College Costs in Salt Lake City, UT 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in Salt Lake City, Utah. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,222
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$38,396
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,498
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
Salt Lake City Overview
Population
199,723
Student Population
20,225 (10.1%)
Cost of Living Index
112 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
48/100
Transit Score
29/100
Unemployment Rate
6%
College Cost Calculator for Salt Lake City
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$108,088
Total After Financial Aid
$108,088
Annual Cost
$27,022
Annual After Aid
$27,022
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $108,088 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,227 |
| Total Interest | $39,190 |
| Total Loan Cost | $147,278 |
Universities in Salt Lake City
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Utah | Public | $9,222 |
| Westminster University | Private | $38,396 |
| Salt Lake Community College | Community | $4,116 |
Salt Lake City has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Salt Lake City vs. National Average
| Category | Salt Lake City | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,222 | $10,940 | -$1,718 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,498 | $1,050 | +$448 |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 100 | +12 |
Salt Lake City's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Salt Lake City
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
20,225 students
Salt Lake City has a total population of 199,723, with approximately 20,225 college students (10.1% of the population). Salt Lake City has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Salt Lake City
$60,262
Starting Salary
6%
Unemployment Rate
52%
Graduation Rate
~4 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Salt Lake City earn a median starting salary of $60,262, which is $25,262 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $108,088 (including room and board), it would take approximately 4 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,636 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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