The original school, Brigham Young Academy, was established Oct. 16, 1875. It covered just over one acre of land in what is now downtown Provo. Despite steady growth during its early years, the academy was threatened by a series of financial and physical setbacks. In 1891, the campus moved to new facilities on University Avenue. The old site of the academy eventually became Provo Library. In 1903, the name was officially changed to Brigham Young University.The university's approximately 560-acre main campus now includes 300 buildings: 80 for academic programs, 64 for administrative and auxiliary services and 150 for housing. Representing all 50 states and more than 100 different countries, BYU’s campus is filled with a unique variety of cultures, experiences, and perspectives. Nearly 70% of students speak a language in addition to their native tongue. In total, BYU students speak 111 languages. The Cougar was chosen as BYU's mascot in the early 1920s. BYU first purchased a pair of cougar cubs for 50 cents each in 1924 to excite BYU fans at athletic events. Live cougars prowled the sidelines of BYU games on a regular basis through the late 1940s and on special occasions through the 1960s. The original cubs were housed on the south side of campus until 1929 when they managed to break out of their cage, kill two dogs and begin stalking livestock on nearby farms. Both were recaptured later the same day. Cosmo the Cougar, made his first official appearance before BYU fans on October 15, 1953. New Freshman Totals: Applications vs Students Accepted Year - 2016 Applicants - 13,408 Students Accepted - 7,171 Rate - 53.5% Average New Freshman GPAs 2016 - 3.85 Average New Freshman ACT / SAT Scores 2016 - 29 / 1280 Not only did U.S. News & World Report list BYU as a top 20 “best value” school in 2011, but its yearly tuition is more than $20,000 less than the national average For private institutions. This aFFordable rate is possible because oF Financial support From The Church oF Jesus Christ oF Latter-day Saints. The low cost oF tuition does not come at the expense oF a higher-quality education; BYU maintains its distinguished reputation because oF its reasonable expenses combined with its high caliber oF education. LDS Tuition Fixed cost based on Full-time enrollment $ 5,300 per year Non-LDS Tuition Fixed cost based on Full-time enrollment $ 10,600 per year Each dorm apartment is furnished with a refrigerator, microwave, stove, oven, dishwasher, ironing board, dining table and chairs, and seating furniture. Each resident in Heritage Halls is provided with a bed, closet, desk, chair, and dresser drawers. Rooms come without decor. True Blue Foam Party before Football Games BYU has its own Bowling Alley. Every year, students get a free game to come in and play with their friends. The Brigham Young University Museum of Art is a four-story, modern facility of more than 102,000 square feet in size. The museum houses ten exhibition galleries, an auditorium, classrooms, a small theater, and a print study room. Since 1971, BYU performing groups have performed more than 13,600 shows in all 50 states and 100 countries, in front of more than 12 million people. Radio and television broadcasts have reached billions. Brigham Young University's Intramural Program has tradition that dates back to the early 1900's. Throughout the years, the program has grown and the participation has surged to over 12,000 students. The Cougars began collegiate football competition in 1922. The team has competed in several different athletic conferences during its history, but since July 1, 2011, it has competed as an Independent. BYU Cougars have won 23 conference titles and 1 national title. As of 2008, 146 BYU Cougars football players have gone on to play professional football. Team alumni have competed in 48 NFL Super Bowls, including Super Bowl MVP Steve Young and two-time Super Bowl winner Jim McMahon. Established in 1902, the team has won 27 conference championships, 3 conference tournament championships, and competed in 29 NCAA Tournaments. It currently competes in the West Coast Conference. BYU fields 21 NCAA varsity athletic teams. A few of their unique non-varsity athletic offerings include the Cougarette Dance Team and the Extramural Rugby Team. Established in 1946, the Cougarettes became a part of BYU's athletic tradition in 2000 when they began working with the cheer squad at football and basketball games to enhance the overall game-day experience at BYU. Named one of the top 25 dance teams in the nation by Dance Spirit Magazine, the Cougarettes have earned national respect on the dance floor by claiming the National Collegiate Dance Team title in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2005, 2006, and 2007. BYU sponsors extramural competition in four sports - racquetball, men's lacrosse, men's rugby and men's soccer. BYU offers nearly 200 different majors to students in a variety of areas, fields, and specialties. Currently the top 10 majors by enrollment are the following: Exercise Science, Elementary Education, Psychology, Management, English, Public Health, Computer Science, Family Life, Chemical Engineering, and Communications. BYU offers: 193 bachelor's degrees 62 master's degrees 26 doctorate degrees BYU seeks to develop students of faith, intellect, and character who have the skills and the desire to continue learning and to serve others throughout their lives. A BYU education should be: Spiritually Strengthening Intellectually Enlarging Character Building Leading to Lifelong Learning and Service .