Best Online Colleges in Utah (UT): Top Schools in 2024

Utah residents have embraced online education, with nearly half of all students taking classes exclusively online in 2021. The popularity of distance learning isn’t surprising — its flexibility and convenience vs. traditional programs means you can advance your education and career while still handling work, family, and other responsibilities.

And while you could certainly go out-of-state for your online degree, enrolling at an accredited Utah university close to home offers advantages that are hard to pass up. In addition to being eligible for state scholarships and resident tuition rates, staying in-state lets you enjoy in-person support and events plus ensures you’ll meet any state-specific requirements for licensure and certification.

Ready to get started on your search? This guide showcases the best online colleges in Utah and will help you find a program that meets your career goals, study preferences, and schedule. You’ll also find helpful information and resources about what your degree could cost, where to get financial aid, and how to be successful as an online student.

Top Online Colleges in Utah for 2023

The first step is finding a great school, and this guide includes a list of the top online colleges in Utah to help facilitate that search. The schools included here put the needs of students first and stand out in terms of affordable tuition, financial aid opportunities, favorable student-to-faculty ratios, ample student support, effective career placement services, and a large variety of available online degree options. Check out this year’s top-tier schools below.

2 Year Schools 4 Year Schools

1
Utah State University

Logan, Utah

Public $$
Utah State University (USU) knows that each student has unique circumstances that can make it challenging to attend a traditional program, so they offer several programs to bring the experience and benefits of a USU degree to everyone. Whether you’re finishing a bachelor’s degree, reentering the workforce, or pivoting your career, you can have an online education that works for your needs. At USU, you can choose from several bachelor’s and master’s degrees designed to help you achieve your educational and career goals. Even if you’re not located near a physical campus, you’ll have access to the university’s academic resources and support, including peer mentoring, mental wellness resources, and the career design center.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Science in Technology Systems
- Credits: 53
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $6,623/year
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: NWCCU
Master of Natural Resources
- Credits: 33
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $8,417/year
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: NWCCU
Master of Public Health, Veterinary Public Health
- Credits: 42
- Length: 2.5-3 years
- Cost: $7,655/year
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: NWCCU
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

19/1
2
University of Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah

Public $$
At the University of Utah, online and on-campus programs share the same accreditation, professors, and degrees. However, these programs are designed specifically with the challenges of online learning in mind, so students can confidently complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree program from anywhere. For undergraduates, a bachelor’s degree can help kick off a career and pave the way for a fresh opportunity. For students who want to advance professionally, a master’s degree can be an ideal way to take the next steps in their field. All undergraduate and graduate students at UOnline have virtual access to the university’s student services, program advisors, and support staff, who are trained to meet the unique challenges of online education and study.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Science in Family, Community, and Human Development
- Credits: 46
- Length: 1.5 years
- Cost: $260/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: NWCCU
Bachelor of Science in Sociology
- Credits: 48
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $260/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: NWCCU
Master of Business Administration
- Credits: 48
- Length: 24-26 months
- Cost: $1,225/credit
- Mode: Online, with required three-day residency
- Accreditation: AACSB
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

17/1
3
Southern Utah University

Cedar City, Utah

Public $$
Southern Utah University’s (SUU) fully online programs help students sharpen their skills and achieve their unique career goals through up-to-the-moment curriculum content and engaging course instruction. These online programs are ideal for business, music, communication, or nursing students who want to elevate their careers with advanced degrees. Potential paths of study include an RN to BSN program or master’s degrees in several fields of study. Not only do SUU students attend classes and complete assignments online, they immediately connect what they’ve learned to the real world through practical projects and academic research opportunities. These flexible courses can be accessed on demand, allowing students to balance school with their existing schedules and obligations.
Program Highlights:
Master of Music in Music Technology-Performance Technology Emphasis
- Credits: 30
- Length: 1-2 years
- Cost: $430/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: NASM
Master of Arts in Professional Communication
- Credits: 36
- Length: 1-2 years
- Cost: $375/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: NWCCU
Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Credits: 30
- Length:10 months
- Cost: $300/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: CCNE
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

23/1
4
Weber State University

Ogden, Utah

Public $$
Weber State University (WSU) provides online students with multiple options of class formats that accommodate many diverse styles of distance learning. Semester-based classes are coordinated to start and end with the typical WSU on-campus terms, making them well-suited for students who prefer to maintain a traditional pace of study. For students who prefer some on-campus work, hybrid courses offer predominantly online coursework with limited face-to-face meetings. Self-paced students might choose Independent Study Classes, which can be started at your convenience and completed at any time within a six-month window. No matter what students choose, they’ll be free to log in anytime, from any location, to complete coursework. This means WSU students can maintain their everyday lives without compromising on contact with their professors and peers.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Science Medical Laboratory Scientist
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $614.93-$1,577.56/credit
- Mode: Fully online, plus laboratory work
- Accreditation: NAACLS
Master of Criminal Justice
- Credits: 36
- Length: 12-18 months
- Cost: $745.10-$1,803.99/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: NWCCU
Master of Taxation
- Credits: 30
- Length: 1-2 years
- Cost: $928.11-$1,987/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: AACSB
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

21/1
5
Utah Valley University

Orem, Utah

Public $$
Utah Valley University’s (UVU) online degrees were designed to help students balance the demands of work, family, and school. Over 80 percent of UVU students are employed, so the school places a high value on accommodating the busy lives of working students. These online programs give you the flexibility to study on your own terms. Plus, UVU’s remote resources and academic advisors are there to support your individual educational goals. Before online classes begin, all students have access to tutorials that will help them get oriented in the online course software and get set up for online study success. The same experienced full-time faculty and part-time professionals that lead on-campus classes teach these online courses, and students earn the same degree as their on-campus peers.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $188-$330/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: NWCCU
Master of Science in Engineering and Technology Management
- Credits: 30
- Length: 1.5 years
- Cost: $482/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: NWCCU
Master of Public Service
- Credits: 36
- Length: 6 semesters
- Cost: $2,892/semester
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: NWCCU
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

24/1
6
Snow College

Ephraim, Utah

Public $

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

20/1
7
Dixie State University

Saint George, Utah

Public $

Online Programs

3

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

25/1
8
Eagle Gate College-Murray

Murray, Utah

Private for-profit $$$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

19/1
9
Eagle Gate College-Layton

Layton, Utah

Private for-profit $$$$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

40/1

2 Year Schools 4 Year Schools

1
Ensign College

Salt Lake City, Utah

Private not-for-profit $
Degrees are offered from BYU-Idaho and Ensign College completely online through the BYU-Pathway program. The spiritual-based program also provides several resources to support online students throughout their education and ensure that they have what they need to succeed in their studies. The school’s low tuition offers an affordable option for those seeking to further their education, and the school guarantees tuition discounts of 10-50%. The BYU-Pathway program now serves more than 57,000 students annually from more than 180 countries. Your study options include certificates, and associate and bachelor degree programs in concentrations like business, technology, health, family, professional studies and more.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Applied Science, Applied Health
- Credits: 60
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $135/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Bachelor of Applied Science, Applied Technology
- Credits: 120
- Length: 8 semesters
- Cost: $135/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

16/1
2
Salt Lake Community College

Salt Lake City, Utah

Public $
Salt Lake Community College offers more than 200 different courses in 50 academic disciplines — and many of the degrees and certifications can be earned completely online in an innovative, flexible environment. The school offers degrees and certificates in 8 areas of study, ranging from business and computer science, to construction and manufacturing. SLCC’s associate degrees are easily transferrable to four-year universities so you can further your education if you would like. Some of SLCC’s biggest perks include affordable tuition rates and average class sizes. Almost half (48%) of students are awarded financial aid. With average class size of 20 students, you can ensure you are getting the support you need during your studies.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Science, Hospitality Management
- Credits: 62
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $147/credit
- Mode: Varies
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Associate of Applied Science, Nursing
- Credits: 68
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $147/credit
- Mode: Varies
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Associate of Science, Biology
- Credits: 64
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $147/credit
- Mode: Varies
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

18/1

Comparing Online College Learning Modes in Utah

You have a lot of learning mode options for earning your degree online in Utah, and it’s important to select the one that truly meshes with how, when, and where you learn best. Should you choose a fully online format or a hybrid program? Does your learning style work better with an asynchronous or synchronous approach? The following program examples will help you understand the differences, so you can make the best choice for you.

Fully Online vs. Hybrid/Blended

One major distinction when it comes to learning modes is whether a program is fully online or takes a hybrid/blended approach. If a program is fully online, you’ll probably never need to report in person for any aspect of your learning, though a few still require it. However, hybrid and blended programs each always require some degree of in-person interaction. In general, a hybrid model leaves more up to the learner in terms of how much to participate in each mode (i.e., online versus in-person), whereas blended models often require a set amount of each component. To get a clearer picture of the differences between fully online and hybrid/blended programs, check out the Utah program spotlights below.

Master of Science in Sports Conditioning and Performance at Southern Utah University (Blended/Hybrid)

If you have a bachelor’s degree with a major or minor in physical education, exercise science, or sports medicine, a graduate degree in sports conditioning and performance may be a good option for you. SUU’s program will teach you how to design safe and effective exercise and conditioning programs, a skill set used by exercise physiologists, physical therapists, athletic trainers, sports therapists, and strength conditioning coaches. Most of the program content takes place online via Canvas, but there is an on-campus requirement during the summer. Completion of the clinical workshops takes one to two weeks, and the entire component consists of three intensive courses. Online students at SUU are supported through a variety of resources, including online library access, career coaching and planning services, and Canvas technical support.

Bachelor of Science in Emergency Healthcare at Weber State University (Fully Online)

Weber State University’s Bachelor of Science in Emergency Healthcare is designed for current EMS professionals who want to deepen their knowledge and advance their careers. Program content prepares you to enter management or training and development roles by focusing on effective day-to-day EMS operations and giving you practice with delivering instruction to peers. Content is 100% online, and you can choose either a traditional semester or an independent study schedule. The independent study option allows you to finish in six months. Courses are via Canvas, and you’ll have access to 24/7 technical support. Online students can also make use of virtual tutoring services and ePortfolios.

Asynchronous vs. Synchronous

Another important distinction within online college programs in Utah is asynchronous versus synchronous learning. Asynchronous coursework is completed at your own pace within the constraints of assignment deadlines. A synchronous program, on the other hand, requires participation in some scheduled meeting times. Some students prefer the real-time interaction that a synchronous approach offers with its immediate feedback and more chances for social interaction. Asynchronous learning is a great fit for students who like to absorb material independently and construct carefully considered responses. Many online colleges in Utah offer both styles. Two quality examples of each program type are detailed below.

Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Administration at Utah Tech University (Asynchronous)

Utah Tech offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Administration to candidates who already hold an associate of science or associate of applied science in a health science field. The applied science focus of this program means you’ll receive instruction in real-world skills you can apply directly to your chosen career path. It’s ideal for current healthcare professionals who want to advance their careers and increase their earning potential. Although the program takes 15 months, the average completion time is three to four semesters. You can also choose full-time or part-time study. Since content delivery is asynchronous, you won’t have set class meeting times. All content is via Canvas, and you’ll have access to a wide variety of helpful student resources.

Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics at the University of Utah (Synchronous)

Although there are no specific prerequisites to entering the biomedical informatics graduate program at the University of Utah, you’ll be well prepared to enter this course of study if you have a background in computer programming or healthcare-related topics. Graduates with this degree work in a variety of positions, including as health database analysts, biomedical data scientists, health information managers, and more. This program is synchronous, so you’ll attend periodic virtual lab sessions and other scheduled meetings. You’ll also communicate with peers and instructors through email and discussion forums. If you need additional assistance, you can access instructors during office hours online, by phone, or in person on campus. Some classes even hold in-person Q&A sessions. The school also offers many other helpful resources to online students.

Part-Time vs. Full-Time

You’ll also need to decide which enrollment status works best with your schedule. Do you have room in your schedule to attend classes full-time, or should you choose a slower pace by attending part-time? The obvious advantage of attending full-time is completing your degree program more quickly, but this is more difficult if you’re trying to balance school with a full-time job, family, and other commitments. Many Utah colleges offer online programs that allow you to attend part-time to help you more feasibly achieve your educational goals. Check out the program examples below to get a better understanding of how each enrollment status works.

Master of Public Health Nutrition at Utah State University (Part-Time)

The Master of Public Health Nutrition (MPH) program at Utah State prepares students for careers as public health nutritionists, nutritional epidemiologists, public health educators, and more. You’ll learn about methods for quantifying dietary intake and nutritional status, how diet affects disease risk and health outcomes, and design of nutritional programs. If you already hold a degree in nutrition or another science, the MPH can also be used as a stepping stone to dental or medical school. The program is a total of 42 credits, and you can choose a part-time or full-time schedule. Course content is through Canvas, and online students can access resources like academic success coaching, writing support, peer mentoring, and tutoring.

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at Utah Valley University (Full-Time)

Earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice paves the way for a variety of law enforcement careers, such as police officers, fish and wildlife officers, border patrol agents, FBI agents, DEA agents, and much more. The degree is also a great choice if you want to attend law school to become an attorney or judge. This program at Utah Valley University requires 120 credits, and you can complete it asynchronously online through Canvas. To finish in four years, you’ll enroll in about 15 credits per semester. The school provides a degree map with specific details about the course sequence as well as many other helpful references related to the school’s online programs.

High Standards: Accreditation for Online Colleges in Utah

When you’re choosing an online college in Utah, verify its accreditation status. Attending a reputable school with sound accreditation means you’ll receive a high-quality education and be eligible for federal financial aid, transfer credits, and important licenses and certifications. There are two main categories of accreditation: institutional and specialized. Institutional accreditation applies to the entire college or university, while specialized accreditation applies only to specific departments or programs within a school. In Utah, the main institutional accreditation agency is the Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), and as of 2016, all Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) institutions hold this accreditation.

Cost of Online Degree Programs in Utah

The price tag associated with earning your degree online is generally lower than for in-person programs for several reasons. First, online students don’t pay campus housing fees, parking fees, and other facility usage fees. Also, the cost of commuting can be a source of considerable expense for students who attend in person but not for online students. Finally, attending college online within your own state helps you avoid out-of-state tuition rates. Get an idea of the cost of earning your online degree in Utah by looking for tables of tuition and fees or cost estimators on school websites. The table below contains a cost comparison of online colleges versus traditional colleges in Utah to use as a starting point for your research.

School Name	On-Campus In-State	On-Campus Out-of-State	Online In-State	Online Out-of-State
Southern Utah University	$282/credit hour	$933/credit	$300/credit	$300/credit
University of Utah	$1,408/credit	$4,059/credit	$260/credit	$260/credit
Utah State University	$1,014/credit	$2,436/credit	$382/credit	$382/credit
Utah Tech University	$253/credit	$735/credit	$255/credit	$255/credit
Utah Valley University	$451/credit	$1,240/credit	$260/credit	$260/credit

* Costs include tuition and required fees of undergraduate programs.

Utah Financial Aid for Online College Students

Utah makes college more affordable for its residents through a variety of statewide scholarships and aid programs. Its programs help a wide variety of recipients, including adult learners, non-traditional students, and those currently enrolled in college. Check out the list below to get an idea of just how varied these programs are.

The Adult Learner Grant Program provides need-based financial assistance to students who are at least 26 years old and enrolled in an eligible online program in a field of industry need at participating schools.
Utah’s Opportunity Scholarship encourages high school students to complete advanced classes to prepare academically for college. The maximum award amount is set annually, and students must apply during their senior year of high school.
For future educators who plan to teach in the state of Utah, the T.H. Bell Education Scholarship covers tuition, fees, and books for up to four consecutive years.
Based on financial need, the Utah Promise Scholarship covers the cost of attendance for up to two years.
Aimed at helping veterans complete a bachelor’s degree, the Veterans Tuition Gap Program pays tuition, fees, and books at both public and private non-profit institutions in Utah.

Check out this guide to financial aid for even more information on funding your online education in Utah.

High-Demand College-Level Careers in Utah

You know by now that attending college online in Utah is a fantastic choice, but what if you’re still unsure of which course of study to pursue? Start by investigating the most in-demand careers in the state. The careers in the table below are expected to experience the fastest growth in the next decade.

Career	Job Growth (2020-2030)	Annual Mean Wage (2021)
Statisticians	62.9%	$78,360
Data Scientists	62.8%	$79,830
Nurse Practitioners	61.2%	$112,920
Information Security Analysts	59.4%	$100,580
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary	56.8%	$153,060
Software Developers	56.2%	$109,000
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary	52.8%	$91,400
Law Teachers, Postsecondary	50%	$171,690
Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary	50%	$76,750
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary	50%	$75,620

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics; Projections Central

College Resources for Online Students in Utah

Five Tips for Success in Online Classes

This article from Southern Utah University provides detailed examples to illustrate each of its five tips for succeeding in your online studies.

Online Learning Study Tips from Utah State University

This extensive list of tips for online programs contains a ton of great advice, including how to apply what you learn, get help when you need it, set goals, and sharpen your tech skills.

Keys to Success Utah

This college and career readiness tool is for students of all ages. It connects learners to scholarships, internships, and careers, and you can even access its services through a convenient, user-friendly app.

Utah Programs and Majors Guide

This guide explains program types, institution categories, and exploratory tracks to help you choose the college path that is right for you. The search feature helps you locate specifics.

Utahns Against Hunger

This page has many resources aimed at fighting food insecurity among college students, including how to apply for SNAP benefits, tips and rules for using food stamps, and a list of Utah colleges that have food pantries.

Today’s Best Online Colleges in Utah