Snow College: What it's really like

Want to study at a smaller US college in a picturesque location? Snow College in Utah could be for you!

Snow College at a glance:

Ephraim, who is the International Recruiter and Activities Coordinator at Snow College, shares what it’s like to study there.

What is Snow College?

Snow College is a two-year community college based in Utah, US. Despite the name, it doesn’t always snow in Utah!!

We were ranked no. 1 in the US for student success by the Chronicle for Higher Education back in 2020. We offer small class sizes, giving students a more personalised experience with their professors.

We have over 50 countries represented here and roughly 300 international students, with diversity always growing on campus.

Why apply to Snow College?

A great reason to apply to Snow College is to enjoy a very personalised university experience. Our small class sizes mean that staff here really get to know you and your learning style as an individual. Many students here are the first in their family to go to university, and we create a very welcoming atmosphere to help them feel as supported as possible.

Another reason to apply is that Snow College offers an affordable experience. Studying at a community college can save you tens of thousands of dollars compared to studying at a larger institution. Snow College is in fact the most affordable place to study in the state of Utah.

If you’re an international student, a great reason to apply is the personalised support you get here. We have an international office to guide you on local opportunities and support you in your orientation when you arrive. And almost half of our student life officers, who plan social activities, are international students themselves, so they represent your experience and will help make you feel included on campus.

Who isn’t the right fit for Snow College?

If you’re looking for a ‘big city’ experience from your university, Snow College might not be the place for you. Although Ephraim is a city, it’s not a large one and Snow College is a small campus too. We do provide opportunities to visit large cities in your spare time, but if you’re after a consistently busy city experience you might find a better alternative in somewhere like LA, Chicago, or New York.

Any application tips? 

Snow College is what is called an ‘open admission institution’. That means that as soon as you submit an application, you are technically accepted! But that doesn’t mean your application is done – there are a few more steps to complete.

Next, you need to submit a copy of your passport, your transcript or high school diploma (or current transcript showing you will be graduating), and a bank statement to show you can cover your fees for the first year of study here. You don’t have to pay them upfront; we just need to see that you have the funds.

If you’re an international student, we also recommend you apply for our international scholarship that can save you a big chunk of money on your fees. And for students from many countries, it's helpful to submit proof of your English proficiency. We accept proof from Duo Lingo, IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE, among others.

What’s the location like?

We have two campuses: one in Ephraim and one in Richfield, both in Utah. Ephraim is the academic campus where most of the teaching takes place, whilst about an hour’s drive away in Richfield, we offer technical education programmes in subjects like nursing, agriculture, and cosmetology.

If you’re into the outdoors, our campuses are well located for you, close to the mountains and five national parks. If you’re into team sports, you’ll also enjoy being able to watch local basketball teams and soccer teams compete in the city.

Both towns are ranked among the top safest places to study in the US.

What facilities does Snow College have to offer?

Our academic facilities include a state-of-the-art science centre, where engineering students can use hands-on technology like 3D printing. Our music programme has several theatres where students can perform or watch their fellow performing arts students showcase their work.

Our library has a dedicated quiet level if you can’t study with any background noise, plus it offers laptops you can rent out so you can study wherever you like. 

If you’re into sports, we have a running track, gyms, basketball and soccer courts, and a swimming pool on campus. You can join activities from water yoga to frisbee to pickleball! And at our Student Center, we’re always hosting fun social events like roller skating nights and arcade nights.

What is the accommodation like?

You have the option to live either on- or off-campus at Snow College.

On-campus housing is paid all together with your tuition fees, and meal plans if you choose to take them up, so you don’t have to worry about making separate payments. You can choose to be fully catered in the on-campus cafeteries, or go for an apartment with a kitchen. You can also opt for a private room (which is a little more expensive) or share a dorm with another student.

Should you choose to live off-campus, there is local housing surrounding the site, so wherever you choose to live you’ll be within walking distance of your classes.

How does Snow College meet the needs of students with different accessibility requirements?

Our disability services office supports students with physical or learning disabilities to make sure you can access classes and learning in the way that best suits you. This might include communicating with professors to make your classes fully accessible, from providing accessible spaces to helping you hear your lecturers better.

Our diversity and inclusion office offers students a place to go if there is ever anything you are worried about, and also runs supportive clubs to help you feel included. 

Our student support facilities include free tutoring in-person or online, careers counseling so you can practise your interview skills, and mental health support. Every student at Snow College has access to free online or in-person therapy.
 

Want to explore more US universities? Unifrog’s Shortlisting tool can help you put together a list of great potential courses.