Brigham Young University: A Legacy of Faith, Intellect, and Service
Brigham Young University (BYU), a private research university located in Provo, Utah, stands as a testament to the vision of its founder, Brigham Young, and the enduring principles of its sponsor, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Established in 1875, BYU seeks to cultivate students of faith, intellect, and character, equipping them with the skills and desire to learn continuously and serve others throughout their lives.
Historical Overview
The origins of BYU trace back to 1862 when Warren Dusenberry established a school in Provo. After facing financial challenges, the school was re-established in different locations and eventually became the Timpanogos branch of the University of Deseret. However, financial difficulties led to another closure.
On October 16, 1875, Brigham Young deeded property to trustees, establishing Brigham Young Academy. This date is generally recognized as BYU's founding date. Young envisioned a church university that would provide a unique educational experience. Classes at Brigham Young Academy commenced on January 3, 1876.
Transition to University Status
The school transitioned into a university near the end of Benjamin Cluff's tenure. Despite initial opposition, the academy was officially named "Brigham Young University" in 1903, marking a significant milestone in its history. In the same year, Brigham Young Academy was dissolved and replaced by Brigham Young High School (BY High) and BYU. The BY High class of 1907 contributed to the creation of the iconic "Y" on the nearby mountain.
Presidential Leadership and Growth
George H. Brimhall was appointed as the new President of BYU. During his tenure, BYU acquired land known as "Temple Hill," which became the site of the first building on the current campus, the Karl G. Maeser Memorial.
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Franklin S. Harris, the first president with a doctoral degree, reorganized BYU into a true university and secured accreditation from major organizations. Howard S. McDonald oversaw a period of rapid growth after World War II, leading to the acquisition and renovation of an Air Force Base in Ogden to accommodate the expanding student body. Ernest L. Wilkinson spearheaded an accelerated building program, constructing numerous structures on campus and increasing the student body six-fold, making BYU the largest private school at the time.
Continued Expansion and Development
Dallin H. Oaks continued the expansion, adding a law school and proposing plans for a new School of Management, as well as a new library. Jeffrey R. Holland emphasized the integration of educational excellence and religious faith, establishing the BYU Jerusalem Center. Rex E. Lee oversaw the construction of the Benson Science Building and the Museum of Art. Merrill J. Bateman was responsible for the construction of numerous buildings and the creation of the Mountain West Conference, as well as a satellite TV network. Subsequent presidents, including Cecil O. Samuelson and Kevin J Worthen, have continued to build upon BYU's legacy. C. Shane Reese is the current president of BYU.
Campus Environment
BYU's main campus in Provo spans approximately 560 acres at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, comprising 295 buildings with diverse architectural styles. The campus is meticulously maintained, with views of the Wasatch Mountains, including Mount Timpanogos.
Library and Museums
The Harold B. Lee Library (HBLL) is a prominent feature of the campus, housing approximately 8.5 million items, with 98 miles of shelving, and seating for 4,600 people. Several museums on campus offer exhibits from various fields of study. The BYU Museum of Art is one of the largest and most visited art museums in the Mountain West, providing research and study opportunities for students and educational programming for the public. The Museum of Peoples and Cultures focuses on native cultures and artifacts of the Great Basin, American Southwest, Mesoamerica, Peru, and Polynesia. The BYU Museum of Paleontology displays vertebrate fossils from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. The Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum was formed in 1978.
Performing Arts Facilities
The campus also houses several performing arts facilities, including the de Jong Concert Hall, the Pardoe Theatre, the Margetts Theatre, and the Nelke Theatre.
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Housing and Dining
BYU offers on-campus housing communities for freshmen and older students. Dining options include branches of the BYU Creamery, which provides basic food and dairy products.
Sustainability Efforts
BYU prioritizes energy conservation, products and materials, recycling, site planning and building design, student involvement, transportation, water conservation, and zero waste events.
Organization and Academics
BYU is part of the Church Educational System (CES) and is governed by a board of trustees, with the president of the Church as chairman. The university comprises 11 colleges or schools, offering a wide range of programs, including 194 bachelor's degree programs, 68 master's degree programs, 25 PhD programs, and a Juris Doctor program. In addition, BYU manages courses and majors through various centers and departments, such as the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies, Undergraduate Education, Graduate Studies, Independent Study, Continuing Education, and the Honors Program.
Rankings and Recognition
BYU has consistently received high rankings from various publications. U.S. News & World Report ranked BYU No. The Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education ranked BYU tied for No. 1 "Worth the Cost" college in 2019. Forbes rated BYU highly in its rankings. The Marriott School of Management has also received recognition for its undergraduate and MBA programs. The J. Reuben Clark Law School also consistently achieves high rankings.
Research and Innovation
BYU is classified as "Research 1: Very High Research Spending And Doctorate Production." According to the National Science Foundation, BYU spent $137.7 million on research and development in 2023. Scientists associated with BYU have made notable inventions, including Philo T. Farnsworth, inventor of the electronic television, Harvey Fletcher, inventor of stereophonic sound, and H. Tracy Hall, inventor of the man-made diamond.
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Student Life and Honor Code
Almost all BYU students are members of the LDS Church. Students attending BYU agree to adhere to an honor code, which reflects the teachings of the church, including academic honesty, adherence to dress and grooming standards, abstinence from extramarital sex, from same-sex romantic behavior, and from the consumption of alcohol and other drugs. Undergraduate students are required to complete curriculum in LDS religious education for graduation regardless of their course of study.
Devotionals and Forums
BYU hosts weekly devotional and forum assemblies, providing students with opportunities for spiritual and intellectual insight. Devotionals typically address religious topics, while forums cover more secular subjects.
BYU-Idaho: A Sister Institution
Brigham Young University-Idaho, another institution affiliated with the Church Educational System, is ranked No. #8 in Regional Colleges West. The student-faculty ratio at Brigham Young University-Idaho is 20:1. The school's tuition and fees are $4,656. The average net price for federal loan recipients is $6,968. The four-year graduation rate is 21%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $40,447.
BYU-Idaho also holds rankings in various academic fields. EduRank ranked Brigham Young University - Idaho 766th in the United States and 2969th in the global 2025 rating.
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