Brigham Young University (BYU) is a private research university in Provo, go right here Utah, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is one of the largest private universities in the United States, known for its unique religious environment, exceptional affordability for church members, and strong programs in business, engineering, and the sciences.
Mission and Identity
BYU’s identity is inseparable from its religious foundation. The university’s stated vision is one in which “academics and faith go hand in hand,” aiming to help students develop their “full divine potential” . This mission shapes every aspect of campus life, from the Honor Code that governs student conduct (including prohibitions on premarital sex, alcohol, and drugs) to the integration of religious education into the curriculum . For students who share these values, the environment is described as welcoming and supportive; for those who do not, the strict code can be a significant adjustment .
Enrollment and Student Body
BYU enrolls 37,205 total daytime students, including 34,224 undergraduates and 2,981 graduate students . The student body is balanced by gender (50% female, 50% male) and draws from 105 countries and every U.S. state . The student population is predominantly White (80.6%), with Hispanic/Latino students representing the largest minority group at 8.0% .
Academics and Programs
BYU offers 202 undergraduate majors and 116 minors, along with 65 master’s and 25 doctoral programs . The university is organized into 11 colleges, including the Marriott School of Business, the Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering, and the J. Reuben Clark Law School .
Notable academic rankings and strengths include:
- No. 2 undergraduate accounting program (U.S. News) and No. 5 master’s accounting program
- No. 28 best law school (U.S. News)
- No. 37 best full-time MBA program (U.S. News)
- Top producer of Fulbright Scholars in the U.S.
- Best college library (Princeton Review)
BYU is also notable for its foreign language programs—students speak 121 languages, and more than 60% speak a second language . The university offers over 200 international study abroad programs in 60 countries, with more than 2,000 students participating annually .
Rankings and Recognition
BYU’s rankings reflect its unique strengths:
- No. 1 in “Best financially healthy schools” (Forbes)
- No. 3 in “Best university for technology transfer” (Milken Institute)
- No. 5 in “Graduates with the least amount of debt” (U.S. News)
- No. 21 in “Best value school” (U.S. News)
- Top 3.3% globally (CWUR, World Rank 699)
Admissions
BYU’s acceptance rate is approximately 68-70%, making it moderately selective . For the 2026 entering class, admitted freshmen had a middle 50% GPA of 3.86–4.00 and a middle 50% ACT of 28–32 (SAT 1300–1430) . BYU uses a holistic review process, and while testing was optional for 2026, 57% of admitted applicants chose to submit scores .
Cost and Financial Aid
BYU is renowned for its extraordinary affordability, particularly for Latter-day Saint students. The university’s operating costs are significantly subsidized by the Church, allowing it to charge far lower tuition than peer institutions .
2026-2027 Undergraduate Tuition:
Estimated Total Cost of Attendance (Latter-day Saint, on-campus): Approximately $23,468 per year, including food, housing, books, and personal expenses. get more This makes BYU one of the most affordable private universities in the nation for church members.
Campus Life and Culture
Campus life at BYU is vibrant but distinct. The Honor Code shapes the social environment, with a strong emphasis on wholesome recreation and community. Student reviews highlight the sense of community and kindness as a defining feature . The university has more than 200 clubs, strong intramural sports, and nationally recognized performing arts groups, including the Ballroom Dance Company (considered among the best in the world) and top a cappella groups like Noteworthy and Vocal Point . BYU also has a rich athletic tradition, with several nationally ranked teams .
Notable Alumni
BYU’s alumni network includes leaders across entertainment, sports, business, and literature :
- Mitt Romney — U.S. Senator and former presidential candidate
- Stephenie Meyer — Author of the Twilight series
- Brandon Sanderson — Bestselling fantasy author
- Orson Scott Card — Author of Ender’s Game
- Tara Westover — Author of Educated
- Ken Jennings — Jeopardy! host and champion
- Steve Young — NFL Hall of Fame quarterback
- Jimmer Fredette — Former NBA player
- Andy Reid — Head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs
- Philo Farnsworth — Inventor of the electronic television
Who BYU Is For
BYU is an excellent fit for students who:
- Are active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints seeking a faith-integrated education
- Value exceptional affordability and want to graduate with minimal debt
- Are seeking strong programs in accounting, business, engineering, or foreign languages
- Thrive in a structured, values-driven community with a clear Honor Code
It may be a challenging fit for students who do not share the religious values or who prefer a less regulated social environment. However, as one student review noted, “Anyone can attend as you are willing to follow the honor code,” description and the educational quality and value are undeniable .