Brigham Young University vs Southern Utah University
Brigham Young University is moderately selective with a 69.2% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Southern Utah University (80.5%). Graduates of Brigham Young University earn $25,494 more per year at the 10-year mark ($75,790 vs $50,296). For families earning $48k–$75k, Southern Utah University is more affordable at $11,243 net price vs $12,374. Students at Brigham Young University graduate with less debt ($11,069 vs $12,500).
Admissions & Outcomes
Brigham Young University has a higher yield rate (79.7%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Provo, UT
Cedar City, UT
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Southern Utah University is more affordable at $7,156 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $20,042 vs $15,580.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Brigham Young University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (32%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Brigham Young University
- 1 Computer Engineering$87,604
- 2 Computer Science$83,848
- 3 Computer and Information Sciences, General$76,460
- 4 Chemical Engineering$76,460
- 5 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$71,351
Southern Utah University
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$53,108
- 2 Computer Science$52,107
- 3 Engineering Technology, General$51,273
- 4 Economics$47,952
- 5 Computer and Information Sciences, General$47,260
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Brigham Young University
- 1 Research and Experimental Psychology
- 2 Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- 3 Finance and Financial Management Services
- 4 Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- 5 Accounting and Related Services
Southern Utah University
- 1 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- 2 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 3 Biology, General
- 4 Psychology, General
- 5 Accounting and Related Services
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Brigham Young University
- International students3%
- Tuition (international)$5,970
- Est. total cost/year$13,778
- School typePublic
Southern Utah University
- International students5%
- Tuition (international)$19,822
- Est. total cost/year$27,960
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Brigham Young University or Southern Utah University?
Brigham Young University is more selective with a 69.2% acceptance rate, compared to 80.5%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Brigham Young University or Southern Utah University?
Brigham Young University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $75,790 compared to $50,296. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Brigham Young University or Southern Utah University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Southern Utah University has a lower net price at $11,243 per year vs $12,374. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Brigham Young University vs Southern Utah University?
Brigham Young University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 82.2%, compared to 59.0%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Brigham Young University or Southern Utah University?
Southern Utah University has a larger international student population at 5% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Brigham Young University and Southern Utah University?
At Brigham Young University, Computer Engineering graduates earn a median of $87,604 within two years. At Southern Utah University, the top-earning major is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $53,108. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.