The University of Utah is a public research university in Salt Lake City known for its pioneering video game design program and growing technology startup culture. Its proximity to world-class ski resorts and national parks, combined with strong programs in computer science and health sciences, creates a distinctive student experience.
Mascot: Ute
Notable Alumni
Ed Catmull (co-founder of Pixar)•John Warnock (co-founder of Adobe)•J. Willard Marriott (founder of Marriott Hotels)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Campus Experience
Utah is a fascinating cultural split — the campus houses both a significant LDS (Mormon) population and a growing non-LDS contingent, creating two somewhat parallel social worlds with different norms around drinking, dating, and weekend activities. The MUSS student section brings genuine intensity to football and basketball games, and the proximity to world-class skiing means weekend culture often involves the mountains rather than parties. Greek life is small and doesn't drive the social scene.
Perched on a bench above Salt Lake City with sweeping Wasatch Mountain views that are genuinely spectacular. The campus architecture itself is a mixed bag of eras and styles.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
The University of Utah Department of Public Safety provides 24/7 patrols, a public safety dashboard, and campus-wide emergency alerts. Vehicle-related crimes have decreased significantly.
The campus sits in the foothills east of downtown Salt Lake City, in Federal Heights — consistently ranked among the city's safest areas.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Weekdays at 11am and 2:30pm during the academic year (by appointment only). Honors tours on Mondays at 9am and Fridays at 2:30pm.
Duration: ~90 minutes for walking tour led by a University Ambassador
Contact campusvisits@utah.edu or call 801-581-8761 for scheduling. 'Choose the U' admitted student events in spring. Virtual and on-demand tours also available.
Book a TourSelf-guided campus tour registration available online. On-demand virtual tour for remote exploration anytime.
Tour ResourcesSeptember-October for mild temps and Wasatch Mountain fall colors. March-April is also good with spring energy. Avoid December-February if you don't like cold (though skiers will love proximity to world-class resorts 30 min away). Football Saturdays at Rice-Eccles are electric but parking is tough.
MobilePay visitor lots throughout campus ($2/half hour, $40 max). Scan QR code on lot entry sign or text P-Code to 25023. TRAX light rail Red Line stops at multiple campus stations — Rice-Eccles is 15-minute walk from admissions. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is 20 minutes west. UTA bus and TRAX provide excellent public transit access.
Location
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