Founded in 1897, Southern Utah University. is a Public college. Located in Utah, which is a city setting in Utah, the campus itself is Town. The campus is home to 8,407 full time undergraduate students, and 892 full time graduate students.
The Southern Utah University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 19:1. There are 282 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Southern Utah University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
72%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
50
SAT Range
890-1150
ACT Range
20-26
Admissions at SUU are considered Selective, with ,69% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 14 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
77% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 41% were in the top quarter, and 17% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Southern Utah University.
1%
“We”re apathetic”
22%
“We know about current events and vote”
73%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
4%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
3%
“We save it for the classroom”
21%
“Sometimes, but not often”
57%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
19%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
23%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
77%
“I feel extremely safe”
12%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
23%
“We bought the gear”
65%
“We live for the big game”
1%
“It”s not really our thing”
9%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
45%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
44%
“We”re a very artistic group”
3%
“Haven”t met them”
1%
“Available in class”
40%
“They keep regular office hours”
56%
“They”re always available”
8%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
37%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
55%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
11%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
60%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
28%
“We only party on weekends”
1%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
11%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
85%
“There might be people who do”
4%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
1%
“We”re apathetic”
22%
“We know about current events and vote”
73%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
4%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
3%
“We save it for the classroom”
21%
“Sometimes, but not often”
57%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
19%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
23%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
77%
“I feel extremely safe”
12%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
23%
“We bought the gear”
65%
“We live for the big game”
1%
“It”s not really our thing”
9%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
45%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
44%
“We”re a very artistic group”
3%
“Haven”t met them”
1%
“Available in class”
40%
“They keep regular office hours”
56%
“They”re always available”
8%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
37%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
55%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
139 Students rated on-campus housing 3.5 stars. 14 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
100 Students rated off-campus housing 4 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
149 Students rated campus food 3.2 stars. 19 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
158 Students rated campus facilities 4.4 stars. 51 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
159 Students rated class size 4.5 stars. 62 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
159 Students rated school activities 4.1 stars. 43 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
159 Students rated local services 4 stars. 36 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
157 Students rated academics 4.4 stars. 55 % gave the school a 5.0.
Southern Utah University REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of Southern Utah University?
108 Students rated Southern Utah University
isa
College04/24/2025
I grew up in Cedar City, Utah and attended SUU's PREP program and SUCCESS Academy. I have always loved SUU, it has an amazing social life on campus, and has a homey, welcoming aura around the campus. The professors and staff are amazing, and their College of Education is one of the best around.
Tammy
Prospective04/23/2025
Southern Utah University isn’t just a college to me—it’s the place where everything I’ve worked toward finally comes together.
What first caught my attention was SUU’s reputation for hands-on learning and its Theater Tech program. I’ve been passionate about technical theater since the end of my sophomore year, when I discovered that working behind the scenes—designing lights, managing sets, and making shows run smoothly—was exactly where I belonged. After two years of hard work, I was honored to be accepted into SUU’s competitive Theater Tech program, chosen from more than 50 applicants. That moment showed me SUU sees my potential, and I’m excited to give everything I’ve got.
But it’s not just the academics that draw me in. SUU feels like a community. The school’s focus on tradition and involvement really matters to me. I love the idea of being part of a campus where students celebrate things like the Sheep Parade or Casino Night—not just for fun, but because it creates a shared sense of pride and connection. That kind of culture is something I want to be part of.
I’m also inspired by SUU’s location in Cedar City, home to the Utah Shakespeare Festival. Being surrounded by a community that values the arts means I’ll be constantly learning—not just in the classroom, but everywhere I go.
For someone like me—who didn’t qualify for FAFSA and is working hard to earn every dollar for college—SUU offers more than an education. It offers a future. It offers a place where my creativity, work ethic, and passion are not only welcomed but needed.
That’s why SUU isn’t just where I’m going—it’s where I’m meant to be.
John
College04/23/2025
I’m interested in attending Southern Utah University because it offers the perfect blend of academic strength, close-knit community, and outdoor adventure. One of the things that stands out most to me is SUU’s commitment to hands-on learning and real-world experience. Whether it’s through internships, research projects, or community engagement, SUU goes beyond the classroom to help students apply what they learn and build skills that matter.
The university’s strong student support system is another reason I’m drawn to SUU. Smaller class sizes mean more personal connections with professors and advisors who truly care about helping students succeed. I value that kind of supportive environment where I can ask questions, get feedback, and grow as a learner.
I’m also really excited about the campus life and location. Being close to national parks and beautiful landscapes offers so many opportunities for outdoor recreation, which is a big part of how I stay balanced and motivated. Whether it’s hiking, exploring, or just enjoying the natural beauty of Utah, SUU seems like the kind of place where I could thrive both academically and personally.
Overall, SUU feels like a place where I could be challenged, supported, and inspired—and that combination is exactly what I’m looking for in a university.
Oaklee
Prospective04/11/2025
I am interested in SUU because I have heard many great things about this college. This college is close to my home, and my family has gone through SUU. SUU is my ideal place where I belong when I graduate from high school. The main thing that stands out to me at SUU is the Nursing Program. The nursing program has gotten my two aunts and my uncle through it, giving me the confidence to know I'll make it through as well! Other things that stand out to me at SUU are the activities there! I want to join a few of their clubs and organizations to find new friends and grow closer to love and grow with them. I have heard great things about their campus events, such as Bread and Soup Night and Therapy Dog Tuesdays! Why I am interested in SUU because of my grandpa. He is currently a professor in the Theater Department at SUU. He has been such a role model to me, and because of him, I want to be as successful as him in something that I love, like he loves Theater.
Kenneth
Prospective04/09/2025
Its a backup for me because I always loved UNLV and I really cant form a very good foundation for something I saw when I was only a kid which means that I cant really focus my life on SUU even though I love the campus and IT in general it will remain as my backup school.
Whitley
Prospective04/03/2025
The environment has attracted me to Southern Utah University. I love how it is in a city, but not a hugely populated city like SLC. The culture and where the placement of the college is enhances my desire to go to the college because I'm still close to home, you're surrounded by mountains, lots of options for classes, and always activities for student involvement.
Ketera
01/24/2025
I am excited to be attending Southern Utah University (SUU) in the fall. From what I have seen and heard, SUU is an impactful school that offers a thoughtful and enriching learning environment. It is a place where students are encouraged to explore their passions and grow both academically and personally.
One of the things that stands out to me about SUU is the abundance of resources available to students. Whether it is academic support, career guidance, or personal development, SUU seems to provide consistent resources to help students succeed in whatever they pursue. This level of support is crucial for someone like me, who is majoring in both biology and IT, as it ensures that I will have the tools and assistance needed to excel in my studies.
Moreover, the welcoming community at SUU is something I am truly looking forward to. From my interactions and the stories I have heard, it seems like everyone at SUU—from faculty to fellow students—is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive atmosphere. This sense of community is important because it fosters collaboration and encourages students to dream big.
Overall, I believe SUU will be a great place for me to continue my education. I am eager to take advantage of the opportunities it offers and to be part of a community that values learning and growth.
Hyllari
11/12/2024
From what I saw I think Southern Utah University is probably one of the best schools in the entire world. My dad and my stepmom both went there and have both told me how awesome of a school that it is and so I can't wait until I become a student because I want to be able to experience the same things my parents experienced when they were in collage.
Destiny
10/13/2024
I love the community and how everyone enjoys it there. Its very welcoming and would be a great place to go to college. It will work well with you and provides fun classes you can take with your friends. Suu provides a great experience when touring there campus and when staying off campus its not typically very far from the school.
Stephanie
09/24/2024
I absolutely LOVE SUU! This place makes you feel like home no matter where you come from. The education is wonderful, and the connections you make last a life time. I am back in aviation after my bachelors degree. I couldn’t think of a better place! I highly recommend!
Diana
05/20/2024
This college was the perfect college for me and my studies. There is a little of everything to do if you look for it. Life-long friendships can be made if you work for it. Most importantly there is no traffic, the surrounding town is beautiful, and if you like the outdoors this will be the perfect place for you. I loved my time here and the professors are helpful and kind, since class sizes are small they make an effort to learn your name.
Chelci
02/26/2024
I like Southern Utah University because it is a smaller campus, but has a large college feel. I chose Southern Utah University because of the location as well as the small class size. It is a perfect school for a student that wants the college life feel without the large campus to hike. Southern Utah University also has a close campus feel when it comes to fellow students.
Brixley
10/30/2023
I have wanted to go to SUU since I was a little girl. I think that it is a wonderful place to make friends. The dorm room are extremely nice and I would love living in them. My cousin went to southern Utah university and loved it there so I'm so excited to join the amazing community there.
Cassandra
08/03/2023
It is a great college in a small Utah city. Our Shakespeare theater is amazing. The gymnastics are fantastic. The football games are fun. The basketball games are great. The faculty are so kind and helpful to new students. The location is beautiful.
Lauren
07/11/2023
A beautiful school with lots of opportunities surrounded by an amazing little town of peers and supportive families. There is plenty to do within a close distance and always new things to experience. The class sizes are small enough that students can receive help when needed.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Southern Utah University is 72%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
I think the most important thing I've learned by attending Southern Utah University is that people different from me are interesting people. It sounds cliche, but I never paid attention to the people that were different than me in high school. I hung out with my group of friends and never ventured out of my comfort zone. In college, I have no choice. I came here alone without any of my friends. I have to open up to people different than me, otherwise I'm going to be in for a lonely 4 years.
I've discovered that the people I once thought were mean, dorks, weird, (insert any descriptive word here), are, for the most part, very interesting and friendly people! My world has opened up as I've tried new things and made new friends. These skills I'm learning now would have been very useful in high school and will be invaluable in my future.
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?
I would have packed more snow gear -- this campus gets very cold in the winter! Luckily just an hour drive south is a very warm urban community, so many students travel there on the weekends to thaw out.
Someone who is willing to work hard to get their degree but also loves to have fun and enjoys the outdoors because that is what Southern Utah University can provide.
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?
The classes here are wonderful and the campus is absolutely stunning. I wouldn't want to go anywhere else. There are places to study and relax all over campus, though the library is most definitely my favorite.
What kind of person should not attend this school?
The kind of person that shouldn't attend this school are people that want to live in a large city, or people that want to go to a large university. People who aren't willing to work hard should also not attend Southern Utah University.
I would choose the "closeness" of the school. When I say closeness I mean the abillity the school has to personally connect with each of it's students. With a student population just under 8,000 it makes it more than possible for the Profressors to personally get to know their students. It is a college level learning atmosphere with a "home" feel about it. I have found that it is very easy to not only gain a close relationship with my Professors but also with the other students in which I associate myself with.
The professors are generally easy to work with (there are exceptions!) I would say the academic rigor is only average, and the classes no better (some worse!) than at the state college I attended.
What are the most popular student activities/groups?
There are lots of clubs, groups organizations on campus. Our biggest sporting events are gymnastics, our team is amazing. The meets are so much fun to go to. The football games are also a big event. Our homecoming week is also very fun, with a concert and True T-birding. Another big event is our Halloween party, The Scream.
I am in a sorority of campus and I love it. They are so welcoming and have got me more involved on campus. Greek life is not huge on campus but we are known. It is college so there are wild parties with drinking and drugs, but there are definitely things to do with out drinking. We have a bowling alley, 2 movie theaters, and campus does lots of stuff. Our PE building has swimming, racquetball, and basketball courts to use. We have a comedy club also that they do shows a lot. There is definitely things to do, you might have to get creative.
i absolutely love SUU. Small class sizes (my largest was around 50) and huge student involvement. I have loved all of my professors and they are all interested in my learning. There is so much to do on campus, they have something almost every week.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
96% of students attending Southern Utah University receive some sort of financial aid.
33% were awarded federal grants.60%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.