The University of Utah

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Staff
Updated August 6, 2020

The University of Utah is one of the greatest entrepreneurial and academic institutions in the United States. Founded in 1850, the University draws some of the best, brightest and most forward thinking minds in the academic world to create, collaborate and explore endless academic, research and entrepreneurial opportunities.

The University prides itself on delivering a comprehensive ecosystem of productivity; an ecosystem that is very much the sum of its parts. Different programs - each functioning in their own capacity - lend a hand in building; creating and making dreams come true. From Technology & Venture Commercialization and the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute to Entrepreneurial Faculty Scholars, the University of Utah devotes an entire system towards the creation of better business practices and performance.

With a gorgeous mountain backdrop, the University of Utah's campus offers a wide range of exciting things to do - 365 days a year. Students are free to explore the Natural History Museum of Utah, Kingsbury Hall, Pioneer Theater, the Utah Museum of Fine Arts and a number of other lectures, concerts, museums and theater productions that both excite and inspire.

The University of Utah is also a member of the PAC-12 athletic conference; boasting a number of well-recognized sports teams that have been welcomed with open arms into one of the most prestigious athletic conferences in the nation.

The University draws over 30,000 undergraduate students each year to one of its 83 undergraduate academic programs, and there are more than 7,500 graduate students from different states and countries throughout the world. Admission is granted on academic merit; the University seeks to select the best and brightest, most creative minds to contribute to the academic success of the institution. The mission stands to promote student success, develop and share knowledge, engage communities to foster sustained health and well-being, as well as to ensure long-term visibility of the institution with the United States.

The University of Utah Accreditation Details

The University of Utah is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and has maintained accreditation through this regional organization since 1933. This accreditation ensures that the University is upholding strict standards of academic quality and excellence.

Some of the University's 35 academic departments and degree programs hold separate accreditation.

The University of Utah Application Requirements

The University of Utah boasts over 83 undergraduate majors. For students interested in applying to one of the University's many undergraduate degree programs, they must:

  • Submit a completed online application
  • Pay a $45 non-refundable application fee
  • Submit an official copy of academic transcripts to the Office of Admissions
  • Submit SAT or ACT scores to the Office of Admissions

Students may track the status of their application online through their personal portal. The admissions counselors review every application they receive fairly and justly; selecting the best and brightest minds that not only excel academically, but display strong personal characteristics and outside achievements, as well.

The deadline for submission for the spring semester is November 1st. Notifications are distributed to all interested students on September 15th. Admissions are considered on a rolling basis until the November 1st deadline. Any applications that are submitted after the November 1st deadline are considered until the 15th of the month and are subject to a $30 late fee.

For those interested in attending a graduate program at the University of Utah, there are some minimum requirements set forth by the institution that students must meet prior to admission. These include:

  • A Bachelor's Degree from a regionally accredited college or university
  • A weighted GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Meeting the department's admissions standards and receiving a written recommendation to their program, specifically.

While the application process is similar to that of prospective undergraduate students, graduate students have to pay a $55 non-refundable application fee. Also, they must make sure they submit official transcripts from each undergraduate school or program attended.
The deadline for graduate admissions is March 15th for the summer term; April 1st for the fall semester; and November 1st for the spring semester. Late applications are considered, but may be subject to a $30 late fee.

For prospective graduate students applying to the Department of Physics and Astrology, the requirements are as follows:

  • Completed application
  • Official transcripts - mailed directly to the University of Utah
  • Three letters of personal reference from instructors, supervisors or employers
  • A personal statement outlining your background and research interests
  • Financial aid assistance form (if applicable)
  • GRE scores

Tuition and Financial Aid

For the 2015-2016 academic years, the total cost for undergraduate students living on campus is $23,478 for residents and $41,418 for non-residents. For commuter students who live off-campus with a parent or other relative, the cost is $15,972 for residents and $33,912 for non-residents, respectively. For those living off campus, alone, the cost of tuition is $23,694 for residents and $41,634 for non-residents. These estimations are based off of full-time attendance (30 credits or more per year).

For prospective graduate students, the cost of attendance is $1,356.08 per credit for residents of the state of Utah. For graduate non-resident students, the cost (per credit) is $3,897.93. These estimates do not reflect other associated university fees or living expenses.

Financial aid is available to students based on academic merit and financial need. Financial aid exists in the form of grants and loans (both federal and private), scholarships and work-study opportunities. Students who are interested in applying for financial aid must fill out the appropriate FAFSA forms.

For graduate students interested in applying to the Department of Physics and Astronomy, there are also fellowships, research assistantships and teaching assistantship opportunities available.

Graduate Research at Utah High Energy Astrophysics Institute

The graduate program with the Department of Physics and Astronomy consists of two tracts: a Master of Science Degree Program or a PhD. Program - both of which admit about 20 students annually. Both programs provide a comprehensive and rather challenging academic curriculum as well as advanced research opportunities in the field.

Students may take advantage of research opportunities in quite a few different areas. One such area is Astronomy & Astrophysics. Students are able to carry out various research projects within this specialty via the Utah High Energy Astrophysics Institute.

Founded in 1991, the Utah High Energy Astrophysics Institute provides a platform for visiting scientists to work on a number of different astrophysical projects in the state of Utah. The Institute is unique in the fact that it allows for the coordination of different research activities among researchers, as well as provides for the development of public outreach projects that engage the public and help them to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of astrophysics research.

The University of Utah presents graduate students in this field with a profound research opportunity unlike any other in the entire nation. Students who are admitted to this program and perform research at the Utah High Energy Astrophysics Institute best prepare themselves for a very dynamic, rewarding and successful career in the astrophysics industry.

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