Explore alternatives based on outcomes, location, cost, and admission difficulty
Given Utah State University's 93.6% acceptance rate, admission is accessible for most qualified applicants. However, students seeking different options may benefit from exploring alternatives that offer different academic environments, stronger outcomes, or better geographic fit.
Strong options in the same region with comparable academic profiles.
Students preferring to remain in the Mountain West region should consider Western Oregon University, which admits 98.7% of applicants while producing graduates earning $51,815—nearly identical to Utah State University's $54,022. Located 613 miles away in Oregon, Western Oregon offers similar program focus with even more accessible admission. The University of Montana-Western admits 99.5% of applicants and sits just 243 miles away in Montana, though graduates earn $43,229—about 20% less than Utah State University.
Same region with nearly identical earnings and similar program focus; same institution type
Schools with comparable admission profiles — useful for building a balanced list.
For students seeking similar admission accessibility, the University of Utah admits 87.2% of applicants and produces significantly stronger earnings of $67,170—24% higher than Utah State University—at nearly identical net cost. Located just 68 miles away, it offers more competitive academics within Utah. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania admits 94.8% of applicants with nearly identical earnings of $53,775, though at higher net cost. Trinity Christian College in Illinois admits 88.6% with slightly higher earnings of $55,700.
Stronger graduate earnings at comparable price points.
Similar career outcomes at significantly lower cost.
Elite universities with similar prestige and academic caliber