Best Online Colleges in Utah
University of Utah President Taylor Randall recently told the Salt Lake Tribune that Utah’s higher education system is the best in the country.
While we can’t guarantee that Utah actually has the best deal for your situtation, Utah’s college tuition rates were lower than the national average in the 2022-23 academic year. Additionally, if you live out of state but want to attend a Utah online college, you may be able to pay the same tuition rates as in-state students.
The best colleges in Utah for online learners focus on students first. Many programs allow you to complete coursework independently throughout the week, providing flexibility to support your schedule.
We’ve ranked the best online colleges in Utah to help you start your college search.
Best Online Colleges in Utah
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Located in Salt Lake City, the state’s largest city, the University of Utah enrolls 35,000 students. In addition to programs offered on its 1,500-acre campus, the public institution ranks as the best online college in Utah.
Choose from majors like economics, nursing, psychology, and social work at Utah. And you’ll pay lower-than-average tuition rates regardless of your state residency. Plus, distance learners qualify for UOnline scholarships to cover the cost of a degree.
- In-State$9,103
- Out-of-state$31,861
- In-State$7,353
- Out-of-state$25,961
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled35,262
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
Westminster College
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
A private institution located in Salt Lake City, Westminster College blends the liberal arts with professional programs. Westminster offers online bachelor’s and master’s programs, including a self-paced bachelor of business administration program.
The degree-completion program draws on your prior knowledge and experience, allowing you to show proficiency in business competencies at your own pace. You’ll take a prior learning assessment to receive credit for your professional experience. Students in the program are eligible for a Fenton Foundation scholarship to help cover costs.
- In-State$39,312
- Out-of-state$39,312
- In-State$16,275
- Out-of-state$16,275
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled1,287
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment20%
- AccreditationYes
Utah State University
- Logan, UT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Founded as an agricultural college in 1888, Utah State University welcomes 27,000 students to its Logan campus each year. Through USU Online, you can also earn a degree in a distance learning format.
The public institution’s online division offers more than 70 programs, so you can find an option that fits your interests and career goals. You can major in agribusiness or journalism or earn an associate degree in criminal justice. At the graduate level, USU offers programs in business, aviation science, technology, and education.
- In-State$7,387
- Out-of-state$23,305
- In-State$6,763
- Out-of-state$23,176
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled28,063
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
Southern Utah University
- Cedar City, UT
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
The most affordable online college in Utah, Southern Utah University, charges a flat tuition rate regardless of residency. The mid-sized public institution enrolls 12,000 students on its Cedar City campus. SUU also offers online degrees in diverse fields like accounting, arts administration, cybersecurity, and education.
SUU’s unique Speedway bachelor of general studies program helps learners complete a bachelor’s degree for just $75 per credit. Online students can also use financial aid and scholarships to pay for their education.
- In-State$6,006
- Out-of-state$19,822
- In-State$7,574
- Out-of-state$23,784
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled15,033
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment58%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Cost of College in Utah
If you’re looking for an affordable college education, consider Utah colleges. Students typically pay lower tuition rates in Utah than the national average, even if they live out of state.
Data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) for the 2022-2023 academic year shows that the average public four-year in-state tuition in Utah was $7,215 — beating the national average of $9,750. The average private university tuition was hardly more expensive at $8,123.
You can sometimes pay less by enrolling in an online program — online learners may be able to avoid certain fees, such as those related to transportation, on-campus dining, or housing.
And some online universities charge a flat tuition rate. For example, the University of Utah offers all online students the same tuition, regardless of where they live.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees |
|---|---|
| Public Four-Year (In-State) | $7,215 |
| Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) | $23,108 |
| Private Four-Year | $8,123 |
| Public Two-Year (In-State) | $4,257 |
| Public Two-Year (Out-of-State) | $13,701 |
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Utah
One of the best online majors to pursue in Utah is computer science. Computer science-related fields like information security analytics and software development are projected to grow much faster than the average occupation in Utah in the coming years. These tech positions also tend to pay well.
To prepare for an in-demand career in Utah, you can earn your degree online. For example, Weber State University offers an online bachelor of science degree in computer science.
| Job | Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) | Annual Mean Wage (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Statisticians | 61.7% | $88,450 |
| Nurse Practitioners | 60.3% | $127,820 |
| Data Scientists | 58.1% | $101,780 |
| Information Security Analysts | 57.6% | $108,540 |
| Museum Technicians and Conservators | 50.0% | $43,940 |
| Software Developers | 47.7% | $121,260 |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | 44.1% | $148,960 |
| Coaches and Scouts | 40.1% | $51,530 |
| Construction Managers | 38.7% | $101,400 |
| Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary | 37.2% | $92,580 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Utah
While Utah schools typically don’t offer an entirely free education, you can qualify for free college tuition if you have an income under a certain threshold. Utah State University, Weber State University, and Westminster University provide free tuition if you qualify.
Utah State offers the Utah State Promise scholarship to all in-state Pell Grant-eligible U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens. This award covers tuition and fees.
If you’re a member of a federally recognized Utah tribal nation, you can also qualify for a tuition waiver from the University of Utah.
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