Southern Utah University
Cedar City, Utah
Southern Utah University, also known as the University of the Parks, is a safe, residential campus located in beautiful Cedar City, Utah. The caring campus community at SUU puts students first by creating access to a quality education at an affordable price. SUU goes above and beyond to find innovative solutions to help the over 14,000 students succeed on campus and online. With more than 150+ undergraduate programs, 32 graduate and certificate programs, and a new professional doctorate degree, students are offered world-class, hands-on learning opportunities to gain professional experience giving them a competitive edge before entering the job market.
“College at SUU is much more than simply going to class and doing homework. It is gaining mentors in my professors and getting a job on campus and working with my best friends. I really have created a family away from home here. So, from someone who thought that college might not be for me, who almost dropped out completely before coming to SUU–I want to say that college IS for you. Not only can you “make it work,” but it really can be the best time of your life. SUU has been that for me.” — Tiffany Chin, Biology & Healthcare Studies Alum
Get to know Southern Utah University
Benefits
Student Activities
- Campus Ministries
- Choral groups
- Concert band
- Dance
- Drama/theatre
- International Student Organization
- Jazz band
- Literary magazine
- Music ensembles
- Musical theatre
- Opera
- Pep band
- Radio station
- Student government
- Student newspaper
- Student-run film society
- Symphony orchestra
- Television station
High-Impact Practices
- First-Year Seminars and Experiences
- Common Intellectual Experiences
- Learning Communities
- Writing-Intensive Courses
- Collaborative Assignments and Projects
- Undergraduate Research
- Diversity/Global Learning
- Service-Learning, Community-Based Learning
- Internships/Coops/Practicums
- Capstone Courses and Projects/Senior Experience
Campus Resources
- Career Services
- Writing Center
- Academic Advisors
- Library Services
- Faculty Mentors
- Disability Services
- Multicultural Engagement Center
- Health Services
- Academic Tutors
- Financial Aid Advisors
- Student Success Initiative
- Veteran Services
- Peer Mentors
- Counseling
- Gender & Sexuality Center
College Highlights
“From the moment that I first stepped on SUU’s campus, I knew there was something special here. As a first generation student, I didn’t know what to expect coming to college. While I came to SUU in hopes to get into the nursing program, I have stayed for so many other reasons.” — Davi Kauweloa, nursing major
CARING CAMPUS
As a caring campus community, it’s not surprising for professors and students to know each other on a first-name basis. Ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the top 10 schools in the country for lowest student debt among public regional universities, SUU believes a university experience should set students on their path, not stand in their way.
3-YEAR BACHELOR DEGREE
Soar sooner with SUU’s 3-year bachelor degree. This optional program saves students time and money by creating a shortcut to graduation, giving students a year back to work professionally, travel, or jumpstart into graduate school.
RESEARCH
With fellowships and grants available to undergraduate students, opportunities abound for in-depth research projects across all disciplines. Professors act as mentors outside of the classroom to provide project-based learning to passionate students. During annual symposiums, students and faculty showcase their extracurricular research and prepare for future presentations at conferences across the nation.
LEARNING ABROAD
The Office of Learning Abroad follows SUU’s core themes of explore, engage, and excel. Students have opportunities to travel during a full semester, the summer session, or winter and/or spring break. Each year SUU welcomes students from over 60 different countries to our campus in Cedar City, Utah. With more than 44 partnerships with universities around the world, classrooms are rich with diversity and global perspectives.
FYE AND ORIENTATION
The First-Year Experience and Orientation program at SUU provides personal attention to each incoming student. Support is provided by student ACES (Assistant Coaches for Excellence) who help new students with their class schedule, find clubs to participate in, and become acquainted with the campus.
STUDENT ASSOCIATION
The Southern Utah University Student Association (SUUSA) enriches each student’s overall college experience. With the idea of finding and pursuing passions in mind, SUUSA offers a student-run council of elected cabinet members who coordinate finances, academic decisions, activities, and events.
CLASS SIZE
The number of sections of each class size.
2-9: 123 | 10-19: 295 | 20-29: 344
30-39: 181 | 40-49: 99 | 50-99: 80 | 100+: 6
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Nonresident aliens: 7%
Hispanic/Latino: 7%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 2%
White, non-Hispanic: 69%
American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 1%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 1%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 1%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 1%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 11%
“It didn’t take long for me to discover how giving back is such an intrinsic part of SUU’s culture! I was immediately sought out by professors, advisers, and student leaders who wanted to ensure I was succeeding not just academically, but also socially, emotionally, and mentally.” — Skyler Clark, SUU Computer Science and Chemistry Alum
With more than 150+ undergraduate programs, 32 graduate and certificate programs, and a new professional doctorate degree, students are offered world-class, hands-on learning opportunities to gain professional experience giving them a competitive edge before entering the job market.
WRITING CENTER
The Writing Center helps students with writing across all disciplines. Staffed with student tutors, the center has resources available to assist students with grant proposals, persuasive essays, research papers, and class writing assignments. Tutors walk students through each step of the writing process, from brainstorming to sentence construction to practicing grammar concepts.
SPEECH AND PRESENTATION CENTER
The Speech and Presentation Center offers personalized help and feedback on all verbal, nonverbal, and visual aspects of a presentation. From class projects to interview skills, the staff of graduate students and interns help students, faculty, staff, and community members strengthen delivery strategies and reduce speech anxiety.
TUTORING CENTER
The Tutoring Center supports students through more difficult courses in an engaging and approachable way. The center utilizes tutors who bring experience, expertise, and enthusiasm for learning. Over 50 tutors, each of whom have been recommended by faculty, work with students in group or one-on-one settings to deepen understanding of the course material and develop study and test-taking skills.
SPECIAL STUDY OPTIONS
Programs available at this institution.
Accelerated program
Cross-registration
Distance learning
Double major
Dual enrollment
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Exchange student program (domestic)
Honors Program
Internships
Liberal arts/career combination
Student-designed major
Study abroad
Teacher certification program
“In all of the different leadership roles I’ve had, my biggest goal is always to connect with other students and create a sense of belonging and community. I want to encourage all of SUU’s students to break out of their comfort zones and get involved. You can make a difference and influence change on campus.” — Nouman Kante, Former Two-Term Student Body President
CENTER FOR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
The Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) provides a space for students to stop by between classes, meet new people, and hang out. The CDI provides advising, counseling, and access to financial aid and scholarships to ethnic minority and LGBTQ students. The center also supports diversity clubs, such as the Black Student Union and the Polynesian Club.
OUTDOOR CENTER
The Outdoor Center on campus rents discounted outdoor equipment, runs the climbing wall, and plans trips and adventures. These adventures, geared to students of all skill levels, include rock climbing, hiking, canyoneering, kayaking, snowshoeing, caving, and more. The center’s goal is to ignite a passion for recreation.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
SUU focuses on the mental, physical, and emotional health of students, faculty, staff, and the community. Mental health resources are available for students who need help with stress and other conflicts that may distract them from achieving their full potential. On-campus and online services are staffed with psychologists, counselors, and social workers who are all experienced and licensed mental health professionals.
The HOPE (Helping Our People Eat) Pantry is a resource for students who may be struggling to make ends meet. The pantry provides students with non-perishable foods and some hygiene items for no cost. Students are able to either receive or give meals through donations of nonperishable goods.
The J.L. Sorenson PE Building provides a place for students to focus on their physical well-being. Students can access an aquatic center, open recreation areas, and a climbing wall for free. They can also sign up for a class, or purchase a pass, to use the fitness center.
LEAVITT CENTER
The Michael O. Leavitt Center for Politics and Public Service is the political hub for Southern Utah University. The center is run by a student Executive Council that focuses on leadership, research, and service. The Leavitt Center provides free weekly events with a focus on educating students in the world of politics.
VETERANS CENTER
The Veterans Resource and Support Center retains and graduates veterans by helping them pursue educational goals. Services provided include: assistance in gaining and processing documentation necessary to attain veteran benefits; assistance connecting with mental health counselors; aid in preparing for and finding appropriate medical attention; academic advisement; free tutoring; free textbooks; moral support; and fellowship. The center staff is dedicated to helping fellow veterans succeed in their academic endeavors.
SOUTHERN UTAH MUSEUM OF ART
The Southern Utah Museum of Art on SUU’s campus contains five moveable gallery spaces, administration offices, an education classroom, and a storage and support area. Student and faculty art is displayed in some of the galleries throughout the year. The museum plans and hosts plein air festivals to offer community members and students the opportunity to display and sell their art.
UTAH SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
The Utah Shakespeare Festival is a professional theatre company that has been housed on SUU’s campus for over 50 years. It offers 11 summer camps for youth, teachers, directors, and community members. Playmakers, the Festival’s youth training program, is a two-week course for students ages 6–17. There is also a yearly Shakespeare Competition for high schools, which includes various workshops for students. Professional plays are performed from late June to the end of October, including the free Greenshow, an outdoor show that features dance and music from around the world.
SCHOOL LOCATION
With adventure around every corner, Southern Utah University stands within a five-hour drive of 20 national parks, monuments, and recreation areas. Nestled in the red rocks of Cedar City, Utah, SUU is a tree-lined campus surrounded by mountains, lakes, and trails. Students travel to Las Vegas and Salt Lake City in a less-than-three-hour drive or catch one of the daily flights from the Cedar City airport.
The 100-acre university is an eco-friendly, safe, residential campus that keeps nearly 90 percent of the on-campus student body within walking distance. SUU is home to the Utah Shakespeare Festival, Southern Utah Museum of Art, and the Utah Summer Games.
ATHLETICS
Southern Utah University’s Athletic Department offers 15 Division 1 sports, including five men’s sports (basketball, cross country, football, golf, and track & field) and eight women’s sports (basketball, cross country, golf, gymnastics, soccer, softball, track & field, and volleyball). The athletic program adheres to the policies and procedures of the NCAA and competes in the Western Athletic Conference.
The school colors are red and white with Thor the Thunderbird as the school mascot.
RESIDENCE LIFE
Percent of students living on campus.
First-time, first-year (freshman) students: 34.2%
Undergraduates: 10.5%
Campus housing options.
Coed dorms
Apartments for single students
Special housing for disabled students
Special housing for international students
Theme housing
“As much as I value my time in school, I couldn’t help but want to finish my degree as soon as possible because of the professional opportunities waiting for me. I would be nowhere near as far along in my career and education if it wasn’t for SUU. Wherever you are in your professional or educational journey, SUU can help students reach their goals.” — Sam Nelson, SUU Business Management Alum
Southern Utah University offers students an opportunity to obtain one of the top educations in Utah, enriched with hands-on learning, extensive internships, and projects that display their educational endeavors. SUU educates students to become leaders in their field.
SERVICE-LEARNING, COMMUNITY-BASED LEARNING
SUU strives to be a leading university in service and community-based learning. SUU’s Community Engagement Center provides students with alternative breaks immersed in service and community service opportunities. The school’s Community Engagement Center has maintained its Carnegie Community Engagement Classification and was recognized in the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for five years.
INTERNSHIPS/COOPS/PRACTICUMS
Hands-on experiences have helped SUU graduates not only learn in their field, but work there too. SUU’s Michael O. Leavitt Center for Politics and Public Service provides students with internships on a local, state, and national level. These students can obtain both financial support while in school as well as three to 12 credits depending on the internship. SUU also offers internship programs for students through the Intergovernmental Internship Cooperative, a program that allows students to utilize their interests to work professionally.
On top of internship experiences, SUU students are able to participate in practicums in their field. Students have real-world work experiences in areas of media, advertising, and psychology across every college. And along with these practicums, students also work in offices throughout campus. Examples include jobs in outdoor education, finance, management, graphic design, and marketing.
CAPSTONE COURSES AND PROJECTS/SENIOR EXPERIENCE
Regardless of a Thunderbird’s major, they are encouraged to enhance their senior year with a capstone or senior project. The senior capstone gives students a hands-on project that they can later display to future employers. Department heads and faculty help students develop and execute their capstone courses and senior experiences. Science majors may spend time on research-based projects that can be displayed at an annual symposium, while visual arts majors will spend more time on a BFA exhibition.
CAREER CENTER
The Career & Professional Development Center helps students and alumni set post-graduation goals, find jobs, and network with potential employers. Students land permanent positions or internships, explore majors, check résumés and cover letters, and receive advice about careers. The center helps students in their career development process and helps them learn to enhance their potential.
“Originally, I had some reservations about attending a University. I had been out of an academic setting for several years and sitting in an auditorium full of 200 other students wasn’t something I was excited about. One tour of SUU’s campus quickly put my mind at ease. I realized that SUU was able to provide all the resources of a major university, while keeping class sizes small and maintaining a small-town feel.” — Preston Rivera, Aviation Technology, Professional Pilot Major
Admission
ADMISSIONS FACTORS
Very Important
Academic GPA | Standardized test scores
Important
Level of applicant’s interest
FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 510 | 75th Percentile: 630
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 515 | 75th Percentile: 610
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 20 | 75th Percentile: 27
ACT Math
25th Percentile: 19 | 75th Percentile: 26
ACT English
25th Percentile: 20 | 75th Percentile: 27
ACT Writing
25th Percentile: 6 | 75th Percentile: 8
Tuition & Cost
Tuition (in-state): $6,006
Tuition (out-of-state): $19,822
Fees: $764
Room & Board: $7,374
Room: $3,350
Board: $4,024
Aid
The SUU Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships helps navigate the sometimes complicated process of paying for school, including grant and loan program information, FAFSA forms and deadlines, and accepting financial aid awards. With scholarships available to freshmen, transfer, graduate, and all other current students, SUU scholarships are made possible through donor gifts to the university.
What Others are Saying
Contact Southern Utah University
Contact Admissions
www.suu.edu/admissions
(435) 586-7740
admissions@suu.edu
Campus Location
351 W. University Blvd.
Cedar City, UT 84720
(435) 586-7700
info@suu.edu