Lori Meadows
The University of Utah, located in Salt Lake City, is the state's flagship institution with over 35,000 students and a diverse student body. While Utah has a high percentage of Mormon residents, the University of Utah's student population is notably different, with a lower percentage of Mormons. Various estimates place the percentage of Mormon students at the University of Utah between 12% and 36%, with a survey by The Daily Utah Chronicle in 2019 finding that approximately 35.92% of students identify as Latter-day Saints. The University is considered more liberal than the rest of the state, and students report feeling welcome and accepted regardless of their religious affiliations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total number of students at the University of Utah | 33,000-35,000 |
| Percentage of students who identify as Mormon | 35.92% (according to a 2019 survey) |
| Number of students enrolled in LDS Institute | 4,000 (12% of the student body) |
| Religious diversity on campus | Atheist and agnostic are the next largest religious identities after Mormon, tied at 14.41% each |
| Student perception of Mormon community | Varied; some students report feeling disconnected as non-Mormons, while others feel that the Mormon community is "pretty cool" and open-minded |
| Diversity in other areas | The University of Utah has a diverse student body in terms of ethnicity, sexual orientation, and political beliefs |
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What You'll Learn
A survey found 35.92% of students identify as Mormon
The University of Utah, founded in 1850, is the flagship institution of higher learning in Utah. It offers over 100 undergraduate and more than 90 graduate degree programs to over 35,000 students. The state of Utah has a high percentage of Mormon people, but the University of Utah's student body has a much lower percentage of Mormons.
A survey conducted by The Daily Utah Chronicle in 2019 found that approximately 35.92% of the 32,994 students on campus identify as Mormons or Latter-day Saints. This percentage is significantly lower than the proportion of Latter-day Saints in the state of Utah, which is over 15% higher. The survey also found that while 54.1% of students were raised to be members of the church, only 61.48% of those students have remained in the religion. The majority of those who left the church identify as agnostic, atheist, spiritual but not religious, or nothing in particular.
Some students have shared their experiences as Mormons or ex-Mormons on campus. One student, Calvin Barnett, shared that he was asked by a fellow student if he was Mormon and why he hated gays. Barnett responded that he had gay extended family members whom he loved and that members of the church believe that God loves all his children. Another student, Isaac Martin, who was raised in the church but now identifies as an atheist, shared that he sometimes feels ostracized from his Mormon family members and classmates due to his religious views.
Overall, the University of Utah has a diverse student body, and most students feel welcome on campus, regardless of their religious affiliations. The university is more liberal than the state as a whole, and there are various student-led initiatives to increase multicultural awareness and social justice. While there is a strong Mormon community at the university, there are also many non-Mormons and ex-Mormons, as well as a high concentration of LGBTQ students. The university offers a balance of different kinds of people, making it a decent microcosm of society in general.
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Only 12% enrolled in the main Mormon group
The University of Utah, founded in 1850, is the flagship institution of higher learning in Utah, with over 35,000 students enrolled in more than 100 undergraduate and 90 graduate degree programs. While Utah has a high percentage of Mormon residents, the University of Utah's student body exhibits a much lower percentage of Mormons.
According to a survey by The Daily Utah Chronicle in 2019, approximately 35.92% of the 32,994 students on campus identified as Latter-day Saints, a religion commonly associated with Mormonism. However, another source suggests that only about 12% of the student body is enrolled in the main Mormon group on campus, the LDS Institute, which offers Sunday School-type classes and activities for Mormon students. This discrepancy may be attributed to students who identify as Mormon but do not actively participate in religious activities or adhere to all Mormon cultural norms, such as abstaining from alcohol.
The University of Utah is known for its diverse and inclusive student body, with an open, friendly, and tolerant attitude. It attracts a large number of commuting students from various parts of the valley and has a significant population of LGBTQ students. The university's diverse nature likely contributes to the lower percentage of actively practicing Mormons compared to the state's overall population.
While the LDS church holds considerable influence in Utah, particularly in Salt Lake City, the university provides a safe and welcoming space for students from diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds. Many students report feeling comfortable and accepted, regardless of their religious affiliations. The University of Utah, therefore, represents a microcosm of society, offering a balanced and inclusive environment for individuals from all walks of life.
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Many students are ex-Mormon
The University of Utah, founded in 1850, is the flagship institution of higher learning in Utah, offering over 100 undergraduate and more than 90 graduate degree programs to over 35,000 students. The student body is diverse, with an overall open, friendly, and tolerant attitude on campus. While Utah has a high percentage of Mormon people, the University of Utah has a much lower percentage of Mormon students. One source estimates that about 36% of the student body identifies as Mormon, while another source estimates that only about 12% of the student body is enrolled in the main Mormon group on campus, suggesting that the number of practicing Mormons may be lower than the number of students who identify as Mormon.
Among the student body are also a lot of non-Mormons and ex-Mormons. The University of Utah hosts the majority of the Mormon counterculture in Utah, so people who do not accept the Mormon faith or any faith at all will feel welcome. There are also many campus groups for students of other faiths, such as Christians, to get involved with. The University of Utah is more liberal than the rest of Utah, and there are plenty of places to party. Most students do not feel pressured to become Mormon, and there is a sense that there is space for everyone to be unique.
The University of Utah has a strong Mormon community, but there are also many other communities and activities on campus. To most people, it doesn't matter if someone is Mormon or not. The LDS Church has a large influence in Utah, but Salt Lake City, where the University of Utah is located, is an open city where most people find their place. The student body is diverse, and anyone coming to this school would likely find someone who shares their interests and beliefs.
While there are a lot of Mormons at the University of Utah, there are also many non-Mormons and ex-Mormons. The University of Utah is a welcoming place for people of all faiths and backgrounds, and students are free to participate or not participate in religious activities as they choose. The University of Utah is a great place for anyone looking for a diverse and tolerant community.
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The student body is diverse
The student body at the University of Utah is diverse. While Utah has a high percentage of Mormon people, the University of Utah has a much lower percentage of Mormon students. The University of Utah is the flagship institution of higher learning in Utah, offering over 100 undergraduate and more than 90 graduate degree programs to over 35,000 students. According to a survey conducted by The Daily Utah Chronicle in 2019, approximately 35.92% of the 32,994 students on campus identify as Latter-day Saints. However, another source estimates that only about 12% of the student body is enrolled in the main Mormon group on campus, suggesting that the number of actively practicing Mormons may be lower than the number of students who identify as Mormon.
The University of Utah has a diverse student body, with a mix of commuting students from all over the valley and international students from various countries. The university also has a high concentration of LGBTQ students and is surprisingly liberal for Utah. There is a sense that there is space for everyone to be unique, and the campus has an overall open, friendly, and tolerant attitude. Many student-led initiatives focus on increasing multicultural awareness and social justice.
While there is a strong Mormon community at the University of Utah, there are also many non-Mormons and ex-Mormons. The university is more liberal than the rest of the state, and the student body is more ethnically and religiously diverse. Most students feel welcome on campus, regardless of their religious affiliations. The university's location in Salt Lake City, a big-small city, may contribute to this sense of inclusion. Salt Lake City offers the benefits of a large city without the typical challenges of traffic, cleanliness, and crime.
The University of Utah's diverse student body creates a balanced microcosm of society. Students with various interests, beliefs, and backgrounds can find their place and feel welcomed within the university community. This diversity extends beyond religion, with a growing number of international students and students of color. The university's commitment to diversity and inclusion fosters a safe and welcoming environment for all its students.
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Salt Lake City is open and welcoming
The University of Utah, founded in 1850, is the flagship institution of higher learning in Utah. It offers over 100 undergraduate and more than 90 graduate degree programs to over 35,000 students. While Utah has a high percentage of Mormon people, the University of Utah's student body is a much lower percentage of Mormons. According to one source, about 36% of the student body identifies as Mormon, while another source estimates that only about 12% of the student body is enrolled in the main Mormon group on campus, indicating a lower percentage of practicing Mormons. The University of Utah has a diverse student body, with a sense that there is space for everyone to be unique. There is an overall open, friendly, and tolerant attitude on campus, with many student-led initiatives to increase multicultural awareness and social justice. One student describes the university as ""surprisingly liberal", where "you can do whatever you can whenever you want to".
Salt Lake City, Utah's capital and largest city, is known for its dynamic cultural scene and dedication to community inclusion. The city has been recognized as a 3-star Certified Welcoming City by Welcoming America, a national nonprofit organization. This designation reflects the city's commitment to inclusivity, belonging, and advancing welcoming practices with transparency and accountability. Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall stated that the city is "committed to ensuring that every individual, no matter their background, feels a sense of belonging here".
The city's welcoming designation was based on several initiatives, partnerships, and external programs that foster inclusivity and community building. One such initiative is the Know Your Neighbor Program, a partnership with the Utah Refugee Services Office that emphasizes friendship-building and community cohesion between immigrant and non-immigrant residents. Another notable program is the Salt Lake City Arts Council, which is recognized for its efforts in equity and inclusion through programming and grant-making, enriching the city's cultural landscape.
Salt Lake City joins an esteemed group of 25 other U.S. cities and counties recognized for their commitment to inclusivity and is the first Certified Welcoming city in Utah. This certification showcases the city's dedication to creating a welcoming environment for all its residents and breaking down barriers to ensure everyone feels valued, heard, and welcomed.
In conclusion, Salt Lake City is a welcoming and inclusive place that embraces diversity and strives to make all its residents feel at home. The city's initiatives and programs foster a sense of community and belonging, reflecting its commitment to ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds feel accepted and valued.
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Frequently asked questions
Approximately 35-36% of the student body at the University of Utah identify as Mormon.
The University of Utah is more religiously diverse than the rest of the state, with a lower proportion of Latter-day Saints than the wider community.
Yes, there is a very strong Mormon community at the University of Utah, but there are also a lot of non-Mormons and ex-Mormons.
The University of Utah is surprisingly liberal, with an open, friendly, and tolerant attitude. However, some students have reported feeling disconnected from the majority.
Yes, Utah has a high percentage of Mormon people, and Mormonism affects most facets of life in Salt Lake City.
