University of Utah admits approximately 87.2% of applicants, meaning roughly 9 in 10 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places University of Utah in the Open Access category, indicating broad educational opportunity for prospective students. The peer median admission rate of 78.1% shows that University of Utah maintains higher accessibility than typical four-year institutions, with an admission rate 9.1 percentage points above similar schools. This level of accessibility means that students with a wide range of academic backgrounds can gain admission, though the university maintains high academic standards as evidenced by strong test score performance. University of Utah's open access approach supports its mission as a public research university serving diverse student populations. For most applicants with solid academic preparation, University of Utah represents an accessible option that delivers strong post-graduation outcomes. Students should focus on demonstrating academic readiness and alignment with their chosen program rather than viewing admission as highly competitive. The combination of open access admission with strong outcomes makes University of Utah an attractive option for students seeking both accessibility and quality education.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at University of Utah demonstrate strong academic preparation, with SAT scores typically ranging from 1180 to 1398 and a median of 1231. The middle 50% of enrolled students fall within this range, though students with scores outside this range are regularly admitted. SAT Math scores range from 590 to 700, while SAT Verbal scores span 590 to 698, indicating balanced strength across both sections. ACT scores range from 22 to 29 with a median of 26, providing multiple pathways for students to demonstrate academic readiness. University of Utah's test score profile exceeds peer institutions by 33 SAT points and 1 ACT point, reflecting the university's ability to attract well-prepared students despite maintaining open access admission. These scores rank at the 95th percentile nationally for both SAT and ACT performance, demonstrating excellent academic quality among enrolled students. Students scoring below the 25th percentile ranges should expect additional scrutiny of other application components but are not automatically excluded from consideration. If your scores fall within the middle 50% ranges, you are academically competitive for admission and should focus on other application elements. Students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with this range when building their college list, though University of Utah's high acceptance rate provides opportunity for students across a broad spectrum of academic preparation.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
University of Utah enrolls a diverse student body with 20.1% receiving Pell grants, indicating students from lower-income families, and 29.4% representing first-generation college students. While these shares are moderate compared to community colleges or regional public universities, they demonstrate the university's commitment to serving students from varied economic backgrounds. The 22.5% transfer student enrollment indicates significant opportunity for students beginning their higher education journey elsewhere. This composition suggests University of Utah values both traditional high school graduates and non-traditional pathways to higher education. The university serves students from different geographic regions, economic circumstances, and educational backgrounds, creating a diverse learning environment. Students from lower-income families should note that approximately 1 in 5 enrolled students share their background, providing peer support and institutional experience serving similar populations. First-generation students should consider the substantial 29.4% representation when assessing fit and available support systems. Transfer applicants should recognize the meaningful transfer enrollment, though admission requirements and credit transfer policies may vary by program and previous institution attended.
Given University of Utah's 87.2% acceptance rate, most academically prepared students can expect admission. However, students seeking alternative options or different program strengths have several compelling choices.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
University of Utah demonstrates solid retention and completion outcomes, with 85.4% of freshmen returning for sophomore year and 63.9% graduating within six years. The retention rate matches the peer median of 83.7%, while the completion rate falls slightly below the peer median of 65.9%. Pell-eligible students graduate at 57.9%, creating a 6.0 percentage point gap compared to the overall completion rate. This gap is moderate and suggests room for improvement in supporting lower-income students through degree completion. The retention rate indicates that most students who enroll find University of Utah to be a good academic and social fit during their first year. Students who gain admission can expect institutional support for degree completion, though success ultimately depends on individual effort, program choice, and engagement with available resources. Lower-income students should weigh the 6-point Pell gap when considering this institution, while recognizing that nearly 6 in 10 Pell recipients do complete their degrees. Prospective students should view these completion rates as indicators of the academic environment and support systems they'll experience, with strong first-year retention suggesting effective transition programming.
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