Brigham Young University has once again showcased a powerhouse combination of academic excellence, mission-driven culture, and global outreach, securing its place among the nation’s most respected
WORLD‑CLASS MISSION: BYU Earns Global Acclaim—Ranked #1 in U.S. for Study Abroad, Top‑20 for Student Satisfaction, and Leading R1 Research on International Stage
institutions. Here’s how BYU’s strengths converge to earn global acclaim:
🌍 1. 🇺🇸 #1 University in the U.S. for Study Abroad
According to the 2023 Open Doors Report, BYU led the nation with 2,878 students participating in 204 study abroad programs across 61 countries, edging out UT Austin and NYU . Nearly 17% of undergraduates study abroad—a massive footprint that highlights BYU’s global engagement .
Students frequently underscore the transformative power of these experiences. One reflected, “I study art history…being able to go and see it in person…you feel that much more passion”
🎓 2. Strong Academic Reputation & Mission Focus
BYU ranks No. 20 in the Wall Street Journal’s 2024 Best Colleges in America—joining elite institutions like Princeton, MIT, and Stanford . The University’s top-tier programs include:
**#2 Accounting** in the nation
J. Reuben Clark Law School and Marriott School of Business both in the Top 30 .
Its full-immersion approach combines rigorous academics—from Philo T. Farnsworth to H. Tracy Hall—with faith-inspired values, centering on “divine potential” in students .
🌐 3. Global Languages & Cultural Competence
Over 60% of students speak a second language, spanning 121 languages on campus . The Kennedy Center alone oversaw 2,443 students in 273 programs across 67 countries during 2023–24 . These immersive programs bolster cultural awareness, aligning students with international and domestic career paths.
🤝 4. Integration of Mission & Outreach
Rooted in its LDS Church affiliation, BYU maintains a faith-based honor code, emphasizing values like honesty, modesty, abstinence, and bilingual missionary service—40–50% of students have lived abroad as missionaries . This spiritual identity fuels service, academic purpose, and a global-minded culture.
🔁 Why It Matters
Unmatched global proficiency: study-abroad leadership, multilingual student body
Academic prowess: top business, law, and arts rankings
Values-infused education: harmonizing faith and scholarship
Cultural diplomacy: preparing alumni for international leadership with fluency and empathy
In short, BYU’s rise to global acclaim is no accident—it’s institutional architecture. By intentionally fusing immersive global education, scholarly achievement, and mission-rooted principles, BYU continues to shape well-rounded, world-ready graduates who excel across languages, cultures, and disciplines.
