Enrollment: 30912
Average SAT: 624
Average ACT: 27
Most Popular Majors: Business/Commerce, General,Elementary Education and Teaching,Exercise Physiology,
Regular Application Deadline: 02/01
Student Faculty Ratio: 20:1

Undergraduate Receiving Need-Based Financial Aid: 722
Average Freshman Total Need-Based Gift Aid: $1,770.00

2009 Best Value Colleges – Private
Alternative Lifestyles Not an Alternative
Best College Library
Don't Inhale

Students Say - Academics
Brigham Young University-perhaps you've heard of it? This "largely religious" Utah school gathers a lot of "like-minded individuals" in a beautiful setting, providing them with a "high level of education in which LDS themes may be incorporated" and "high moral standards" all rolled into one. Students here are exceptionally bright and motivated, matching up perfectly with "accessible" professors that "genuinely care about their students and are passionate about what [professors] teach," even if it can be a bit lecture-heavy. "Even in classes of several hundred they would memorize everyone's name," says one biochemistry major. Classes are "challenging, but not impossible," and those students who are motivated have plenty of hands-on opportunities to work with professors in order to prepare them for the work force. Though intro classes can be large, there is plenty of flexibility offered in honors courses and electives that "allows students to shape their course of study." All in all, BYU is a "great place to learn in an environment that is not cluttered with drinking and other such things that fill other college campuses." Much like the teachers, the administration at BYU is similarly high-regarded by most, and these "righteous individuals" are always trying to help and "listening to students about what they want." It doesn't stop there-every aspect of the BYU machine prepares graduates "mentally, emotionally, and spiritually to go forth and serve the world in many different capacities." The academics here place a heavy emphasis on book smarts and on how a graduate can contribute to the community and "build relationships [that] will help him fulfill a lifelong commitment to returning service to mankind." Most students express a commitment to using their education to give to others, and the school encourages students to achieve "greatness academically, morally, and spiritually." One sophomore sums it up by saying, "BYU-where your best hasn't been good enough since 1875."

Students Say - Campus Life
Unsurprisingly, the typical BYU student is "culturally LDS" and therefore "does not smoke, drink alcohol, coffee or tea, does not swear, and is generally trustworthy and honest." Beyond this, all who actively follow the school's behavioral and honor codes are well-accepted regardless of race or religion; those who don't "do not remain students here for long." This relative homogeneity allows for plenty of niches, and "there are lots of different students with wide varieties of interests." With such a large student body, most atypical students can still find large groups of supportive friends: "The BYU Democrats club now claims more members than the BYU Republicans." However, some students feel BYU "could improve its awareness on social issues such as gay rights." Hard work and service abound at BYU, and not very many students come to class claiming that the dog ate their homework. Most students "are very well accomplished and have high standards" and do a great deal of community service. Because of the LDS church's emphasis on missionary experience, the majority of the student body "speaks a foreign language fluently and commands an impressive depth of knowledge on the country they served in." 21% of undergrads at BYU are married.

Students Say - Student Body
Without the influences of some of the more popular college vices, BYU students "mainly think about making a difference in the world, serving missions, and getting married." There are lots of dances and activities on campus, and students "get creative" in amusing themselves-social games such as Apples to Apples and Guitar Hero are all the rage. "We'll make huge snowmen when it snows, carol in the streets, or make cookies to Christmas music in the winter," says a senior. Many amusements "revolve around the school's strong athletic programs in football and basketball. Studies are never neglected, and the library is a popular place to be found, which means "there is plenty of library romance going on." Because Utah is very close to Provo Canyon and the mountains, hiking and skiing are popular, and "Provo City has art festivals and other things that go on in the summer and early autumn."

Brigham Young University- Hawaii
University of Utah

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