Public
Accredited · Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Cedar City, Utah
80.5% Acceptance Rate
Southern Utah University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
80.5%Acceptance Rate
3.58Avg GPA
1135Avg SAT
$19,512Annual Cost
$50,296Grad Salary
24.2%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
80.5%
Avg GPA
3.58
Avg SAT
1135
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SAT Middle 50%
1095–1165
Avg Net Price
$11,432
Need-Based Aid
24.2% receive Pell
Southern Utah University is a public institution known for its commitment to academic excellence, student-centered learning, and regional engagement. Offering a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, the university provides a supportive campus environment that encourages critical inquiry, research, and professional preparation. Its focus on providing an accessible, high-value education makes it a reliable and effective choice for students aiming to achieve their academic and career ambitions.
Southern Utah University Acceptance Rate
Southern Utah University maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 80.5%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 80.5% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.58 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.38 – 3.57
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.13
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Southern Utah University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Southern Utah University is 3.58. Southern Utah University is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.78-3.98 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.28 and 3.58, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
Southern Utah University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at Southern Utah University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.58, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.58 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.38 – 3.57
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.18 – 3.37
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.17
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Semester in the Parks lets up to 20 students from any major live, work, and study for a full semester based in or near a national park (16 credits, guaranteed resort employment, Interagency Pass included); requires a separate application due by a set February deadline through the Outdoor Engagement Center
- B.S. in Outdoor Recreation in Parks and Tourism draws interdisciplinary coursework from agriculture science, biology, communications, geology, and hospitality management, supported by SUU's location within 100 miles of multiple national parks; Intergovernmental Internship Cooperative (IIC) places students from any major in paid national park/public land internships
- General admission requires no essay, no application fee, and is automatically considered for academic scholarships; Leadership Scholarship requires a separate application plus mandatory Leadership Weekend attendance
- Transfer admission splits at the 24-credit threshold: 24+ transferable credits evaluated on college GPA (2.0+) alone; under 24 credits evaluated on both college and unweighted high school GPA
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Southern Utah University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Southern Utah University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Southern Utah University Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Southern Utah University Without SAT or ACT?
Southern Utah University does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Southern Utah University Average SAT Score: 1135
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Southern Utah University is 1135 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1135 — Less Competitive
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1135 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1165 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Southern Utah University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1095, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Southern Utah University. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 1135 | 1095 | 1165 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1095 then you are below most of the admitted students at Southern Utah University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1165 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1150
Can I get into Southern Utah University with a 1150 SAT?
With a 1150 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Southern Utah University are good but the admission staff at Southern Utah University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Southern Utah University
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Southern Utah University is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
For students drawn to outdoor/environmental fields, the Semester in the Parks program offers something most universities simply can't - an entire semester based inside a national park
SUU's Semester in the Parks program (administered through the Outdoor Engagement Center) lets up to 20 students from any major live, work, and study for a full semester in or near a national park (Bryce Canyon in its inaugural run), taking 16 credits in subjects like geology, biology, outdoor recreation, and communication while holding a guaranteed job at the neighboring resort that helps offset living costs, plus an Interagency Pass granting access to 2,000+ recreation areas nationwide. A student with any environmental, outdoor recreation, or place-based learning interest should apply specifically for this program (with applications due by a set February deadline) rather than assuming a standard SUU enrollment automatically includes this kind of immersive experience - it requires its own separate application process.
Use SUU's "University of the Parks" geography deliberately if outdoor recreation, tourism, or natural-resource careers are the goal
SUU's location within roughly 100 miles of Zion, Bryce Canyon, Cedar Breaks, and Grand Canyon (and within a half-day's drive of 11 national parks/monuments/recreation areas total) directly supports its interdisciplinary B.S. in Outdoor Recreation in Parks and Tourism, drawing coursework from agriculture science, biology, communications, geology, and hospitality management - a genuinely location-dependent academic structure rather than a generic "outdoorsy campus" claim. A student interested in this field should specifically ask about the Intergovernmental Internship Cooperative (IIC), which places students from any major directly into paid internships at nearby national parks and public lands agencies.
Skip writing a personal essay for general admission - SUU explicitly doesn't use one - but don't skip the Leadership Scholarship's separate application and weekend event
SUU's general admission requires no essay at all, but the Leadership Scholarship requires a distinct application process plus mandatory attendance at a Leadership Weekend event, separate from the academic scholarships that are automatically considered upon admission. A student interested specifically in leadership-based funding should treat this as an active, time-bound commitment (attending an in-person weekend event) rather than a passive scholarship application like the automatic academic awards.
For transfer students, know the exact GPA-and-credit-count formula that determines which admission pathway applies
SUU's transfer admission criteria split specifically at the 24-credit mark: students with 24+ transferable credits (not including concurrent enrollment) are evaluated solely on college cumulative GPA (2.0+), while students under 24 credits are evaluated on both their college GPA and their unweighted high school GPA together. A transfer student close to the 24-credit threshold should understand which formula applies to them specifically, since the evaluation criteria genuinely differ rather than simply becoming "easier" or "harder" at a higher credit count.
Expert Insight:
A student drawn to SUU specifically for its "University of the Parks" branding and outdoor programs should confirm directly with the Outdoor Engagement Center which programs (Semester in the Parks, IIC internships, Outdoor EDGE) are actually running in a given year and what their separate application deadlines are, since these distinctive offerings are not part of general admission and have historically been capacity-limited (e.g., 20 students for Semester in the Parks) with their own February application deadlines that a student focused only on the general SUU application timeline could easily miss.
Southern Utah University Profile
Full Name
Southern Utah University
City
Cedar City
State
Utah
ZIP Code
84720
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Is a Southern Utah University Degree Worth It?
Getting into Southern Utah University can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Southern Utah University offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Southern Utah University is $55,500 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.42%.
How much does a degree from Southern Utah University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Southern Utah University is $19,512. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Southern Utah University is $11,432.
24.2% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 17.3 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Southern Utah University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Southern Utah University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Southern Utah University as your choice in the form.
How much does a Southern Utah University Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $50,296. An average Southern Utah University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Southern Utah University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Southern Utah University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO | 1130 | 25 |
| Lynn University | Boca Raton, FL | 1136 | 25 |
| University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | 1137 | 24 |
| Augustana College | Rock Island, IL | 1133 | 25 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Southern Utah University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | 1212 | 25 |
Degree Programs at Southern Utah University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Southern Utah University →
Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Utah University Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $50,296 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $19,512 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
24.2% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
The acceptance rate of Southern Utah University is 80.5% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.58. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.28, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.28, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.18 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.58, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Southern Utah University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1135 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1095–1165.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.