Utah State University (USU) vs BYU-Idaho

Utah State University and Brigham Young University-Idaho, both located in the beautiful state of Utah, offer distinct educational experiences for prospective students. Utah State University, a public research university, boasts a higher acceptance rate and a more diverse student body, while Brigham Young University-Idaho, a private university affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offers a faith-based education and a lower student-to-faculty ratio. Explore the detailed comparison table below to delve into further differences, including popular majors, graduation rates, and additional factors that may influence your decision. Discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Brigham Young University-Idaho	Utah State University
Overview
Location	Rexburg, Idaho	Logan, Utah
Campus setting	Town: Distant	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	67.0%	74.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation	Mormon

Admission
Acceptance rate	96.6%	92.6%
Application fees	$35	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $55
SAT range	990 - 1200	1080 - 1310
ACT range	20 - 26	21 - 29
Students submitting SAT score	31.0%	13.0%
Students submitting ACT score	50.0%	79.0%
Total number of applicants	9,963	15,567
Total number of admissions given out	9,621	14,420
Admitted students who chose to enroll	4,858	4,223
Yield rate	50.5%	29.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$12,880	In state: $22,168 Out of state: $37,288
Average net price	$6,327	$14,529
Tuition	$4,416	In state: $8,042 Out of state: $23,162
Room & board		Room/dormitory: $2,410 Meal plan: $3,630
Available payment plans		Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	45.0% Average amount $6,132	86.0% Average amount $9,802
Students receiving federal student loan	18.0% Average amount $5,882	19.0% Average amount $4,808
Students taking out private loans	0.0% Average amount $4,811	2.0% Average amount $13,673

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	44,304 Men 43.7% Women 56.3%	24,255 Men 44.3% Women 55.7%
Graduate students	N/A	3,171 Men 43.7% Women 56.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	29.5%
International students	3.4%	1.4%
Campus local/setting	Town: Distant	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	1,162	3,125
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Utah Idaho California Colorado Texas

Academics
Popular study areas	Liberal Arts Business Health Professions Family and Consumer Sciences Multidisciplinary Studies	Liberal Arts Business Health Professions Social Sciences Education
Students to faculty ratio	20:1	21:1
Institutional accreditation	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Outcome
Graduation rate	49.6%	55.8%
Dropout rate	25.4%	42.1%
Transferred out	18.1%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,097 Year 2: $77,966 Year 3: $89,777 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,778 Year 2: $73,635 Year 3: $84,400 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,924 Year 2: $66,653 Year 3: $76,101 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,318 Year 2: $64,493 Year 3: $70,703 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $51,955 Year 2: $57,318 Year 3: $67,614 Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,669 Year 2: $61,218 Year 3: $65,263 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $52,593 Year 2: $54,209 Year 3: $63,131 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $46,585 Year 2: $47,260 Year 3: $61,312 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $49,429 Year 2: $46,924 Year 3: $54,022 Computer Software and Media Applications (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $42,978 Year 2: $52,107 Year 3: $53,390	Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $76,930 Year 3: $91,309 Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $79,921 Year 2: $72,587 Year 3: $83,986 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $82,635 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $80,718 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,903 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $78,293 Information Science/Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $68,345 Year 2: $64,990 Year 3: $75,576 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,935 Year 2: $63,501 Year 3: $75,056 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $55,303 Year 2: $58,334 Year 3: $72,352 Civil Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $59,967 Year 2: $62,012 Year 3: $71,503 Air Transportation (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $35,228 Year 2: $35,416 Year 3: $70,839 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,717 Year 2: $61,728 Year 3: $69,682

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Utah State University (USU) and Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYU-Idaho)?

USU is a large, public research university offering a wide range of programs and a traditional university experience. BYU-Idaho is a private, religiously affiliated university focused on undergraduate education and practical skills. Key differences include USU's broader academic scope, research opportunities, and campus life, compared to BYU-Idaho's more focused curriculum, religious environment, and emphasis on affordability.
How do the academic programs at USU and BYU-Idaho compare?

USU offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including doctoral degrees and extensive research opportunities. BYU-Idaho primarily focuses on undergraduate education with a strong emphasis on career-focused programs. While both offer popular fields like business and engineering, USU has a wider array of specialized programs and research facilities.
What is the religious atmosphere like at each university?

USU is a secular, public university with no religious affiliation. Students of all faiths are welcome, and there are various religious organizations on campus. BYU-Idaho is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Students are expected to adhere to the Church's Honor Code, and religious education is integrated into the curriculum.
What is the cost of attendance at USU versus BYU-Idaho?

BYU-Idaho is generally more affordable than USU, especially for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who receive a discounted tuition rate. USU's tuition varies depending on residency, and additional costs may include research fees and program-specific expenses. Both universities offer financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
What is campus life like at USU and BYU-Idaho?

USU offers a traditional university experience with a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and Greek life. The campus is located in Logan, Utah, a vibrant college town. BYU-Idaho's campus life is more focused on religious and service-oriented activities. While there are clubs and activities, the social scene is heavily influenced by the Church's Honor Code. BYU-Idaho is located in Rexburg, Idaho, a smaller town with a strong sense of community.
What are the admission requirements for USU and BYU-Idaho?

USU's admission requirements are generally more competitive than BYU-Idaho's. USU considers GPA, standardized test scores (ACT/SAT), and high school coursework. BYU-Idaho also considers these factors but places a greater emphasis on character and adherence to the Church's Honor Code. Specific GPA and test score requirements vary each year, so it's best to check the universities' websites for the most up-to-date information.
What career services and job placement assistance do USU and BYU-Idaho offer?

Both USU and BYU-Idaho offer career services, including resume workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs. USU's career services are more extensive due to its larger size and broader range of programs. BYU-Idaho has a strong focus on career preparation and offers internships and practical learning experiences to help students gain employment after graduation. Both universities have alumni networks that can assist with job searching.
What are the class sizes like at USU and BYU-Idaho?

USU, being a larger university, generally has larger class sizes, especially in introductory courses. BYU-Idaho tends to have smaller class sizes, allowing for more personalized attention from professors. However, class sizes can vary depending on the specific program and course level at both institutions.
What type of student is best suited for USU versus BYU-Idaho?

USU is a good fit for students seeking a comprehensive university experience with diverse academic programs, research opportunities, and a vibrant campus life. It's ideal for students who want a traditional college experience in a secular environment. BYU-Idaho is well-suited for students who value a religiously focused education, a strong sense of community, and a career-oriented curriculum. It's a good choice for students who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and want to integrate their faith into their education.
Do USU and BYU-Idaho offer online programs?

Yes, both USU and BYU-Idaho offer a variety of online programs. USU offers a wide range of online degrees and courses, catering to students seeking flexible learning options. BYU-Idaho also has a robust online program, particularly through BYU-Pathway Worldwide, which provides access to affordable and accessible education for students around the world.

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