50 Facts About Brigham Young University

Brigham Young University: A Historical Overview

Brigham Young University (BYU) has a rich history dating back to its founding in the 19th century. Let's explore some key historical facts about this esteemed institution.

1. Founding: BYU was founded in 1875 by Brigham Young, the second president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).
2. Original Name: Initially named Brigham Young Academy, its mission was to train teachers for public schools.
3. Historical Development: The school began as an academy and was elevated to university status in 1903.
4. President Harris’s Impact: President Franklin S. Harris reorganized the school into a true university and achieved accreditation from all major accrediting organizations.
5. President McDonald’s Tenure: Howard S. McDonald oversaw rapid growth, increasing student enrollment from 1,000 to 5,440 by the end of his term.
6. President Wilkinson’s Era: Ernest L. Wilkinson led an accelerated building program, significantly expanding the university's facilities.

Academic Excellence at BYU

BYU offers a wide range of academic programs and has a strong focus on research and innovation. Here are some facts highlighting its academic prowess.

7. Academic Programs: BYU offers programs in liberal arts, engineering, agriculture, management, physical and mathematical sciences, nursing, and law.
8. Undergraduate Majors: The university offers 186 undergraduate majors.
9. Master’s Programs: BYU provides 64 master’s programs.
10. Doctoral Programs: The university offers 26 doctoral programs, including a Juris Doctor program.
11. Accreditation: BYU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
12. Research Facilities: Important research facilities include laboratories for atomic, plasma, and condensed matter physics, as well as the Ezra Taft Benson Agriculture and Food Institute and the Center for Family History and Genealogy.

Student Life and Demographics

BYU's student body is diverse and vibrant, with students from all over the world. Let's delve into some interesting facts about the student population.

13. Student Enrollment: As of Fall 2024, the total daytime student enrollment is 35,743.
14. Gender Distribution: The student body is predominantly female, with 51% female and 49% male students.
15. Marital Status: Approximately 62% of students are single, 18% are married, and 20% have an unknown marital status.
16. International Students: The university has 1,252 international students representing 107 countries.
17. Top International Countries: The top three countries represented by international students are Canada, Mexico, and South Korea.
18. Language Diversity: More than 60% of students speak a second language, and the university offers instruction in 127 languages.
19. Foreign Language Housing: The university provides foreign language student housing, offering 10 languages in this unique arrangement.

Global Reach and Study Abroad Programs

BYU is known for its extensive study abroad programs and international reach. Here are some facts that showcase its global presence.

20. Study Abroad Programs: BYU offers over 200 international study abroad programs in 61 countries.
21. Language Certifications: The university offers 21 language certifications.
22. Ambassadors Program: Since 1996, BYU has hosted 258 ambassadors from 104 countries.
23. International Reach: BYU’s international reach extends to 107 countries, with a significant presence in Canada, Mexico, and South Korea.
24. Study Abroad Participation: More than 2,000 students participate in study abroad programs annually.

Faculty and Staff

The faculty and staff at BYU are dedicated to providing a high-quality education and supporting the university's mission. Here are some key facts about the people who make BYU run smoothly.

25. Academic Staff: BYU has 1,264 full-time and 486 part-time faculty members.
26. Administrative Staff: The administrative staff includes 1,200 full-time and 900 part-time employees.
27. College Structure: The university is organized into 11 colleges or schools.
28. Satellite Campuses: BYU operates four satellite campuses: one in Jerusalem, Salt Lake City, Washington, D.C., and London.

College of Fine Arts & Communications

The College of Fine Arts & Communications at BYU is a hub for creativity and artistic expression. Here are some facts about this vibrant college.

29. Founding: Founded in 1925, it is the first Fine Arts College in the Intermountain West.
30. Majors and Minors: The college offers 35 majors and 10 minors.
31. Student Body: The college comprises 3,245 undergraduate students and 93 graduate students.
32. Facilities: The college utilizes 11 campus buildings and hosts over 500 on-campus performances annually.
33. Practice Rooms and Galleries: It has 55 practice rooms and 11 art galleries, which hold over 130 exhibitions annually.
34. Faculty & Staff: The college is staffed by 146 full-time faculty members and 69 full-time administrative and staff members.

Rankings and Recognition

BYU is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States. Here are some facts that highlight its achievements and recognition.

35. Rankings: BYU is ranked No. 20 overall in the 2024 Best Colleges in America rankings from The Wall Street Journal.
36. Financial Health: Recognized as one of the best financially healthy schools by Forbes.
37. Student Recommendations: BYU is highly recommended by students and recent alumni, ranking No. 1 in this category by The Wall Street Journal.
38. Graduate PhDs in Business Administration: BYU graduates who go on to earn a Ph.D. in business administration rank No. 1 according to the NSF.
39. Best College Library: The university’s library is ranked No. 1 by the Princeton Review.
40. Foreign Language Degrees: BYU produces the third-highest number of foreign language degrees in the country.
41. U.S. Fulbright Scholars: The university is the third-largest producer of U.S. Fulbright Scholars.
42. Technology Transfer: BYU is ranked No. 4 in the best university for technology transfer by the Milken Institute.
43. Master of Accounting Program: The university’s Master of Accounting program ranks No. 5 according to U.S. News.

Alumni and Community Engagement

BYU has a strong alumni network and is actively engaged with the local community. Here are some facts about its alumni and community involvement.

44. Alumni Numbers: As of 2023-2024, BYU has awarded a total of 15,780 degrees, with alumni totaling 449,197 individuals.
45. Top States Represented: The top states represented among BYU students are Utah (36%), California (11%), Arizona (7%), Texas (6%), and Idaho (5.8%).
46. Community Engagement: The university hosts numerous events and programs that foster cultural exchange and educational opportunities.

Mission and Values

BYU's mission and values are deeply rooted in its religious affiliation and commitment to academic excellence. Here are some facts that highlight its mission and values.

47. Religious Affiliation: The university is sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).
48. Mission Statement: BYU’s mission is to help students develop their full divine potential as children of God, emphasizing the integration of academics and faith.
49. Research Initiatives: BYU is involved in various research initiatives, including those focused on atomic, plasma, and condensed matter physics, as well as agricultural and food science.
50. Community Engagement: The university is actively engaged with the local community, hosting numerous events and programs that foster cultural exchange and educational opportunities.

BYU: A Unique Blend of Academics and Faith

Brigham Young University stands out as a unique institution that combines rigorous academics with a strong emphasis on faith. Founded in 1875, BYU has grown into one of the largest private universities in the U.S., offering 186 undergraduate majors, 64 master’s programs, and 26 doctoral programs. With a diverse student body of over 35,000, including 1,252 international students from 107 countries, the university fosters a global perspective. More than 60% of students speak a second language, and BYU offers instruction in 127 languages. The university's commitment to research, community engagement, and international study programs makes it a vibrant place for learning and growth. Recognized for its financial health, top-ranked library, and strong alumni network, BYU continues to make a significant impact in both academic and religious spheres.