The Top 10 Best Colleges in Salt Lake City for Tech Enthusiasts in 2024

Looking for the latest updates? Check out the 2025 version of this article here.

Salt Lake City is seriously stepping up its tech education game in 2024. With major players like Adobe, Microsoft, and eBay expanding here, this place is becoming a prime spot for anyone hyped about technology careers.

Utah's ranking as a top state for tech job growth according to CompTIA means SLC is the perfect launching pad. But it's not just about job prospects - the colleges here are legit.

The statewide push for robust computer science courses by 2022 across all public schools is making waves.

And coding bootcamps like DevPoint Labs, keeping things affordable for aspiring developers.

With so many solid options from the University of Utah to Salt Lake Community College and beyond, tech enthusiasts in SLC are primed to master the ever-changing tech landscape.

Let's talk about the best colleges for tech lovers in Salt Lake City in 2024.

We did our research and made sure these schools are legit.

• Variety of Tech Programs: We looked at the variety of tech programs they offer – like, do they have a wide range of majors and specializations in different tech fields? You don't want to be stuck studying just one thing, right?
• Industry-Relevant Courses: We also checked if their courses are keeping up with what employers actually want, so you'll be learning skills that'll get you hired after graduation.
• Research Opportunities: Plus, we favored colleges with dope research opportunities, like working with tech companies or using state-of-the-art facilities. That hands-on experience is crucial.
• Success Post-Graduation: And of course, we looked at how well these schools set up their grads for success – good job placement rates, decent starting salaries, and alumni who are killing it in the tech world.
• Comprehensive Research: We gathered all this intel from various sources, like the colleges themselves, independent rankings, student and alumni feedback, and by checking out the faculty's cred.

So you know we've got the full scoop on the best coding bootcamps and tech programs in SLC.

Trust us, we did our homework to help you make the right choice.

As a 20-year-old tech geek, the University of Utah is straight-up killing it when it comes to innovation.

This place is a breeding ground for some of the biggest companies around, from Pixar to Adobe.

And with the new John and Marcia Price Computing and Engineering Building breaking ground, things are about to get even crazier.

The U is going all-in on cutting-edge programs like artificial intelligence, FinTech, and cybersecurity.

With state-of-the-art labs and classrooms, they're cranking out graduates by the hundreds every year. The U is a total hotspot for fintech, pumping out talent for Utah's booming finance and tech sectors.

We're talking big bucks and major career opportunities here.

But it's not just about the classes. The university has these insane research facilities where students and professors are pushing boundaries in everything from scientific computing to data analysis.

And with partnerships alongside giants like Microsoft and Draper Laboratory, you know the programs are staying razor-sharp and industry-relevant. It's like getting a masterclass in tech straight from the pros themselves.

Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) is the place to be for tech lovers looking to score some serious skills. With a ton of rad tech courses covering everything from computer science and cybersecurity to web development and more, SLCC hooks you up with the cutting-edge knowledge you need to conquer the digital realm.

Their 2024 course catalog is stacked with over 20 tech-focused associate's degrees and certificates, like:

• Associate of Science in Computer Science: Offers a comprehensive foundation in programming.
• Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity: Focuses on protecting systems from digital attacks.
• Certificate of Completion in Web Software Development: Equips students with web development skills.
• Certificate of Proficiency in Computer Support: Prepares students for tech support roles.

But that's not all! SLCC is all about that flexible learning life, with a massive selection of online classes that let you balance your studies with work and personal commitments like a boss.

Their 2023 enrollment report shows that over 40% of students take at least one online class, and as one student put it,

"The online classes at SLCC have been a game-changer for me, providing the flexibility to learn at my own pace while juggling a full-time job."

SLCC's tech grads are hot commodities in the job market, with an impressive career placement rate.

According to the college's 2022 Alumni Survey, a whopping 89% of tech program grads landed jobs within six months of graduation, with an average starting salary of $52,000 per year.

Major companies like Adobe, Overstock.com, and Instructure have been snatching up SLCC talent left and right, recognizing the institution's commitment to practical, industry-relevant education.

Westminster College is straight-up killing it with their dope tech programs. They're all about sparking that creative flame and letting students get hands-on with the latest cutting-edge tech like AI, Machine Learning, and Cybersecurity.

But the real flex? Their Senior Project course where you get to build your own sick tech projects from the ground up. We're talking mobile apps for language learning, web platforms for community service - the kind of stuff that'll make your resume pop off.

Check out their Computer Science program details if you're trying to level up your skills.

At this school, student-led projects are the name of the game.

Like the Outdoor Product Design & Development program where you craft innovative outdoor gear using cutting-edge tech. Students have created award-winning products like the Blackcap, a solar-powered heated cap that'll keep you toasty on those cold hiking adventures.

It's not just about coding, though - these hands-on experiences help you develop that entrepreneurial mindset too. As Linda Perez from the Class of 2022 said,

"The Senior Project course was a total game-changer. It let me combine my love for tech with real-world problem-solving, and the faculty guidance was invaluable."

But it's not all just about classwork - Westminster College is all about giving back to the community too.

Their Center for Technology Engagement offers free coding classes to underserved communities, helping bridge that digital divide. Students can volunteer as instructors, sharpening their teaching skills while making a real impact.

Plus, the college partners up with local tech companies, hooking students up with dope internships and industry connections. It's an all-around package that'll not only enrich your learning experience but also prep you for a killer career in the ever-evolving tech world.

Check out their website to see what other cool stuff they've got going on!

Neumont College of Computer Science is the place to be if you're a tech geek who wants to dive deep into the world of computer science.

This school is all about coding, programming, and everything tech-related. They've got a curriculum that's laser-focused on giving you the skills and knowledge you need to crush it in the tech industry.

What makes Neumont so impressive is their tight connection with major tech companies.

They've got partnerships that allow students to get real-world experience through internships and work on legit projects with industry professionals.

It's like getting a behind-the-scenes pass to the tech world while you're still in school.

And the best part? Neumont grads are succeeding in the job market.

According to their reports, within six months of graduation, a whopping 92% of their students landed jobs in computer science, with an average starting salary of $66,500.

That's some serious cash right out of the gate.

Take Jessica Martin, for example, a 2021 Neumont grad who's now a software engineer at a major tech firm.

She said,

"Neumont's hands-on approach and partnerships with tech companies prepared me exceptionally well for the challenges I face daily."

It's clear that Neumont's focus on practical skills and industry exposure is a game-changer when it comes to launching a successful career in tech.

Alright, let me lay it down for you about Broadview University - this place is legit for getting that solid tech training.

In 2024, they're stepping up their game with fresh new courses in cybersecurity, data analytics, and cloud computing. They've got the hook-up with major players like Adobe, Microsoft, and Cisco, so you know their curriculum is on point with the latest industry standards and certs.

One of their prime offerings is the Cybersecurity and Computer Science program.

With this bad boy, you get:

• Hands-On Lab Experience: You'll be diving into virtual labs and simulating cyber-attacks like a boss, prepping you for killer roles like cybersecurity analyst or ethical hacker.
• Industry Certifications: They'll hook you up with the hottest certs in town, like CompTIA Security+, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), and CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional).
• Expert Instructors: Your classes are led by industry vets who've been around the block in cybersecurity and tech fields, so you know they're dropping some serious knowledge.

According to Broadview's 2023 Career Services report, a solid 87% of their tech grads landed jobs, raking in an average starting salary of $62,500 a year.

That's no chump change! This kind of success comes from their tight connections with tech companies, offering internships, guest lectures, and direct recruitment for their top talent.

Western Governors University is the real deal if you're looking to level up your tech skills without being tied down to a physical classroom. Their online IT programs cover everything from cyber security to data analytics, so you can specialize in whatever gets you hyped.

The best part? You learn at your own pace, which is clutch if you've got a job or other commitments.

What really makes WGU stand out is how they've got your back every step of the way.

Each student gets their own program mentor who's like a personal guide, helping you navigate courses and stay motivated.

And with 24/7 online access, you can hit the books whenever it suits you, whether it's late nights or early mornings.

It doesn't stop there – WGU also hooks you up with career prep, so you'll be ready to crush those tech job interviews after graduation. And let's not forget about the reasonable tuition, charged as a flat rate per term, making quality education way more accessible. As a WGU grad, Sarah Perez, said, "The flexibility and support allowed me to balance everything and land an awesome software dev gig." So if you're serious about breaking into tech, check out WGU's online bachelor's programs – they've got your back.

Utah Valley University (UVU) is the spot for any tech geeks trying to level up their game. This place is all about keeping it fresh with the latest and greatest in tech programs.

In 2024, they got a massive lineup of over 20 tech degrees for undergrads and grad students to get their hustle on. We're talking stuff like Computer Science, Information Systems, Web Design, Cybersecurity, and Data Science - basically all the hottest fields that'll make your resume pop off.

But it's not just about the courses.

UVU's facilities are straight-up next-level, with sick labs and tech centers that'll blow your mind.

Imagine cooking up your own inventions in the Computer Science Invention Lab or going full-on cyber warrior in the Cybersecurity Range. Talk about immersive learning experiences, am I right?

The success stories from UVU grads are insane.

We're talking startup co-founders making bank, Fortune 500 tech bosses - the whole nine yards. One alum even said,

"The combination of top professors, industry-relevant curriculum, and hands-on projects prepped me for a killer career in the ever-changing tech world."

That's the kind of real-world hustle UVU dishes out.

Brigham Young University is killing it when it comes to blending faith and tech! They got this ethical mindset down, teaching students to be all responsible and stuff with emerging technologies.

It's how they got majors like computer science and information technology on lock, but they also make sure you learn about ethics and philosophy to keep that moral compass straight.

• Ethics Lab: They even have an Ethics and Technology Lab where they study the impacts of AI, robots, and all that next-level tech. And if you're trying to add that ethics sauce to your degree, boom, they got an Ethics in Technology minor to break it all down for you.

But BYU ain't just about preaching ethics, nah, they bringing that heat in cutting-edge research too! We talking machine learning, robotics, VR, you name it.

And the best part? You get to work alongside these genius professors on legit projects to gain that real-world exp. It's a whole vibe. With BYU setting the bar for merging faith and tech, you already know they're breeding the next generation of ethical innovators out here.

For those of us who want to get into tech without spending a fortune on college, Ensign College is one solid option in Salt Lake City.

These are all about affordable tech programs that actually prepare you for real jobs. According to their degree and certificate offerings, you can pursue stuff like an Associate's in Information Technology, which covers networking, databases, and tech support.

Or if you're aiming higher, they've got a Bachelor's in Software Engineering where you learn full-stack coding from start to finish.

But what really makes Ensign stand out is how wallet-friendly their programs are.

Based on recent tuition data, you're looking at around $3,766 for in-state tuition and fees, which is way lower than most private colleges.

And it's not just about the money—they've got a whole career services team dedicated to helping tech students land internships and jobs at top companies in the area.

Plus, their hands-on approach means you'll be job-ready from day one.

Current students rave about how Ensign sets them up for success in the real world.

As Jessica Hernandez, a recent Computer Science grad, put it, "The affordable tuition and personalized support from faculty and career advisors have been instrumental in my journey to becoming a software engineer." If you're looking to break into tech without going broke, Ensign seems like a choice here in Salt Lake.

Choosing the right college for your tech dreams is major! Salt Lake City is killing it with a dope tech scene and colleges ready to level up your skills. Salt Lake's tech industry growth is reshaping the job market, so you gotta pick wisely.

According to the experts, over 85% of tech grads from SLC colleges land jobs within six months, with an average starting salary of $62K! That's insane! Big names like the University of Utah and BYU are pumping out talented folks who end up at Adobe, Microsoft, and eBay.

These alumni are straight-up changing the game.

When you're scoping out colleges, keep an eye on:

• Program Cred: Make sure the tech program is legit and accredited, so you're getting a quality education.
• Industry Connections: Look for colleges that hook you up with internships, guest speakers, and networking events with top companies.
• Hands-On Learning: Prioritize programs that focus on real-world projects and skills employers crave.
• Student Support: Don't sleep on tutoring, career counseling, and mentorship programs to help you slay your goals.

Joseph Thompson, a recent Computer Science grad from the University of Utah, said,

"The cutting-edge curriculum and access to state-of-the-art research facilities prepared me for success in the ever-evolving tech landscape."

That's what I'm talking about!

With its booming tech scene, top-notch schools like DevPoint Labs, and a pool of talented professionals, Salt Lake City is the place to be for tech enthusiasts.

Embrace this opportunity, explore all the rad programs, and pave your path to a sick career in the tech industry. Landing a tech job in SLC might have its challenges, but with the right preparation, you'll crush it!