University of Utah President Taylor Randall recently told the Salt Lake Tribune that Utah's higher education system is the best in the country.
While we can't guarantee that Utah actually has the best deal for your situtation, Utah's college tuition rates were lower than the national average in the 2022-23 academic year. Additionally, if you live out of state but want to attend a Utah online college, you may be able to pay the same tuition rates as in-state students.
The best colleges in Utah for online learners focus on students first. Many programs allow you to complete coursework independently throughout the week, providing flexibility to support your schedule.
We've ranked the best online colleges in Utah to help you start your college search.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Colleges in Utah
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Cost of College in Utah
If you're looking for an affordable college education, consider Utah colleges. Students typically pay lower tuition rates in Utah than the national average, even if they live out of state.
Data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) for the 2022-2023 academic year shows that the average public four-year in-state tuition in Utah was $7,215 — beating the national average of $9,750. The average private university tuition was hardly more expensive at $8,123.
You can sometimes pay less by enrolling in an online program — online learners may be able to avoid certain fees, such as those related to transportation, on-campus dining, or housing.
And some online universities charge a flat tuition rate. For example, the University of Utah offers all online students the same tuition, regardless of where they live.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees |
|---|---|
| Public Four-Year (In-State) | $7,215 |
| Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) | $23,108 |
| Private Four-Year | $8,123 |
| Public Two-Year (In-State) | $4,257 |
| Public Two-Year (Out-of-State) | $13,701 |
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Utah
One of the best online majors to pursue in Utah is computer science. Computer science-related fields like information security analytics and software development are projected to grow much faster than the average occupation in Utah in the coming years. These tech positions also tend to pay well.
To prepare for an in-demand career in Utah, you can earn your degree online. For example, Weber State University offers an online bachelor of science degree in computer science.
| Job | Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) | Annual Mean Wage (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Statisticians | 61.7% | $88,450 |
| Nurse Practitioners | 60.3% | $127,820 |
| Data Scientists | 58.1% | $101,780 |
| Information Security Analysts | 57.6% | $108,540 |
| Museum Technicians and Conservators | 50.0% | $43,940 |
| Software Developers | 47.7% | $121,260 |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | 44.1% | $148,960 |
| Coaches and Scouts | 40.1% | $51,530 |
| Construction Managers | 38.7% | $101,400 |
| Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary | 37.2% | $92,580 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Utah
While Utah schools typically don't offer an entirely free education, you can qualify for free college tuition if you have an income under a certain threshold. Utah State University, Weber State University, and Westminster University provide free tuition if you qualify.
Utah State offers the Utah State Promise scholarship to all in-state Pell Grant-eligible U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens. This award covers tuition and fees.
If you're a member of a federally recognized Utah tribal nation, you can also qualify for a tuition waiver from the University of Utah.
