Weber State University delivers exceptional value through its combination of very low net prices and above-average graduate earnings, making it one of the most cost-effective public universities nationwide.
Students benefit from affordable access to career-focused programs that consistently produce earnings beyond expectations, particularly in high-demand fields like nursing and engineering technology.
Azimuth ranks Weber State University among the top performers nationally for combining affordability with strong career outcomes. Located in Ogden, Utah, this large public university serves a substantial population of first-generation students—about 37% of the student body—while maintaining net prices that rank in the top 20% nationally for affordability. Weber State's approach centers on practical, career-focused programs that translate directly into stable employment and competitive earnings.
What distinguishes Weber State is its ability to deliver above-average long-term financial outcomes through focused program offerings. Graduates earn a median of $56,287 ten years after enrollment, with particularly strong performance in health sciences and technical fields. The university's nursing program alone graduates over 400 students annually, creating substantial workforce impact while providing graduates with reliable career pathways.
As a comprehensive public university, Weber State balances accessibility with quality outcomes. The institution maintains broad access for students from diverse backgrounds while channeling them into programs with clear employment demand. This combination of affordability, practical focus, and solid earnings outcomes makes Weber State a dependable choice for students seeking career preparation without excessive debt burden.
Weber State's program portfolio centers on practical, career-oriented fields that translate directly into employment opportunities. The Adult Health Nursing program exemplifies this approach, graduating over 400 students annually with median earnings of $54,382 and creating the university's largest economic impact through sheer scale and solid individual outcomes. Allied Health programs complement nursing by providing additional pathways into healthcare careers, with 162 graduates earning around $51,813 in stable, growing fields.
Technical programs offer the highest individual earning potential, with Chemical Engineering Technology graduates earning $71,661 despite smaller program size. This pattern reflects Weber State's strength in preparing students for specialized technical roles that command premium wages in Utah's diversified economy. The university's focus on hands-on, applied learning in these fields creates graduates who are immediately productive in their chosen careers.
Program outcomes vary significantly by field, with health sciences and technical majors consistently outperforming liberal arts and social service programs. This variation underscores Weber State's positioning as a career-focused institution where program choice directly impacts long-term financial outcomes. Students benefit most when they align their academic choices with the university's core strengths in health sciences, technology, and applied professional fields.
Weber State University graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $56,287 ten years after enrollment. The university performs above average nationally for earnings, ranking in the 64th percentile, and graduates earn about $2,588 more than similar students at comparable institutions. This earnings advantage reflects Weber State's focus on career-oriented programs that align closely with regional employment demand.
The strongest financial returns come from the university's health sciences and technical programs. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both the largest program by enrollment and highest aggregate return, graduating 402 students annually with median earnings of $54,382. Chemical Engineering Technology delivers the highest individual earnings at $71,661, while Allied Health programs provide solid middle-ground outcomes around $51,813. These programs represent Weber State's core strength in preparing students for stable, well-compensated careers in growing fields.
Program outcomes vary meaningfully by field of study. While health sciences and technical programs deliver strong returns, some liberal arts and social service programs show more modest earnings. This variation underscores the importance of program choice at Weber State, where career-focused majors consistently outperform more general academic tracks in terms of long-term financial outcomes.
Weber State University ranks among the most affordable public universities in the nation, with net prices that place it in the top 20% nationally for cost-effectiveness. Low-income students pay just $8,396 annually, well below typical public university costs, while middle-income families see net prices around $11,076. Even high-income families pay only $14,750 per year, making Weber State accessible across income levels without the premium pricing seen at many comparable institutions.
Debt levels remain manageable for most Weber State graduates. Typical federal student loan debt is $15,113, a reasonable amount given the university's strong earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $8,999, reflecting the institution's overall affordability and families' ability to cover costs through a combination of aid, savings, and modest borrowing. The university's 0% federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations.
Weber State's affordability extends beyond sticker price to include strong value retention over time. The combination of low net prices and above-average earnings creates favorable debt-to-income ratios for graduates, making loan repayment comfortable for most borrowers. This financial sustainability helps explain why Weber State maintains such strong loan repayment rates and minimal default risk among its alumni.
Weber State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
