6 Best Colleges and Universities Near Salt Lake City, UT

Salt Lake City is home to beautiful gardens and aquariums, a fantastic zoo, and the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere.

The most populous city in the state of Utah is also home to several top institutions of higher education.

If you want to earn a bachelor's degree or pursue an advanced degree without leaving the area, there are plenty of great colleges near Salt Lake City, Utah to choose from.

Featured Colleges in Salt Lake City, UT

This list of features some of the best colleges near Salt Lake City, Utah.

1. Westminster University

Westminster University in Salt Lake City has received high marks for its academics, affordability, and much more.

The university is ranked among the best schools in its region and is considered the top school in the area for academic and financial value.

Westminster also ranks well in nursing and is considered a top school for veterans.

Students enrolled at Westminster can choose from dozens of undergraduate and graduate degrees in areas like business, math, technology, science, and education.

2. University of Utah

At the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, students can choose from undergraduate programs in areas of study like education, health, science, nursing, and engineering.

At the graduate level, the university offers degrees in architecture, business, dentistry, education, fine arts, law, and much more.

The university is highly ranked among public universities across the nation and has been considered the best school in Utah.

The University of Utah is also ranked in subjects like biology, mathematics, and chemistry.

3. Utah State University

Utah State University is located in Logan, Utah, which is about one hour and 20 minutes north of Salt Lake City.

However, the university has a Salt Lake campus with more than 100 degrees, certificates, and programs.

Undergraduate degrees are offered in agribusiness, marketing, history, special education, and more. MBAs, MPHs, and MHRs are among graduate degrees.

The university has been ranked one of the best national universities and public universities as well as a top school for social mobility.

4. Weber State University

Weber State University is located in Ogden, Utah, which is about a 35-mile drive north of Salt Lake City.

The university is one of the best colleges near Salt Lake City, Utah with high nationwide rankings as a top online college, top regional university, and top public school.

Weber State has also earned high marks for its support of military members.

Students can choose from more than 100 undergraduate majors and 20 graduate degree programs.

5. Utah Valley University

In Orem, Utah, students can find Utah Valley University, a school that has recently boasted one of the nation's highest enrollments.

Orem, which is about 40 minutes from Salt Lake City, is a part of the Salt Lake City-Provo-Orem, Utah Combined Statistical Area.

Utah Valley is deemed a top regional university and public school and has earned high marks for its engineering and nursing programs.

Degree offerings include accounting, statistics, biotechnology, cybersecurity, and education.

6. Brigham Young University

At Brigham Young University, students can take courses at the main Provo, Utah campus or at Salt Lake Center in Salt Lake City, the latter of which helps enrollees fulfill general education requirements.

Provo, Utah is a part of the Salt Lake City-Provo-Orem, Utah Combined Statistical Area.

Brigham Young University is regarded as one of the nation's top universities with high marks for social mobility and salary impact.

Programs are available in business, nursing, engineering, education, international studies, and more.

Other Great Colleges Near Salt Lake City, UT

Explore additional colleges in or near Utah that are a bit further from Salt Lake City.

Snow College

Snow College is located in Ephraim, Utah, which is about one hour and 50 minutes from Salt Lake City.

The institution is regarded as one of the top educational institutions in the nation in the areas of affordability, high graduate rates, and student support.

Enrollees can choose from degree programs in business, technical education, fine arts, communication, mathematics, natural sciences, and social and behavioral science.

Programs include agribusiness, zoology, ACHR/HVAC, farm and ranch management, diesel mechanics, and economics.

Brigham Young University - Idaho

Brigham Young University - Idaho delivers more than 120 undergraduate degree programs in business, communication, agriculture, physical and life sciences, engineering, and more.

Students can choose from programs in agribusiness, art education, biology, cloud computing, economics, food science, and illustration.

The university is ranked among the best colleges in the region and has top programs in engineering and nursing.

BYU - Idaho is located in Rexburg, Idaho, which is about three and a half hours from Salt Lake City.

Southern Utah University

At Southern Utah University, students can take advantage of more than 150 undergraduate degrees and more than 30 graduate and certificate programs.

Areas of study include education, human development, health sciences, engineering natural sciences, business, and social sciences.

The university has been ranked among the best regional universities in Utah and is also a top public school in the West.

Southern Utah University is located in Cedar City, Utah, which is three and a half hours from Salt Lake City.

Utah Tech University

Saint George, Utah, which is about four hours from Salt Lake City, is home to Utah Tech University.

This school is ranked among the best schools in the region, has earned high marks in social mobility, and is noted for offering a top nursing program.

Colleges within the university prepare students for careers or advanced education in health sciences, engineering, education, business, and the arts.

Programs include bioinformatics, computer science, digital film, finance, marketing, nursing, Spanish, and theatre.

What Is the Biggest School Near Salt Lake City, Utah?

The largest school within Salt Lake City is the University of Utah, which had nearly 35,000 undergraduate and graduate students, as of 2023.

The largest school within the Salt Lake City-Provo-Orem, Utah Combined Statistical Area is Utah Valley University with more than 43,000 students, as of 2022.

Brigham Young University followed with more than 35,000 students enrolled in 2023.

Weber State University also has a large enrollment with more than 30,000 attending in 2023.

How To Choose the Right College Near Salt Lake City, Utah

When reviewing colleges near Salt Lake City, Utah, you want to narrow down your list to schools that align with your academic and professional goals.

First, be sure to explore program offerings at the schools you're considering. Do they provide an undergraduate or graduate program in your preferred area of study?

Next, look at the cost of attending each school to ensure you're prepared to cover all costs whether paying out of pocket or via financial aid.

If you plan to commute, make sure you have appropriate transportation options. Or, if you plan to live on campus, explore their living accommodations.

Also, be sure to check out each school's support services like tutoring, career services, and counseling to make sure you get adequate help navigating your academic journey.

Paying for Your Degree Near Salt Lake City, Utah

If you have selected one of the great colleges near Salt Lake City, Utah but need help with tuition costs, consider these options for paying for your degree:

• Federal financial aid: Grants, student loans, and the Federal Work-Study Program are all forms of federal financial aid that can help reduce your tuition costs.
• Scholarships: These financial awards are designed to reduce or fully cover school costs. They are usually granted to students based on grades, talent, or other criteria.
• Military aid: If you are a servicemember or veteran, consider applying for military scholarships and grants. Also, look into the GI Bill and your school's tuition reduction programs.
• Employer reimbursement: Companies often deliver programs that reimburse some of their workers' tuition costs after completing a course or semester.

Learn about more ways to pay for your degree by contacting your bursar or financial aid office.

Start Your Degree Near Salt Lake City, Utah Today

Reviewing these colleges near Salt Lake City, Utah can help you determine which schools in your area match your educational goals and have the resources necessary to prepare you for your dream career.