BYU is also recognized for its extensive language programs, talented performing arts ensembles, outstanding sports programs and the devotion to combining scholarship with religious principles. Also, researchers with BYU and the University of Utah connections have founded WordPerfect, Novell and other software firms. BYU brought in just under $17 million in outside research grants in 1997.


is located in Price. It is a two-year junior college and students can achieve an Associate of Arts and Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Arts, or a certificate of completion in others areas. In addition many of the programs transfer to four-year colleges and universities. The location is prime for recreational opportunities located in eastern Utah such as San Rafael Swell, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, fishing, hiking, rafting and much more.


is in the heart of Utah’s south, St. George. In 2000, Dixie was granted four-year Baccalaureate status due to the growth of attendance at the school. It grew from approximately 2,500 students in 1990 to approximately 7,000 students in 2000. Part of the school’s appeal is the warmer weather set in the heart of the red rock of southern Utah. The sports programs at the college have been ranked in the nation since the 1980’s and it has strong academic programs in the Sciences, Arts, Computer Technology, Business Administration and more that attract students of all ages.


operates throughout the Salt Lake Valley and serves more than 60,000 students. SLCC has been named one of the top 100, two-year colleges in various fields including engineering, computer and information sciences, business management and administrative services. There are three full-service campuses, eight teaching centers and an eCampus to accommodate the needs of every student.


is a two-year college founded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1888, originally as an academy. Its main focus is offering academic transfer programs and applied technology programs. The school is located 120 miles south of Salt Lake City in Ephraim, Utah.


is a regional university located in Cedar City, approximately three hours south of Salt Lake City. The Utah Legislature first authorized the school to be a branch of the state’s teacher training in 1897. In 1991 it became an official university. Today, the school offers graduate, baccalaureate, associate and technical programs. Cedar City is famous for its annual Shakespearean Festival held each fall.


The founded in Salt Lake City in 1850, is the oldest university west of the Missouri River. It is ranked as one of the top 50 Comprehensive Research I universities, according to The Carnegie Foundation. The school’s enrollment is approximately 26,000 and it is nationally known for its “technology transfer” program, which moves state-of-the-art research into practical applications in the business world. External funding reached $275.7 million in fiscal year 2006, which was designated for research. 


Evolving from a small, agricultural college, Utah State University, in Logan, Utah is best known nationally for its land and space-related research. The university (23,000) secured $186 million in research revenue last year. It is a unique living-learning community and the oldest and largest public residential campus in Utah. 


Just about an hour south of the capital sits in Orem, Utah, (enrollment 18,174), a four-year institution offering bachelor degrees. However, in 2003 the college searched for a new president and found current President William Sederburg who worked with local and state officials to bring about a university status. On July 1, 2008 the new name will be Utah Valley University and with the change will come a handful of master degrees, a new state of the art library/digital learning center and a wealth of benefits for the community.


To the north of Salt Lake in Ogden is (pronounced Wee-ber) a  publicly supported four-year institution offering professional, liberal arts and technical certificates. Students are offered 215 different certificate and degree programs in various subjects at campuses throughout Ogden, Utah and Davis counties.


(enrollment 2,600) is Utah's only private nondenominational college, which offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. The college prepares its students for success through a foundation of liberal education combined with cutting-edge professional programs. It is located in Salt Lake City in the Sugarhouse area. U.S. News & World Report has named Westminster in the top tier of colleges and universities in the western region for five consecutive years. 


Vocational-technical schools and centers, as well as the state's colleges and universities, provide training programs tailored to fit the specific needs of industries at no cost to the employer. More than 25,000 students enroll in vocational education programs each year, primarily through community college courses. 


For a directory of the state's schools, including public, private, parochial and higher education, contact the State Office of Education (801) 538-7500.

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Updated 07-11-08