Private Colleges and Universities in Utah

Utah is home to several distinguished private colleges and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs, unique environments, and a commitment to education within the state. These institutions provide students with opportunities for personalized learning experiences, a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs, and campus communities that emphasize values, innovation, and leadership.

1. Brigham Young University (BYU)

History and Overview

  • Founded: 1875
  • Location: Provo, Utah
  • Affiliation: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church)
  • Student Population: Approximately 33,000 undergraduate students and 3,000 graduate students
  • Motto: “Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve”

Brigham Young University (BYU) is the largest private university in Utah and one of the most well-known in the United States. Founded by the LDS Church, BYU has a strong religious foundation, with its mission centered around helping students achieve academic and spiritual growth.

Academic Excellence

BYU offers a wide range of programs, with a particular emphasis on business, engineering, law, and the performing arts. The university is known for its Marriott School of Business, J. Reuben Clark Law School, and Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering.

Campus Life

BYU’s campus life is centered around both academic and spiritual activities. The Honor Code, which is rooted in LDS principles, governs student behavior, promoting integrity, modesty, and sobriety. The university offers a wide array of extracurricular activities including student organizations, music ensembles, and sports teams.

Notable Features

  • Affordable Tuition: Despite being a private institution, BYU offers lower tuition rates, heavily subsidized by the LDS Church.
  • Strong Athletic Program: BYU’s athletic teams, particularly in football and basketball, are nationally recognized.
  • Study Abroad: BYU is known for its extensive study abroad programs, giving students opportunities to gain global perspectives.

2. Westminster University

History and Overview

  • Founded: 1875
  • Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Affiliation: Non-denominational
  • Student Population: Approximately 2,200 undergraduate and graduate students
  • Motto: “Pro Veritate et Lux” (For Truth and Light)

Westminster University is a small, private liberal arts institution located in Salt Lake City. It is well known for its intimate classroom environments, where students receive personalized attention from faculty. The school fosters critical thinking, creativity, and communication.

Academic Excellence

Westminster offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as arts and sciences, business, education, nursing, and health sciences. Its Bill and Vieve Gore School of Business and School of Nursing and Health Sciences are particularly notable.

Campus Life

The campus is known for its tight-knit community where students participate in clubs, organizations, and athletics. It offers numerous opportunities for community engagement and social responsibility through volunteer programs and local partnerships.

Notable Features

  • Sustainability Initiatives: Westminster University has a strong focus on environmental sustainability, with many campus programs dedicated to green living and environmental responsibility.
  • Diverse Student Body: Westminster prides itself on having a diverse and inclusive campus, with students from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures.
  • Outdoor Leadership Program: Taking advantage of its proximity to the mountains, Westminster has a robust outdoor program, offering students opportunities to explore Utah’s natural landscapes.

3. Western Governors University (WGU)

History and Overview

  • Founded: 1997
  • Location: Online, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Affiliation: Non-profit, competency-based
  • Student Population: Over 100,000 students (across the U.S.)
  • Motto: “A New Kind of U”

Western Governors University (WGU) is an entirely online, competency-based institution that caters to students looking for flexible learning options. It is one of the largest online universities in the United States and was founded by 19 U.S. governors, including Utah’s then-governor Michael Leavitt.

Academic Excellence

WGU offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in four main colleges:

  • College of Business
  • Teachers College
  • College of Information Technology
  • College of Health Professions

The university is particularly well-known for its affordable, flexible education model and competency-based learning, where students progress based on their mastery of skills rather than time spent in a classroom.

Campus Life

Since WGU is an online institution, there is no physical campus life, but students have access to online learning communities, career services, and mentorship programs. The university emphasizes self-directed learning and personal accountability.

Notable Features

  • Competency-Based Education: Students advance through their degrees by demonstrating their knowledge in real-world skills.
  • Affordability: WGU is known for its low tuition, offering students an affordable path to higher education.
  • Work-Life Balance: Designed for working adults, WGU’s model allows students to learn at their own pace and balance school with other commitments.

4. Neumont College of Computer Science

History and Overview

  • Founded: 2003
  • Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Affiliation: Private, for-profit
  • Student Population: Approximately 500 students
  • Motto: “Graduate A Year Ahead”

Neumont College of Computer Science is a small, technology-focused institution that offers hands-on learning in the fields of computer science and software development. The college is known for its accelerated programs that allow students to complete their degrees in less time than traditional universities.

Academic Excellence

Neumont offers bachelor’s degrees in fields such as computer science, software and game development, technology management, and information systems. The school prides itself on providing a project-based learning environment that simulates real-world tech environments.

Campus Life

Neumont’s campus life centers around technology and innovation, with students participating in coding competitions, hackathons, and group projects. The small student body fosters a collaborative and tight-knit community.

Notable Features

  • Accelerated Programs: Neumont’s programs are designed to allow students to complete their degrees in less than three years.
  • Industry Partnerships: The school has strong ties to major tech companies, and students often secure internships and employment with companies like Microsoft, IBM, and EA Games.
  • Project-Based Learning: Every aspect of the curriculum is designed around hands-on, real-world projects to prepare students for immediate entry into the tech industry.

5. Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP)

History and Overview

  • Founded: 1998
  • Location: Provo, Utah
  • Affiliation: Private, graduate-only institution
  • Student Population: Approximately 2,000 students
  • Motto: “Advance Healthcare, Advance Yourself”

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) is a specialized, graduate-only university focused on healthcare education. It offers a range of advanced degrees and certifications in fields such as physical therapy, nursing, occupational therapy, and healthcare administration.

Academic Excellence

RMUoHP is known for its rigorous healthcare programs, particularly its Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs. The university places a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and research, preparing students to become leaders in their respective fields.

Campus Life

As a graduate-only institution, RMUoHP’s campus life is more academically focused, with students participating in research projects, clinical placements, and professional development activities. There is a strong sense of collaboration among students and faculty, with a shared mission of advancing healthcare.

Notable Features

  • Healthcare Specialization: RMUoHP is solely focused on healthcare education, making it a leader in the field.
  • Hybrid Learning: Many programs are offered in a hybrid format, combining online coursework with in-person clinical practice.
  • Cutting-Edge Research: The university places a strong emphasis on research, with students and faculty conducting studies that influence healthcare practice nationwide.

6. LDS Business College (Ensign College)

History and Overview

  • Founded: 1886
  • Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Affiliation: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
  • Student Population: Approximately 2,000 students
  • Motto: “Learn. Lead. Launch.”

Ensign College (formerly LDS Business College) offers a variety of associate degrees and certificates with a focus on business, technology, and professional development. The college is known for its flexible, skills-based education and strong alignment with LDS values.

Academic Excellence

The college offers programs in areas such as accounting, business management, software engineering, health professions, and digital marketing. Ensign College emphasizes career-focused education, preparing students to enter the workforce directly after graduation or continue their education elsewhere.

Campus Life

As a small, LDS-affiliated institution, Ensign College has a unique community atmosphere. Students are involved in service projects, internships, and leadership development programs. The Honor Code, similar to that of BYU, governs campus life.

Notable Features

  • Skills-Based Education: Ensign College focuses on providing practical skills that can be immediately applied in the workforce.
  • Workplace Preparation: Students receive significant career services support, including resume building, interview preparation, and internship placements.
  • Small Class Sizes: The college’s small size allows for personalized attention and mentorship from faculty.

7. Provo College

History and Overview

  • Founded: 1984
  • Location: Provo, Utah
  • Affiliation: Private, for-profit
  • Student Population: Approximately 500 students
  • Motto: “Career Training for Today’s Jobs”

Provo College is a for-profit institution offering career-focused education in the fields of healthcare, business, and law enforcement. The college is known for its vocational training programs designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce.

Academic Excellence

Provo College offers associate degrees and diplomas in fields such as nursing, medical assisting, criminal justice, and business management. The curriculum is centered around hands-on training and career preparation.

Campus Life

Provo College focuses on providing students with opportunities to gain real-world experience through clinical placements, internships, and externships. Campus life is centered around professional development, with a focus on helping students launch their careers.

Notable Features

  • Career Services: The college provides extensive support to help students find employment after graduation.
  • Flexible Schedules: Provo College offers flexible class schedules, including evening and online options for working students.
  • Healthcare Focus: The school is particularly well-regarded for its healthcare programs, including nursing and medical assisting.