Explore alternatives based on outcomes, location, cost, and admission difficulty
Given BYU's 69% acceptance rate and exceptional test score requirements, even academically strong students should consider backup options. The alternatives below offer similar career outcomes with different admission profiles.
These schools offer higher acceptance rates while delivering comparable career outcomes.
For similar outcomes with higher acceptance rates, consider University of Utah (87% acceptance, $67,170 median earnings) just 37 miles from BYU. University of the Pacific in California admits 95% of applicants while producing graduates earning $78,445. University of Washington-Bothell admits 92% of applicants with graduates earning $78,466, though at higher net cost.
Strong options in the same region with comparable academic profiles.
Students preferring to stay in Utah should consider University of Utah (87% acceptance, $67,170 earnings) 37 miles away with lower net costs. Westminster University (69% acceptance, $66,215 earnings) offers similar selectivity 35 miles from BYU but at significantly higher net price. For regional options, Seattle University provides nearly identical earnings ($75,272) with similar institutional culture.
Schools with comparable admission profiles — useful for building a balanced list.
Other moderately selective options include Westminster University (68.8% acceptance, $66,215 earnings) nearby in Utah. Rutgers University-New Brunswick (65% acceptance, $74,479 earnings) offers similar selectivity with comparable outcomes but higher net costs. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (77% acceptance, $69,020 earnings) provides similar academic environment with broader geographic diversity.
Elite universities with similar prestige and academic caliber
