Southern Utah University (SUU) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Founded in 1897 as Branch Normal School, Southern Utah University (SUU) is located in historic Cedar City, Utah. The university offers technical certificates, associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees. Students seeking to earn continuing education credits or simply take a few classes for personal or professional enrichment may do so as well.

In addition to having an excellent academic reputation, Southern Utah also has an organized intercollegiate athletics club that offers a wide array of sports. The university also has an active Greek life as well as many student organizations and clubs so that students may participate in campus life in many different ways.

Cedar City, much like many American West towns, has a rich and wonderful history and has many organizations such as Bryce Canyon National Park that pairs with the school in order to provide interesting, educational, innovative ways for students to learn in a hands-on environment. Cedar City and the surrounding area offers many activities for students to participate in including outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and rock climbing. There are also excellent restaurants, historical spots, shopping venues and national parks within walking distance. SUU has something for everybody, regardless of interest!

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Information Summary

Ranks 5th in Utah and 788th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	83.0
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$20,420
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	27 / 1250
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	21 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	73% / 43%
Enrollment Total (all students)	10,196

Academics

Southern Utah University offers many different educational options and meets the needs of a diverse community. Students may earn technical certificates, associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees. They have an unusually varied program and many supports in place to promote student success.

Students may choose to earn an associate’s degree for many reasons. They may want to start a new career, or obtain the educational requirements necessary to progress at their current jobs. Some students may also earn an associate’s in order to get a higher-paying job while working towards a bachelor’s. Students may either earn an Associate of Art, Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science or Associate of Pre-Engineering. There are several different majors within most degrees.

Bachelor’s programs include numerous majors. There is the traditional Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees offered as well as three Bachelor of Fine Arts programs including Art & Design, Theatre and Music. Students may also choose to chart their own course and choose a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies. Should a student decide to pursue a second bachelor’s degree, they may do so by adding an additional 30 credit hours to their existing degree.

There are a currently nearly ten master’s degrees offered including majors in accountancy, education and sports conditioning & performance.

Southern Utah University has eight different colleges that contain all of their programs and departments. There are the standard colleges such as the the Graduate School, the College of Education, the School of Business and the College of Science and Engineering but there are two others designed for students with different needs.

The School of Continuing and Professional Studies is designed to serve the needs of a wide variety of students. They offer continuing education programs for working professionals, English as a Second Language Program and Community Education courses that offers programs for adults and children alike that are seeking personal enrichment and “just for fun” classes. In addition, this school is home to the online and distance learning program.

Finally, the University College offers programs that help students with more concentrated academic needs such services as tutoring and general courses that bridge the gap and help get them up to speed enough so that they may proceed to college-level courses. This college also offers career and professional services and houses the First Year Seminar Program and the Study Abroad and Away Program.

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Admissions

Undergraduate Admissions

In order to apply on time for Southern Utah University, applications must be submitted by May 1 for the fall semester and December 1 for the spring semester. Applications for summer courses must be made at least one week in advance of the start date of the class. The university does accept late applications, but a late fee is charged.

In order to apply to SUU, first-year students need to complete the application either online or using the paper application and submit it along with the fee by the application deadline. Prospective students will also need to submit an official high school transcript and ACT/SAT scores. SAT scoring is based only on Critical Reading & Math sections; the Writing Section isn’t considered.

When considering undergraduate applications, SUU utilizes an admission index. Students who score less than the required index score should contact the admissions office to discuss alternate admission methods. For students that are admitted but score low on the English portion of the ACT, lower-level courses will be required. For students that score below the minimum requirements on the Math section of the ACT, a math placement test will be required. This is to ensure academic success for all students.

Graduate Admissions

All applicants to the graduate programs are required to have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. International students must have achieved the equivalent. There are separate admission requirements for each graduate program but there are several things that graduate candidates can expect to be required to submit. Some of these include the application and fee, standardized graduate preparedness tests such as the GRE, undergraduate transcripts, and letters of recommendation.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available to students who qualify in the form of merit-based and need-based scholarships, grants, federally-subsidized loans and work-study programs. Students wishing to apply for assistance with tuition, books and living expenses need to start the process by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that’s available online starting in January. Financial information for both the student and family will be required so the student should have this information readily available when completing the application.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 6229th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Utah.

Athletics

The Southern Utah Thunderbirds is an NCAA Division I organization that offers several intercollegiate sports activities including men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, golf and track & field. Men have the additional options of baseball and football while women may also choose to participate in gymnastics, softball, tennis, soccer and volleyball.

The Thunderbirds football team plays in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, formerly known as Division 1-AA and competes in the Great West Football Conference. The other teams participate in the Summit League and the Western Athletic Conference. Starting in 2012, the university will be a member of the Big Sky Conference. Team colors and red and black.

Southern Utah University also offers a Rodeo Team and Club that competes in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association in the Rocky Mountain Region.

Bibliography

Southern Utah University. Southern Utah University. 2011. Web. 8 August 2011.

SUU Southern Utah Thunderbirds. Southern Utah University. 2011. Web. 8 August 2011.

“Southern Utah University.” The Princeton Review. The Princeton Review. 2011. Web. 8 August 2011.

Southern Utah University