Seems like what you want is an environment where people tend to live conservatively (less partying and drinking), but do not try to push their own rules or religion on others. Correct?
@ucbalumnus I really don’t care if they push their religion on me. I’m not going to convert because I’m pretty staunch in my beliefs, but I don’t mind if they try to convert me because I know that’s what the atmosphere is like in BYU. I’m fairly sure that my Christian friend’s parents were trying to convert me on the DL for a long time, so I’m actually interested in seeing how Mormons would try to convert me. ;))
@Pheebers I think there’s been a miscommunication. I don’t think the atmosphere at BYU is bad, not at all really, but some of the people replying to this thread do.
To add, a lot of the people replying to this thread seem to be people who are making assumptions about BYU and are not alumni of BYU, because I’ve never read an Non-Mormon alumni experience where they claimed the Mormons got all the internships and jobs. I was really hoping at least one, mostly unbiased alumnus or alumna would reply, but from the looks of it that won’t happen. (This paragraph wasn’t a direct reply to you, it was more of a general statement.)
Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate your reply and I value your opinion because you personally know people who looked at BYU as an option.
@ucbalumnus Fun fact, I was in a religions class last year and so I have a small copy of the Book of Mormon at home!
I don't think it matters, IMO you have zero chance of passing the sniff test. You seem to think what YOU think matters, it really doesn't. Obviously you like the thrust and parry of conversation LOL. You are not going to be able to hide that.
@Sybylla Not sure what you mean by the “sniff test” and not entirely sure why you’re being so hostile either. People have been giving me less-than-positive information about BYU but in a far more eloquent manner, and I’ve taken said information into consideration.
I’d appreciate less ad hominem attacks and more actual information, thank you.
Highly recommend reading Kevin’s book (for everyone, not just OP)!
@Naperthrill , the post I quoted (in my first post on this thread) is from a BYU alum and the thread I linked features both an alum and a former BYU professor.
@iwannabe_Brown I wasn’t directing those comments towards you. You’ve provided incredibly helpful information so far. I appreciate that a lot. Thank you. 
Folks,
I came across this thread by chance and am intrigued by the posts. I am also looking for a high-quality, low cost university for my son, probably in Engineering or Computer Science.
My background will help you folks give your advice. I am originally from India. Lived in California for 15 year and then moved back to India with my family. All of us are USA citizens. We had moved back to India when my kids were below 5 years age. Now my son is ready for college and I am looking at suitable Universities for his undergrad. Cost and the quality of education are major factors for me.
Also I am of Jain religion, which is similar to Hinduism. We actively practice abstaining from alcohol, are pure vegetarians. Since my kids have grown up in this kind of environment, they might not have a difficult time following the code of conduct at BYU except for no coffee :))
The other thing which piqued my interest in BYU is the safe environment for students due to no alcohol, no drugs etc. One less thing to worry about sitting thousands of miles away in India when kids are studying in USA.
Are there students from India at BYU ? Will he feel isolated socially in this environment or will it help him focus on his academics ?
Thanks.
@golfdude71 BYU is not very diverse. 83.2% of students at BYU are white. Only 2% are Asian (that’s ~530 students out of ~33,000), and Asian can mean a person originating from any country in the continent of Asia so your son will be hard-pressed to find a decent amount of other Indian students there.
Also remember that BYU is a Mormon school, so although the students there won’t outright harass your son about his religion, they won’t be too keen on fully accepting it either. Also, they do a lot of Mormon-centered activities at this school including prayers before starting certain classes.
Keep in mind that drinking coffee is strictly against the Honor Code at BYU. If you break the Honor Code, you can face serious consequences (including expulsion).
I’m not trying to scare you from letting your son apply, I’m just trying to give you a comprehensive answer. If your religion is an integral part of your life and/or your son values diversity greatly, BYU may not be for you. If none of the aforementioned clauses are an issue, you should definitely look into the school.
This conversation seems crazy. Diversity is great, religion is fine, honor code fine, but holy cow! This college sounds crazy. There are better options that are affordable and don’t force anyone to comply with super-strict beliefs. Why? Why would anyone choose to go there unless they are okay with being forced to live with their beliefs. This is very different from a Jesuit school. My overwhelming feeling is that the college does everything possible to dissuade outsiders from applying. So perhaps OP likes a challenge?
In addition, the university is financed in large part by tithes paid by church members. So as an atheist, which I am also, there is no way I would be comfortable with that. Try going to college in Germany,where it’s free and probably a lot more tolerant.
There are tons of top Indian/American students in Utah and many will stay instate and none will go to BYU. There are Asian mormons but not Indians that I have ever met. The same advice extends to any student looking for a cheapo deal. BYU isn’t just about the cost LOL.
@Lindagaf They have a pretty great languages program. :))
Ok. BYU is not for my kid. Thanks for all your input.
@golfdude71 you are hijacking this thread and need to start your own if you have questions about this. I will say though that very generally, if your son wants to stay away from alcohol, it’s isn’t likely to be a problem unless he chooses colleges with very heavy Greek life, meaning fraternities and sororities.
@Naperthrill have you considered other schools in Utah that are financially viable and still have a non-party atmosphere? I have a niece who graduated from Utah State in Logan. She’s not Mormon but was fairly conservative and not into partying. The university was a good fit for her. Yes, there were a lot of mormons but she never felt out of place because there was a decent mixture of non mormons. She did however end up meeting and marrying a Mormon right after college lol.