Utah Tech University
Innovation in Action: Where Learning Meets Real-World Impact

Featuring hands-on learning experiences that prepare students to graduate career-ready, Utah Tech University is the quintessential example of a polytechnic institution. By offering the lowest university tuition in its state and accepting all students, the St. George, Utah-based university is making higher education not only affordable and accessible, but a must-have in today’s ever-changing economic landscape.

Innovation is embedded in every student’s experience as part of Utah Tech’s ‘active learning. active life.’ approach to education.

“As a comprehensive university that embraces polytechnic learning, Utah Tech helps students gain knowledge through hands-on education and authentic industry experiences,” says Shane B. Smeed, president of Utah Tech University.

Students make, create and innovate while gaining real-world active learning experiences through internships, clinical experiences, undergraduate research, industry partnerships and service learning.

For example, students in the Trailblazer Child & Youth Program travel to U.S. Naval bases in a variety of locations such as Italy, Bahrain, Japan and Hawaii to host after-school and summer programs for the children of military personnel while earning academic credit. Meanwhile, criminal justice majors have the opportunity to extract evidence from digital devices to assist in real cases through UT’s Digital Forensics Crime Lab. Additionally, dental hygiene students deliver essential care to children through the Mobile Van Dental Hygiene Clinic, while science students inject zebrafish embryos to conduct genetic research and address human health challenges as part of the Center for Precision Medicine & Functional Genomics.
Across campus and beyond, Utah Tech offers active learning experiences. The university boasts nearly 300 academic programs at one of the lowest tuition costs in the Western United States. Making Utah Tech’s education even more affordable, 87 percent of students are offered scholarships, grants or other financial aid. Despite being home to more than 13,000 students, Utah Tech is committed to personalized learning experiences with an average class size of just 22 students.

To ensure all students thrive in their studies, the university’s Academic Performance and Tutoring Center is available to students at no additional cost. It provides services such as one-on-one tutoring and a study hall, where students can work on homework, and tutors are nearby for support. Similarly, Utah Tech’s comprehensive Career Services offers students complimentary training and assistance as they prepare for their future.

Outside of the classroom, students and community members alike can transform their ideas into products and viable businesses at the university’s Atwood Innovation Plaza. Located on the Utah Tech campus, this premier business development pipeline is a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Atwood Innovation Plaza’s comprehensive approach to innovation has proven highly effective, vetting nearly 800 ideas, submitting 186 patents, applying for 138 trademarks, and securing 23 copyrights.

To help students live an active life, Utah Tech also provides the complete college experience through Division I athletics, cultural events, and more than 100 active student clubs. Students get a myriad of opportunities to be fully immersed in the “active learning. active life.” experience. On top of that, Utah Tech’s Campus Life and Wellness division takes advantage of the university’s stunning location, surrounded by striking landscapes and national parks, to offer outdoor adventures and learning opportunities.

With a long-term commitment to providing active learning opportunities for all who wish to pursue higher education, Utah Tech equips students to graduate ready to enter their careers, make meaningful contributions to their communities and live enriched lives for generations to come.