Students at the University of Utah achieve significantly higher earnings than similar students at other institutions, with graduates earning over $6,300 more than expected based on national patterns.
This earnings advantage, combined with top-tier outcomes for low-income students, places Utah among the most effective public universities for long-term financial success.
Azimuth ranks the University of Utah 47th out of 306 public four-year institutions nationwide, placing it in the top 15% for overall value. The university delivers exceptionally strong earnings outcomes while maintaining reasonable affordability, making it a standout choice among large public research universities. With graduates earning a median of $67,170 ten years after enrollment and achieving earnings beyond expectations of over $6,300 compared with similar students at other institutions, Utah consistently outperforms peer institutions in long-term financial outcomes.
As Utah's flagship research university in Salt Lake City, the institution combines academic breadth with strong workforce connections across the Mountain West region. The university serves a moderately selective student body, with about 20% of students receiving Pell Grants and nearly 30% being first-generation college students. What sets Utah apart is its ability to channel students into high-paying career paths, particularly in technology, healthcare, and business fields that thrive in the region's growing economy.
The University of Utah offers the scale and resources of a major research institution while delivering financial outcomes that rival more selective universities. For families seeking a balance of academic quality, reasonable costs, and strong career preparation, Utah represents an excellent value proposition in public higher education.
The University of Utah offers a diverse program portfolio with particularly strong outcomes in technology and health-related fields. Computer Science stands out with 163 graduates earning a median of $74,307 ten years after graduation, reflecting the strength of Utah's technology sector and the university's connections to major employers. The program with the highest aggregate return graduates 347 students annually with solid median earnings of $39,369, demonstrating the university's ability to combine scale with quality outcomes.
Exercise Science and Kinesiology represents the university's largest program by enrollment, graduating 241 students with median earnings of $35,594. While not the highest-paying field, this program reflects Utah's strength in health sciences and the region's emphasis on wellness and outdoor recreation industries. The university's program mix balances professional preparation with liberal arts education, though students should carefully consider major selection given the significant earnings variation across fields.
Utah's location in Salt Lake City provides graduates with access to diverse career opportunities, from technology startups to established healthcare systems to financial services firms. The university's strong employer relationships and internship programs help students transition effectively from academic study to professional careers, contributing to the exceptional earnings outcomes seen across most program areas.
The University of Utah delivers exceptionally strong long-term financial outcomes for graduates. Ten years after enrollment, students earn a median of $67,170, placing the university in the 85th percentile nationally for earnings performance. Even more impressive, graduates achieve earnings beyond expectations of over $6,300 compared with similar students at other institutions, reflecting one of the strongest earnings advantages among public universities nationwide. This earnings premium demonstrates Utah's ability to add substantial value beyond what would be predicted based on student characteristics alone.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly, with Computer Science leading the way at $74,307 in median 10-year earnings for its 163 graduates. The university's largest program by enrollment, Exercise Science and Kinesiology, graduates 241 students annually with median earnings of $35,594, while the highest aggregate return program graduates 347 students with median earnings of $39,369. At the other end of the spectrum, Cinematography and Film/Video Production graduates earn $23,649, showing the importance of major selection in maximizing financial outcomes.
The university's location in Salt Lake City provides access to a diverse and growing job market, with particular strength in technology, healthcare, financial services, and outdoor recreation industries. Utah's cost of living remains moderate compared to other major metropolitan areas, allowing graduates' strong earnings to stretch further and providing better purchasing power than similar salaries might offer in higher-cost regions.
The University of Utah maintains strong affordability across income levels, making it accessible to a broad range of families. Low-income students pay a net price of $10,447 annually, which sits comfortably below national averages for public research universities. Middle-income families face annual costs of $12,398, while higher-income students pay $17,278 per year. This pricing structure reflects the university's commitment to keeping education accessible while maintaining the resources necessary for a top-tier research institution.
Debt levels remain manageable for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $19,000 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $19,506. The university's strong earnings outcomes make these debt levels highly sustainable, as graduates typically earn enough to handle standard 10-year repayment without significant financial strain. The combination of reasonable borrowing levels and strong post-graduation earnings creates a favorable debt-to-income ratio that supports long-term financial stability.
What makes Utah particularly attractive from an affordability standpoint is how the moderate upfront costs translate into exceptional long-term value. With graduates earning significantly more than expected compared with peers at similar institutions, families see strong return on their educational investment. The university's 0% federal loan default rate further demonstrates that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations, reflecting both the institution's career preparation and the strength of the regional job market.
University Of Utah Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
