Southern Utah University vs. Utah State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern Utah University in Cedar City, UT with Utah State University in Logan, UT on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Utah State University is larger than Southern Utah University based on total student enrollment (28,904 students vs. 15,444 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Utah University is located in Cedar City, UT (Remote Town setting); Utah State University is in Logan, UT (Small City setting).
• Southern Utah University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Utah State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Utah University 22:1; Utah State University 19:1.

Southern Utah University vs. Utah State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Utah University or Utah State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Southern Utah University than Utah State University ($11,840 vs. $15,788).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Utah State University are 1.7% lower than at Southern Utah University ($9,076 vs. $9,236).
• Utah State University is 32.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Utah University (about $2,266 more per year; $9,228.00 vs. $6,962.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17% higher at Utah State University than at Southern Utah University (about $3,610 more per year; $24,802.00 vs. $21,192.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Utah University than at Utah State University (94% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Utah University students is 12.6% larger than aid received by Utah State University students ($9,779 vs. $8,685).

Southern Utah University vs. Utah State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Southern Utah University or Utah State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Utah State University and Southern Utah University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Utah State University (1180) is 40 points higher than at Southern Utah University (1140).
• Incoming Utah State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at Southern Utah University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Utah University 1030/1240; Utah State University 1070/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Utah University 20/26; Utah State University 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Utah University - Test-free; Utah State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southern Utah University Sep 8, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Utah State University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at Southern Utah University (3.58).
• Utah State University has a higher acceptance rate (92.5%) than Southern Utah University (81.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.7% at Southern Utah University vs. 23.8% at Utah State University.

Southern Utah University vs. Utah State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern Utah University and Utah State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Utah State University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Southern Utah University's (35%).
• Graduates from Utah State University earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than Southern Utah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,600 vs. $43,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Utah University graduates have a $1,035 lower median loan debt than Utah State University graduates ($12,575 vs. $13,610).
• Among borrowers, Southern Utah University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Utah State University graduates ($130 vs. $140).
• More Utah State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Utah University students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 69%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.