Studying In Utah: Get to Know Your New Home
With world class professors, top notch facilities and an endless variety of study choices and career paths, it’s easy to see why the U.S.A. is the number one study destination in the world.
While your first thought of America might be New York or California, studying outside of those saturated states is actually a better choice. In fact, for the last two years in a row, Utah ranks as the #1 best state in the U.S., an esteemed position testament to the high quality of its education system, economy and healthcare. Read on to learn why so many people love living here and what makes Utah unlike anywhere else in the world.
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Utah has the most unique landscape you've ever seen
If you long for fresh air, big skies and peaceful surroundings, then Utah is perfect for you.
Here in Ephraim in central Utah, there's no traffic, no pollution. Nothing but mountains all around you and the sky above.
Getting outdoors all year round
If you love skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing or snowmobiling, then you’ll be thrilled to learn that Utah is famous for having The Greatest Snow on Earth®. You can normally get on the slopes from late fall through late spring.
When warm weather hits, there’s endless places to go mountain biking, hiking, fishing, rock climbing, rafting, camping, star gazing – you name it!
There are plenty of ways to explore and stay busy such as year-round festivals dedicated to hot air balloons, astronomy, food, art, crafts, music and film. Perhaps Utah’s biggest claim to fame is its five stunning National Parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capital Reef.
And by the way, it doesn’t snow all the time (and that’s not where we got our name from – here’s the real story)! We enjoy all four seasons here in Utah, and most locals relish any opportunity to get out into nature year-round.
Head on over to VisitUtah.com or check out Utah.com’s 17 reasons to visit and you’ll instantly see why there’s “Snow” place more beautiful than Utah!
Join Snow’s guided trips and tours, designed especially for our international students
Not all learning takes place in the classroom! Snow College is located in the heart of the Great American West, which is perfect for many activities and outdoor adventures.
Just three miles from our campus, you can be up on top of the mountains admiring the vista from the famous “Snow S” viewpoint, or hitting the trails amidst the Ephraim Canyon Heritage Center.
Snow College Center for Global Engagement takes international students on special trips to amazing locations throughout the year. These activities are designed to help you experience the beauty and grandeur of Utah’s mountains and deserts.
- Join a small group of your classmates for a hike in the high alpine valleys of the Manti LaSal National Forest.
- Camp at the foot of Mount Nebo, the highest peak in the Wasatch Range.
- Take a river trip through the Canyons of the Green or Colorado Rivers.
- Hit the slopes in winter on our skiing and snowboarding adventure trips.
- And we even organize trips for international students to visit the five National Parks in Utah, as well as the Grand Canyon in Arizona and Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.
Student Life: Elevated
Extremely affordable cost of living
Tuition and scholarships
Since Snow College is located in a more rural setting, prices are much lower than what you’ll find in big cities. In fact, we offer the lowest tuition, housing and fees in Utah.
You can get a top-quality education with amazing professors for a fraction of the cost of most universities in the U.S.A. (less than $15,000 per year compared to $50,000!).
Tip: You can even get a $5,000 scholarship!
Once admitted, as an international student you are eligible to apply to receive $5,000 off your tuition fees each year.
There are also opportunities to work on campus to help cover some of your costs, and Snow College offers flexible Payment Plans too.
As the most affordable institution in Utah, Snow College is committed to making an American education accessible to all.
So what are you waiting for? There’s truly “Snow” better place for you!
Learn how to apply
Living costs in Ephraim, Utah
As an international student in the U.S., you’re eligible for lots of little discounts that add up to big savings. For example, reduced entry to local attractions and money off park entry fees or at local restaurants.
You’ll also save money since you won’t need to commute to campus every day. Everything you need is within walking or cycling distance.
To help you plan a weekly budget or give you an idea of local prices, here are some estimated costs when living as a student in Ephraim, Utah:
- Sandwich: $6
- Cappuccino: $4
- Meal in local restaurant: $15
- Movie ticket: $8.50
- Live sports game: free on campus!
- Transport around campus: 100% walkable and free!
Discover student activities on campus
Explore housing and dining on campus
Utah is home to many successful global brands
What is Utah famous for?
Chances are, you know a few things about Utah - you just don't realize it yet!
For example, in addition to having The Greatest Snow on Earth®, Utah has several nicknames.
America's Film Set® - With truly unique scenery, Utah has inspired countless movie makers and directors to capture its beauty on film. You can walk in the footsteps of famous actors and hunt down all the best filming locations. Or who knows? Maybe you’ll make your own independent film during your college years here. Kick it up a notch from Instagram and YouTube!
With such a thriving film industry, it’s no wonder that Utah plays host to one of the largest independent film festivals in the world. Directors, producers, actors, stage hands and anyone with a passion for the big screen descend upon Park City every year for the annual Sundance Film Festival.
The Beehive State - While it’s true that Utah has a more diverse number of bee species than any other U.S. state, this isn’t how it got its nickname. In fact, it dates back to 1848 when the hive was chosen as a symbol of hard work, dedication, and diligence. Each bee does its part in providing for the entire swarm and therefore, they represent a community that works for the good of the whole.
For the people of Utah, the beehive inspires them to collaborate and support one another to create a successful society. At Snow College, we believe that analogy holds true for our thriving student community, too!
The Silicon Slopes
You’ve heard of Silicon Valley in San Francisco and Silicon Alley in NYC, but have you heard of Silicon Slopes? Well, that’s in Utah! Not only do we have some incredible scenery here, we also have a thriving hub of large and small tech companies that have chosen Utah due to its healthy employment pool, low cost of living and company tax incentives.
The sky’s the limit when it comes to our mountains – and our career options!
Utah is ranked best state in the USA!
With such an attractive place to live and work, it’s no wonder that Utah has been ranked the number one state in the entire country - two years in a row! Some of the world’s largest multinational companies operating in a variety of industries have offices in Utah, and thanks to Snow’s stellar Career Center, you’ll be able to gain work experience or undertake an internship in your chosen field of study. We have some exceptional job opportunities if you’re planning to major in geology, eco-tourism, architecture, engineering, film, music, and of course, business.
And don’t forget that when you choose to study at a community college, you benefit from twice the job opportunities since you can do 12 months of OPT when you finish your Associate’s degree at Snow, and another 12 months when you finish your Bachelor’s at your transfer university.
Explore Academic Programs
See Employment Options
"Snow" safer place in the USA
We are known as one of the safest college campuses in Utah and our students can relax
knowing that safety standards are rigorously enforced. At Snow College you can enjoy
the following safety standards:
- Key-card entry to all buildings
- CCTV
- Campus police patrol
- Security checks for all staff
- 24-hour foot and vehicle patrols
- Lighted pathways and sidewalks
- Controlled dormitory access (key, security card, etc.)
Another factor that contributes to Snow College’s high safety record is because alcohol is not permitted on campus, even for those over the legal drinking age (21 years old). Due to this rule, students are able to enjoy socializing in a more relaxed, natural, non-threatening environment - no peer pressure to drink and no safety incidents as a result of drunken behavior. If you’re considering other rural universities in America, you might find that there’s an over-emphasis on partying and a drinking culture, given the remote location. But not at Snow! Here we enjoy a friendly, social atmosphere, with plenty of parties on offer – just done safely.
And with housing only a short walk away from campus facilities, your risk is greatly reduced, as is your commute - giving you more time to focus on your studies and college experience, and less time to worry about other things!
Traveling to Snow College in Utah
Now that you know how incredible Utah is, let’s help you get here!
Our nearest airports
You’ll most likely arrive at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC).
Here’s a handy list of other nearby airports for domestic transfers (or skydiving – hey, weekends weren’t made for sitting around):
- Manti-Ephraim Airport (41U)
- Provo Municipal Airport (PVU)
- Grand Junction (GJT)
- Montrose (MTJ)
- St. George Regional (SGU)
- Ogden-Hinckley Airport (OGD)
- Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC)
Airport pick-ups
- Check your emails! You will receive transportation information to help prepare for your arrival at Snow College with recommended travel dates.
- Fill out the Travel Information Form that is included in those instructions.
- After this form is submitted to us, you will receive confirmation of your itinerary and a form to request an airport pickup.
- If your parents or family members choose to join you and drop you off at Snow College, they must rent a car in order to come to Snow College as there are extremely limited options available for them to make the return trip to the airport.
Transit in Ephraim, Utah
Once you are on the Snow College campus, getting around is really easy. Your student housing, classrooms and dining halls are all within a 5-20 minute walk from each other. However, please note that transportation options to get in and out of Snow College campus are very limited.
Please note: The Center for Global Engagement is not a transportation service.
We ask that students utilize the following options before asking our office to provide
transportation:
- Friends or roommates.
- GoesGoes.com (local “Uber” company with limited capacity).
- The weekly Walmart Bus is provided to all students free of charge.
Below you will find the costs for transportation to nearby locations.
| Destination | Cost per Student |
|---|---|
| Nephi Bus Stations (Salt Lake Express or St. George Shuttle) | $80.00 |
| Provo Frontrunner Station | $90.00 |
| Salt Lake Airport (single student) | $150.00 |
| Salt Lake Airport (pre/post-semester shuttle) | $100.00 |
| Mount Pleasant Hospital – Non-Emergency (Roundtrip) | $20.00 |
| Richfield Hospital – Non-Emergency (Roundtrip) | $30.00 |
| Utah Valley Hospital – Non-Emergency (Roundtrip) | $60.00 |
If the Center for Global Engagement helps you to arrange transportation, please be advised that our office maintains the right to change the prices above at any time. Each of these amounts will be charged directly to the student’s account at Snow College.
A $25 fee will be applied to any students who:
- Do not show up for the provided transportation.
- Cancel less than 72 hours before transportation is scheduled to be provided.
Snow College in the town of Ephraim is located in the center of Utah state. It is a small, close knit community with a distinct character formed by history and the environment. At an elevation of 5500 feet, the campus offers a spectacular view of the Wasatch and Manti LaSal Mountain ranges.
Sightseeing near Ephraim, Utah
Check out our top recommendations of places near Snow College for day trips, sightseeing and getting out into nature. These are just a few suggestions; you’ll quickly realize when you arrive that there are countless mountains and peaks to explore!
- Maple Canyon: Individuals from all over the world visit here, some for the foliage during the fall, but mainly for the free rock wall climbing.
- Mount Pleasant Drive-in Theatre: take a group of friends with you to the drive-in and experience the small-town charm surrounded by the stars.
- SnoCap Lanes Bowling Alley: Bowl with some friends, or arcade games if that is more to your liking.
- Hike the “S”: A moderate hike for individuals who would like to see the simple beauty of the Sanpete Valley. We recommend all students to do this hike!
- Palisades Lake: a cute spot about 15 minutes south of campus. Located in between the mountains, it is a great escape to swim, paddle board, and any other activity that is welcomed at a park. During the summer, the CGE takes students to Palisades for our annual Barbeque.
- Open-Mic Night at Solid Rock Cafe: a welcoming activity for all that would like to perform music, poetry, etc.
Salt Lake City:
- The capital of Utah.
- Salt Lake City is the proud host of the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The city was also the former host for the 2002 Winter Olympics.
- Many of Snow College’s transfer partners are here such as University of Utah, Westminster University and Salt Lake Community College.
- As mentioned earlier on this page, Utah is America's Film Set® and many pictures have been filmed in Salt Lake City. It’s the location for Legally Blonde 2, The Sandlot, High School Musical, and the Disney+ series based on it called High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.
- Don’t miss Temple Square: a center of history and worship for individuals that are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
- Visit The Cathedral of the Madeleine: under the patronage of St. Mary Magdalene, this place of worship serves as the mother church for Roman Catholics in the state of Utah.
Park City:
- Tip! Park City hosts the annual Sundance Film Festival, one of the largest independent film festivals in the world.
- Utah Olympic Park: try bobsledding, ziplining, and extreme tubing.
- Park City Mountain: Slide down the slopes with the Alpine slide.
- Ski or snowboard at world class resorts like Sundance, Alta, Brighton, Solitude, Snowbird, and many others!
Lehi:
- Filming site for Footloose (1984).
- Thanksgiving Point: A 40-acre event center that houses the American Museum of Ancient life (Dinosaurs), Botanical Gardens, movie theatre, restaurants, and golf courses.
- Home to many tech companies such as Adobe, Podium, Weave, and others!
- Traverse Mountain Outlets: A great place to pick up affordable name brand clothing.
Provo:
- Closest city to Snow College. About an hour away by car.
- Home to Brigham Young University, one of Snow College's most popular transfer partners.
- The Provo Towne Center shopping mall has plenty of shops to keep you busy!
- Don’t miss Frontrunner’s first, or last stop depending which direction you are going. The Frontrunner connects Utah’s northern metropolitan areas; from Provo you can go as far north as Ogden.
Ogden:
- Home to Weber State University, one of Snow College's transfer partners.
Orem:
- Home to Utah Valley University, one of Snow College's transfer partners.
- If the weather forecasts rain, you can spend a whole day at University Place, the town’s largest shopping mall.
Spanish Fork:
- Take a tour of the Shri Shri Radha Krishna Temple, home to Lord Krishna. With a 50' temple dome, 108 spires, marble statues of the deities, carved teak altar, and paintings depicting Sri Krishna's many pastimes, the temple features ornate details at every turn and majestic 360-degree views of the Wasatch Mountains. The history and beliefs of Krishna Consciousness are covered and questions can be answered. For those who wish, caranamrita and prasadam are offered from the main puja and all may stay to participate in a brief session of kirtan in the temple room at the conclusion of the tour.
Visit Dinosaur National Monument, a unique park that preserves over 800 sights of dinosaur fossils and other forms of life before humans.
This is for nature lovers and adventurers! Two out of the five national parks of Utah can be found here, amongst other gems.
- Grand Junction (Colorado): One of the most breathtaking scenes that the wild west has to offer. GJ is a region known for its high plateaus, tall rocky peaks, and other amazing wildlife.
- Arches National Park: These are the arches that made Utah famous! Arches National Park is located 3 hours away from the Snow College campus, making it one of the best parks to visit during the weekend. Here you can witness the red sand and rocks, Delicate Arch, and many other attractions to enjoy with your friends and peers.
- Using Moab as your base, you can explore the Arches as well as Dead Horse Point State Park and Canyonlands National Park.
- And don’t miss Goblin Valley State Park.
- Richfield: visit Snow's sister campus
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Lake Powell
- Grand Staircase: Escalante National Monument
- Bryce Canyon City
- Bryce Canyon National Park
Head southwest and you can visit two of Snow College's transfer partners, and enjoy stunning scenery along the way.
Cedar City:
- Southern Utah University
- Cedar Breaks National Monument
Saint George:
- Utah Tech University
In Delta you can visit the Topaz Internment Camp Museum. Topaz was one of 10 relocation centers constructed in the United States during World War II for the purpose of detaining Japanese Americans and people of Japanese descent. The museum serves as an important reminder of lessons we can learn from the mistakes of our past.
The Bonneville Salt Flats stretch over 30000 acres and offer some of the most unique landscapes in the entire country! In addition to taking some of the most incredible pictures you can imagine, you can also check out the races here, or scout out movie filming locations, such as Pirates of the Caribbean.
- Angels Landing in Zion National Park – join one of Snow College’s guided tours
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Grand Canyon, Arizona
- Lake Mead, Nevada