Brigham Young University is a unique university in all the world! As parents and church leaders, you play a key role in helping your youth prepare for a BYU education. We're here to support you as you guide your youth through this exciting journey.
Find the Best Resources to Help Your Youth
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Toggle ItemAims of a BYU Education
At BYU, we are dedicated to developing students of faith, intellect, and character who have the skills and the desire to continue learning and to serve others throughout their lives. These aims are woven into every aspect of the educational experience at BYU, both inside and outside the classroom. A BYU education should be:
- Spiritually Strengthening
- Intellectually Enlarging
- Character Building
- Leading to Lifelong Learning and Service
As you guide your youth on their journey to higher education, encourage them to foster these aims. Help them explore avenues that align with their interests and talents, laying a foundation for a fulfilling and purposeful future. For ideas on how they can begin developing these aims now, refer to our page here.
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Toggle ItemInspiring Learning
We are a university with incredible facilities and dedicated professors who teach by learning and by faith. No matter what your youth choose to study, our faculty will provide them with opportunities to seek and receive personal revelation throughout their time at BYU. As former BYU president Kevin J. Worthen said, "I hope we inspire our students to learn. And I hope that learning leads to inspiration." This is inspiring learning!
Check out some of the recent inspiring research, service, and creations of BYU students in the video below!
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Toggle ItemImportance of Higher Education
President Nelson has said, “Your mind is precious! It is sacred. Therefore, the education of one’s mind is also sacred. Indeed, education is a religious responsibility.”
Higher education can open doors and expand opportunities for your youth. As stated in the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet, “Education increases your ability to serve the Lord. It empowers you to bless others, especially your family. The more you learn, the more you can help build God’s kingdom and influence the world for good.”
On average, post-secondary education increases earning potential. In 2023, the median weekly income of someone with a bachelor degree was $1,493, versus $899 for those with only a high school diploma.
Explore all the educational opportunities within the Church Educational System that can help your youth learn and grow here.
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Toggle ItemHow to Teach About Higher Education
As you are the most involved in your youth's lives, you have unparalleled influence on them. You have a unique ability to guide them and impart the importance of higher education. Here are some ideas for how to teach your youth about higher education as you build genuine, understanding relationships with them:
- Understand their desired changes, goals, and desires.
- Understand challenges they are concerned about.
- Help create a plan to pursue a path.
You may also consider sitting down with your youth and highlighting why higher education is important, as broken down in the section above!
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Toggle ItemHow to Prepare for BYU
Your youth can start preparing for college even before their high school years. We look for students who demonstrate an interest in the aims of a BYU education, as explained in the "Aims of a BYU Education" section above. The best places to start are What We Look For and Preparing for BYU! These pages provide great insights into what youth can start doing to prepare, even years before they actually apply to BYU.
ACT/SAT Test Scores Preparing for BYU Admission Guide What We Look For AP and IB Classes -
Toggle ItemAdmission Application
The BYU Admissions process takes a holistic review of each applicant. In order to do that, we need to know more about your youth! The many parts of our application help us get to know the applicants better.
Because there are so many parts, youth should start early on their application. They will also want to start contacting recommenders early on in their application process to avoid missing the deadline due to unsubmitted recommendations. We encourage you to learn more about each part of the application below. Be sure to reference our What We Look For page.
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Toggle ItemScholarships & Financial Aid
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints places great importance on the education of its members. As a result, all students who are members of the Church receive subsidized tuition at BYU, blessing them with an affordable option.
In 2023, 60% of first-year students at BYU received financial aid. As you explore the options BYU offers, be sure to check out the pages below.
If you have additional concerns about paying for school, please reach out to Enrollment Services at the Contact Us button on the bottom of this page.
Application Fee Waivers Financial Fitness Applying for Federal Aid Scholarship Application Cost of Attendance Scholarship Deadlines Cougar Pell Promise Tuition Financial Aid Types of Aid -
Toggle ItemClass & Major Information
Choosing a major and registering for classes is a new experience for most youth.
If your youth is at the beginning stages of deciding what to study, we recommend exploring Major Snippets. These short videos provide valuable insights into various majors offered on campus, helping them make informed decisions about their academic path. For a complete list of majors offered at BYU, see here. Your youth may also consider enrolling in a Career Exploration class their first semester or meeting with a University Advisor.
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Toggle ItemHousing
Youth are often curious about their living arrangement options. For the first two semesters at BYU, all single undergraduate students must live (1) in BYU on-campus housing, (2) in BYU off-campus contracted housing, or (3) with qualifying family members. All students living in BYU on-campus and BYU off-campus contracted housing agree to abide by the Honor Code and Related Policies, so students can be surrounded by others upholding the same values both on campus and at home. Click the links below to learn more about on-campus and off-campus housing.
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Toggle ItemOn-Campus Resources
Your youth will have access to numerous on-campus resources, ensuring they have the tools needed for success and a seamless transition to university life. You can view the video below for a quick overview of many resources available on campus.
All incoming freshmen can also become more familiar with these resources through their first year mentor.
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Toggle ItemStudent Life
Many youth wonder how they will make friends and find opportunities to be involved as they transition to college life. At BYU, students have abundant opportunities to meet new people, make friends, and enjoy life beyond the classroom. Students can participate in various service and leadership programs or attend events based on their interests. The vibrant student life encompasses a wide range of on-campus activities and access to off-campus events. From Clubs Night to intramural sports, from concerts to weekly devotionals, there are countless ways to form lasting connections and enjoy a fulfilling experience at BYU. See a glimpse of life at BYU by watching the video below. You can also see a list of many of the involvement opportunities here.
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Toggle ItemEvents
Check out our event page below to see if we will be coming to your area soon. Attending one of these events can be a great opportunity to gather more information and meet the representative for your area.
You can also explore upcoming Church Educational System (CES) events, including some that are held online. Our 2024 CES Parent and Leader Livestream is available to watch here.
BYU Events CES Events -
Toggle ItemHomeschooled Applicants
Because homeschool is carried out so differently from household to household, the application requirements may vary across homeschool applicants. If your youth is homeschooled, please visit here for additional information.
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Toggle ItemInternational Applicants
BYU welcomes international applicants. BYU defines an “international applicant” as one who requires a visa/documents to enter the United States. However, any applicant that has lived outside the United States may have similar application requirements as international applicants. Explore the websites below for more information on what international applicants can expect in the application process. You can also watch a recording of our 2024 International Applicant Information Session here.
English Proficiency Requirement International Applicants Evaluating International Work International Student and Scholar Services -
Toggle ItemTransfer Applicants
Do you have a student who wants to transfer to BYU from another institution? Check here to see if your student would be considered a transfer applicant and learn more about the transfer application. Your youth’s credits from other accredited colleges may fulfill specific BYU courses or transfer as elective credits. To learn more about how classes will transfer, check out our transfer guide.
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