University of Utah

The University of Utah offers online programs through UOnline, which has the same academic rigor as its on-campus programs. However, UOnline is potentially more affordable because it charges a flat-rate tuition. 

UOnline students also have exclusive access to online student services, such as academic advising, career and professional development, writing assistance, tech support, access to library resources, and exam proctoring.

Employers respect the University of Utah’s online degrees because — as an institution of higher learning — it’s accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). 

OnlineU only includes accredited online schools on its site. 

Receiving accreditation means that a school periodically submits to a thorough review process by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized agency that deems its business practices are sound and its academic programs exhibit high quality. This stamp of approval also means that a school is legitimate and not a “diploma mill,” so you can transfer credits from one school to another.

The University of Utah is known for being a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) and a Tier 1 research university through the Carnegie Foundation in partnership with the American Council on Education (ACE). It received over $680 million in research funding in 2022. The school is also committed to creating an equitable, supportive, and inclusive environment for researchers through a series of programs in development under the Office of the Vice President for Research (VPR).

According to the U.S. Department of Education's data, the University of Utah’s bachelor’s degrees in computer science, electrical engineering, and chemical engineering provide the highest earnings for graduates overall. Alumni earn median annual salaries of approximately $88,700, $84,400, and $73,900, respectively. Although these STEM degrees are available on campus only, the university’s online Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Sustainable Studies may be a viable alternative. 

In addition, the University of Utah ranks #6 for best online bachelor’s degrees in finance and #8 for best online sociology degrees on OnlineU. These rankings are determined by salary score. OnlineU’s proprietary Salary Score ranks colleges by how much their alumni earn compared to graduates with the same degree nationwide. The University of Utah has a bachelor’s degree salary score of 68 out of 100 and a score of 59 for its master’s degrees.

Getting into the University of Utah is not very challenging, as the U.S. Department of Education shows that it accepts 79% of applicants. This is well above the U.S. average which hovers around a 60% acceptance rate. Another aspect that may make it easier for some students to apply is that entrance exams are optional but only for students with high school diplomas applying for standard admissions. These test scores are required for other applicants. 

The University of Utah looks at a blend of academics and student activities when considering enrollment, including the following: 

• The completion of rigorous high school coursework, such as AP/honors classes
• Grade trends 
• Cumulative GPA
• Involvement in extracurricular activities and community engagement

The University of Utah’s admission requirements for first-year undergraduate students are comparable to any institute of higher learning:

• A complete online application 
• A $55 application fee
• Official high school or GED transcripts
• Official college transcripts, if transferring credits
• SAT or ACT scores, if applicable
• Military transcripts, if applicable

While there is no specific minimum GPA requirement, admitted students generally have a 3.46 and 3.93 unweighted GPA.

Applying to college online or in person always requires some planning to ensure applicants have enough time to get what they need and get help if needed. An admission advisor can help prospective students through the process and answer any questions.