Brigham Young University

BYU is renowned for its rigorous academics and standout programs. Its accounting program is consistently ranked among the best in the nation, while engineering, elementary education, communications, and animation also receive high marks ([17]). The university offers over 200 programs, including unique options like Africana Studies and Actuarial Science ([13]). Students praise the affordability and academic rigor, with one Reddit user noting it's 'an elite academic institution' with 'great price, recognizable name, and low student debt' ([15]). The Princeton Review highlights BYU's balance of affordability and academic excellence, calling its rigor the school's 'greatest strength' ([16]).

BYU's student life is deeply influenced by its LDS affiliation, with a zero-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol ([20]). Despite—or perhaps because of—these restrictions, the campus buzzes with activity. Students can join hundreds of clubs, participate in Y-Serve (a community service organization), or engage in intramural sports and swing dancing ([19], [23]). The university's ward system (LDS congregations) fosters tight-knit communities, and students often socialize through church-related activities ([24]). Campus Life oversees 13 departments dedicated to enhancing student experiences, from academic associations to cultural events ([21]).

BYU boasts an impressive 82% graduation rate, with 28% of students finishing within four years and 38% within five ([25], [28]). Alumni outcomes are strong, with the median family income of students at $125,400, and 60% hailing from the top 20% of earners ([29]). The Career Center provides robust support, including experiential learning and internship opportunities ([26]). BYU's focus on low student debt and high employability makes it a standout for upward mobility, though economic diversity is limited—less than 1% of students come from the bottom 20% of household incomes ([29]).

BYU is a bargain compared to peer institutions, with a total cost of $21,940 and an average net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. of $14,643 after aid ([33], [36]). About 67% of students receive some form of financial aid, with 49% getting grant money averaging $4,350 ([35]). The university's Net Price Calculator helps prospective students estimate their costs, which are kept low thanks to heavy LDS Church subsidies ([31], [34]). This affordability, combined with strong academics, makes BYU a rare find: a top-tier education without the crushing debt.

BYU is an anomaly in higher education: a religiously affiliated school with the academic clout of a top-tier university and the price tag of a state school. Its honor code creates a unique culture—free of party-school excesses but rich in community and service. The accounting program is a national powerhouse, and the university's focus on undergraduate teaching rivals liberal arts colleges. For LDS students, it's a spiritual and academic home run; for others, it's a chance to access elite academics at a fraction of the usual cost. As one Reddit user put it, BYU offers 'great price, recognizable name, and low student debt'—a trifecta rarely found in higher ed ([15]).