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University of Utah vs Western Governors University

University of Utah is a public university in Salt Lake City, UT. Western Governors University is a private university in Salt Lake City, UT. University of Utah admits about 86% of applicants and Western Governors University about 100%, making University of Utah the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $12,548 a year at Western Governors University after aid, and about $16,200 at University of Utah. About 64% of students graduate at University of Utah, compared with 48% at Western Governors University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Utah alumni earn a median of about $67,170, against $60,615 for Western Governors University.

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University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT · Public

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, UT · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake City, UT
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
27,264
155,088
Acceptance rate
86%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
1190–1380
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
22–29
Not reported
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,200
$12,548
Full cost / yr
$25,557
$16,728
In-state tuition
$9,620
$8,658
Out-of-state tuition
$30,860
$8,658
Application fee
$55
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,123
$12,064
$30k - $48k
$13,424
$12,436
$48k - $75k
$14,246
$12,578
$75k - $110k
$17,663
$14,824
Over $110k
$21,533
$12,734
Outcomes
Graduation rate
64%
48%
Freshman retention
86%
65%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$55,239
$69,572
Median earnings (10 yr)
$67,170
$60,615
Median debt at graduation
$19,000
$11,116
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
39%
First-generation students
29%
47%
International students
5%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Dec 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Apr 1
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is University of Utah or Western Governors University harder to get into?
University of Utah is harder to get into. It admits about 86% of applicants, compared with 100% at Western Governors University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Utah or Western Governors University?
Western Governors University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,548 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $16,200 at University of Utah. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at University of Utah and Western Governors University?
Before aid, Western Governors University costs about $16,728 a year and University of Utah about $25,557. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, University of Utah or Western Governors University?
Western Governors University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,064 there, against about $13,123 at University of Utah. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Utah or Western Governors University?
Western Governors University is the larger of the two, with about 155,088 undergraduates against 27,264 at University of Utah.
Does University of Utah or Western Governors University have a better graduation rate?
University of Utah has the higher graduation rate, at about 64% against 48% at Western Governors University.
Do graduates of University of Utah or Western Governors University earn more?
University of Utah alumni earn more on average: a median of about $67,170 ten years after enrolling, against about $60,615 for Western Governors University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Utah and Western Governors University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Utah considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Western Governors University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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