Best Online Colleges in Utah

Serving nearly 30,000 students each year through a rich array of high-quality programs, the University of Utah tops our ranking of the best online schools in the state. Fully asynchronous courses at the university allow students to learn on their own schedule. Distance learners can earn either a bachelor's or master's degree in fields such as biomedical informatics, business administration, electrical and computer engineering, and nursing. All students at the U, regardless of how they study, enjoy free access to online tutoring in a wide variety of subject areas. The university also provides personalized writing and research assistance, 24/7 technical support, and career and mental health counseling services. In addition, student success advocates can help learners hone study and time management skills and connect students to additional resources available at the university. To apply to an undergraduate program, prospective learners must submit high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. Admission requirements vary across graduate programs, though most require a bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0 GPA.

Western Governors University was founded in 1997 to meet the unique needs of online learners. Today, the university offers dozens of fully online and accredited degrees, preparing graduates for diverse careers in business, teaching, information technology, and healthcare. Online programs at WGU are competency-based, which means students can advance through their coursework as soon as they demonstrate mastery of core concepts and skills. This self-paced style of learning -- combined with the university's generous credit transfer policies -- allow students to earn their degree faster. In addition, programs begin once every month, giving learners the flexibility to schedule their learning around busy periods at home or work. Undergraduate applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, though WGU does not require ACT or SAT scores. Some bachelor's programs, however, may require incoming students to take a collegiate readiness assessment. Applicants who do not pass this exam may need to enroll in a developmental writing course prior to entering a program.

Westminster College administers four online programs: a four-year bachelor's in business administration, a bachelor's completion program for registered nurses, and master's degrees in business administration and strategic communication. The college pairs all of its online students with a faculty mentor who helps them select courses, identify experiential learning opportunities, and explore various career paths. Online learning at Westminster is competency-based, and students must complete a series of projects to graduate. Business administration undergraduates, for example, may develop a business plan, deal with hypothetical ethical dilemmas, and conduct a financial analysis of an existing company. Because students work independently on these projects, they can move through their required sequence at their own pace. Applying to the business administration bachelor's program requires a high school diploma, a personal essay, and one letter of recommendation. Nursing students must hold an associate degree and a current license. Graduate applicants need a bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0 GPA.

Online students at Southern Utah University can pursue associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in disciplines such as accounting, cybersecurity and information assurance, elementary education, and public administration. All online programs at the university feature fully asynchronous coursework, and dedicated personal advisors help answer questions and direct online learners to a host of support services. The university's Finish Line Scholarship covers up to 100% of the cost of in-state tuition for four semesters and is open to both online and on-campus students. To qualify for this award, learners cannot have attended SUU within the past year and must be working toward their first bachelor's degree. Renewing the scholarship requires maintaining at least a 2.0 GPA. Undergraduate admission requires a high school diploma or GED. Applicants under the age of 24 must also submit ACT or SAT scores. Along with a bachelor's degree and entrance exam scores, some graduate programs at SUU may require several years of relevant professional experience.

Since launching its first online course in 1997, Utah State University has expanded its online offerings to include more than 500 individual courses and 33 unique degrees and certificates. Online programs of study at the university allow students to explore subjects such as agricultural science, communicative disorders and deaf education, public health nutrition, and rehabilitation counseling. Undergraduates at USU can further customize their learning by earning one of 20 fully online minors in fields such as applied economics, landscape architecture, and school library media administration. An additional seven online certificate and professional endorsement programs help working professionals develop new skills or qualify for licensure without interrupting their career. Applying to an associate or bachelor's program at the university requires high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and a letter of recommendation from a teacher or school counselor. Graduate applicants must have a bachelor's degree and typically need to take either the GRE or GMAT.