<h4 id="section---Pros"> Pros</h4> <ul><li>Ranked 15th in best value by <i>U.S. News and World Report</i> </li><li>Total cost is $21,383 lower than the national average for a 4-year private not-for-profit university </li><li>Room and board cost is $2,115 lower than the national average </li><li>Student debt following graduation is $12,340 lower than the national average </li><li>High number of academic programs </li></ul><h4 id="section---Cons"> Cons</h4> <ul><li>Student-faculty ratio is higher than the national average </li><li>High number of TAs teaching classes </li></ul><h3 id="section---AboutBrighamYoungUniversity"> About Brigham Young University</h3> <p>The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported that BYU's undergraduates paid total costs of $16,588 in 2011-12. This figure was for students living on campus and is much lower than the national average of $37,971 for students living on campus at private schools during that time period. In addition, <i>U.S. News and World Report</i> found that BYU's 2011 graduating class had average debts of $14,320, while their counterparts across the nation had average debts of $26,660. </p> <p>One drawback to attending BYU is the high number of TAs teaching classes, with about 34.5% of the instructional posts held by TAs, the NCES reported. That's coupled with a student-to-faculty ration of 21:1, which is higher than the 16:1 ratio typically seen at U.S. colleges. </p> <p>With its lower-than-average costs and high number of programs, you can expect a wide variety of options for the cost of tuition. U.S. News and World Report rank the school's undergraduate accounting program third in the country. The school is also categorized as a research university, and it offers study abroad programs and distance learning opportunities. </p> <h2 id="section---GettingInFinancialAidAtBrighamYoungUniversity"> Getting In &amp; Financial Aid at Brigham Young University</h2> <p>Brigham Young University has a 63% acceptance rate, which is about the national average. Applicants are not required to be Mormons; however, they are required to agree to the follow the honor code of the church and submit an endorsement from an ecclesiastical leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). By February 1st, you must submit a $35 application fee, standardized test scores and a personal essay along with your application. Applicants are evaluated on their service, leadership, academic record and seminary attendance. The school accepts advanced placement and dual credit. </p> <p>Although both are less than the national average, tuition costs for LDS members are different than tuition costs for non-LDS members. You may submit your financial aid application prior to April 15th to become eligible for loans, grants and work-study opportunities. You must submit an additional application for scholarships. Among full-time undergraduate students, 41.5% receive some sort of need-based financial aid. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th> Application and Tuition Info </th><th /></tr> <tr><td><i>Regular Application Deadline (2013)</i> </td><td> 1 Feb**</td></tr> <tr><td><i>Financial Aid Application Deadline (2012)</i> </td><td> 15 April***</td></tr> <tr><td><i>Notification of Acceptance (2012)</i> </td><td> 28 Feb***</td></tr> <tr><td><i>Application Fee (2011-2012)</i> </td><td> $35 *</td></tr> <tr><td><i>Acceptance Rate (2011)</i> </td><td> 63%*</td></tr> <tr><td><i>All Tuition &amp; Living Expenses (2011-2012)</i> </td><td> $16,588*</td></tr> <tr><td><i>Average Financial Aid Package (2011)</i> </td><td> $5,825**</td></tr> <tr><td><i>Percent of Students with All Need Met (2011)</i> </td><td> 3.3**</td></tr> <tr><td><i>Average Student Debt at Graduation (2011)</i> </td><td> $14,320**</td></tr> <tr><td><i>Student Loan Default Rate (2009)</i> </td><td> 0.9%*</td></tr> </table><h2 id="section---LifeAtBrighamYoungUniversity">Life at Brigham Young University</h2> <p>Brigham Young University is located minutes from Provo Municipal Airport as well as downtown Provo. The school administration expects students and faculty to adhere to school policies based on the philosophies of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which includes abstinence from alcohol and tobacco use as well as profanity. Consequently, the vast majority of the student body is affiliated with the church. The student body is almost split down the middle according to sex, with 49.1% of the student body being female. In addition, more than 80% of the student body is of nonminority ethnic origin. </p> <p>BYU is an NCAA Division I university. You can join one of four extramural sports programs or one of 30 intramural programs. The school has over 250 groups and clubs, and most students live off campus. Student services include academic and career counseling service, employment services, and placement services for completers. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Student Life Info </th><th /></tr> <tr><td><i>Campus Setting</i> </td><td> Midsize city</td></tr> <tr><td><i>Student Population (2011)</i> </td><td> 34,101 (30,684 undergraduate)*</td></tr> <tr><td><i>Male-to-Female Student Ratio (2011)</i> </td><td> 49% to 51%*</td></tr> <tr><td><i>% of Full Time Students (2011)</i> </td><td> 91%*</td></tr> <tr><td><i>% of In-state Students (2011)</i> </td><td> 31%*</td></tr> <tr><td><i>% of International Students (2011)</i> </td><td> 3%*</td></tr> <tr><td><i>Retention Rate (2011)</i> </td><td> 87%*</td></tr> <tr><td><i>Campus Housing Available</i> </td><td> Yes</td></tr> <tr><td><i>% of Students Living on Campus</i> </td><td> 19%*</td></tr> <tr><td><i>Number of Libraries</i> </td><td> Two****</td></tr> <tr><td><i>Extracurricular Activities</i> </td><td> 265**</td></tr> <tr><td><i>Noteworthy</i> </td><td> The school has four museums on campus***</td></tr> </table><p><i>Article Sources: *NCES College Navigator, **U.S. News &amp; World Report, ***College Board, ****Brigham Young University.</i> </p> <h3 id="section---SchoolContactInformation"> School Contact Information</h3> <ul><li><i>Address:</i> CES Admissions, A-41 ASB, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602 </li><li><i>Phone:</i> (801) 422-4636</li></ul>