CEU entered the USU system on July 1, 2010 as Utah State University Eastern.
Carbon College was formed on February 20, 1937 by the State of Utah and classes began in October 1938 with approximately 100 students.
The issue went to the ballot during the election of 1954 with 56,000 petition signatures and a subsequent 78% of the vote to reject such a measure.
Situated in the center of Price, Utah, USU Eastern's campus is set on about 12 acres (4.9 ha) and is surrounded by geological and recreational features including the San Rafael Swell, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry.
USU Eastern offers more than 60 degree programs in academic, technical, and vocational fields.
USU Eastern operates under an open admissions policy, meaning that if one applies and has either graduated from high school or earned a GED, they are accepted.
Since 2020, Utah State University, including USU Eastern, has been test-optional, meaning students do not need to submit ACT/SAT scores for admission.