University of Utah GPA Requirements: What You Need to Get Into U of U
The University of Utah is a premier public research university known for its outstanding programs in medicine, engineering, business, and the arts. Located in Salt Lake City with stunning mountain views, the U of U combines academic excellence with innovation and is recognized for its strong research initiatives and diverse student body.
Quick Answer: University of Utah typically admits students with an unweighted GPA of 3.5+ and a weighted GPA of 3.8+. The middle 50% have GPAs between 3.3-3.9 (unweighted).
University of Utah GPA Requirements
Official GPA Statistics
Average Unweighted GPA
3.66
4.0 scale
Average Weighted GPA
3.91
Weighted scale
Middle 50% Range
3.3 - 3.9
Unweighted GPA
Acceptance Rate
89.1%
Highly accessible
GPA Requirements by College
| College/School | Average GPA | Minimum Competitive |
|---|---|---|
| College of Engineering | 4.05 | 3.7 |
| David Eccles School of Business | 3.98 | 3.6 |
| College of Science | 3.88 | 3.4 |
| College of Social & Behavioral Science | 3.82 | 3.2 |
| College of Humanities | 3.75 | 3.0 |
| College of Fine Arts | 3.68 | 2.8 |
Utah High School Requirements
Required High School Courses:
- English: 4 units (composition & literature focus)
- Mathematics: 3 units (Algebra II required, 4 recommended)
- Science: 3 units (including 2 with laboratory)
- Social Studies: 3 units (world history & geography)
- Foreign Language: 2 units (same language)
- Computer Literacy: 1 unit
- Fine Arts: 1.5 units
University of Utah Admission Statistics
Fall 2024 Admission Data
- Applications Received: 32,945
- Students Admitted: 29,354
- Acceptance Rate: 89.1%
- Enrolled Students: 5,845
- Yield Rate: 19.9%
Academic Profile
- Average SAT: 1280
- Average ACT: 27
- Top 10% of Class: 25%
- Top 25% of Class: 52%
- Utah Residents: 67%
Admission Rates by Residency
U of U Innovation & Research
R1 Research University: The University of Utah is classified as a top-tier research university with very high research activity, particularly renowned for medical research and biomedical innovation.
Healthcare Excellence: Home to University of Utah Health, consistently ranked among the nation's top hospital systems with pioneering work in genetics, cardiology, and orthopedic surgery.
GPA Analysis for University of Utah
What GPA Do You Need?
Utah Residents: Weighted GPA of 3.2+ competitive, 3.5+ target
Out-of-State: Weighted GPA of 3.4+ competitive, 3.7+ target
Engineering/Business: Weighted GPA of 3.6+ highly recommended
Honors College: Weighted GPA of 3.8+ for enhanced programs
GPA Distribution of Admitted Students
U of U Excellence & Innovation
Top Programs:
- Medicine & Health Sciences
- Engineering (Biomedical, Chemical)
- Business Administration
- Computer Science
- Psychology & Social Work
- Fine Arts & Performing Arts
Research Excellence:
- Huntsman Cancer Institute
- John A. Moran Eye Center
- Scientific Computing & Imaging Institute
- Energy & Geoscience Institute
- Genetic Science Learning Center
- Utah Nanofab Research Facility
Application Strategies for University of Utah
Honors Programs and Special Opportunities
Competitive Programs at U of U:
- University Honors College: Enhanced curriculum and research opportunities
- Presidential Scholarship: Full-tuition merit award for top students
- Crimson Scholarship: Merit-based awards for high achievers
- Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program: Faculty-mentored research
- Global Engagement: Study abroad and international programs
- Bennion Community Service Center: Service learning initiatives
Personal Statement Strategy
U of U Values:
University of Utah seeks students who demonstrate:
- Innovation: Creative thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Diversity: Appreciation for different backgrounds and perspectives
- Excellence: Commitment to high academic and personal standards
- Community: Engagement with local and global communities
- Leadership: Initiative and positive impact on others
- Research Curiosity: Interest in discovery and inquiry
If Your GPA is Below 3.5
- Strong Test Scores: SAT 1350+ or ACT 29+ to enhance application
- Utah Residency: Significant advantage for admission and tuition rates
- Upward Grade Trend: Demonstrate consistent academic improvement
- Unique Experiences: Distinctive background or life experiences
- Community Involvement: Long-term commitment to service and leadership
- Work Experience: Demonstrate responsibility and maturity
U of U-Specific Application Tips
- Ute Pride: Show enthusiasm for U of U traditions and campus culture
- Research Interest: Highlight specific programs or research opportunities
- Mountain West Connection: Emphasize outdoor activities and Utah lifestyle
- Healthcare Interest: Connect with U of U's medical excellence
- Innovation Focus: Show interest in entrepreneurship and technology
- Community Service: Demonstrate commitment to helping others
Pac-12 Conference Comparison
| University | Average GPA | Acceptance Rate | Average SAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | 4.18 | 3.7% | 1570 |
| UC Berkeley | 4.43 | 11.4% | 1530 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | 3.94 | 78.7% | 1290 |
| University of Utah | 3.91 | 89.1% | 1280 |
| Arizona State University | 3.81 | 89.8% | 1230 |
GPA Calculator Tools
Use these calculators to calculate your GPA and assess your U of U chances:
Conclusion
The University of Utah offers exceptional value and opportunity with its 89% acceptance rate and world-class research programs. As a top-tier research university with particularly strong programs in medicine, engineering, and business, the U of U provides accessible pathways to excellence in a stunning mountain setting.
Success at the University of Utah requires solid academic preparation (GPA 3.5+) and alignment with the university's values of innovation, diversity, and community engagement. Focus on maintaining strong grades while pursuing meaningful activities that demonstrate your potential to contribute to the Ute community's tradition of excellence and discovery.