Students at Westminster University achieve earnings that consistently exceed what similar students earn at other institutions, reflecting strong career preparation and industry connections.
Graduates see meaningful financial advantages that place the university among the top performers nationally for both overall and low-income student outcomes.
Westminster University ranks among the top performers nationally for long-term earnings, placing in the 84th percentile for return on investment among all institutions. This small private university in Salt Lake City consistently delivers strong financial outcomes for graduates, with median earnings of $66,215 ten years after enrollment. What makes Westminster distinctive is its ability to combine the personalized attention of a small college environment with career preparation that leads to meaningful economic success.
The university serves a moderately selective student population, with about 25% of students receiving Pell Grants and 27% being first-generation college students. Despite higher net prices typical of private institutions, Westminster graduates achieve earnings that place the school in the top tier nationally for return on investment. The institution falls into the "Selective Achievers" mobility category, indicating strong outcomes for the students it enrolls.
As a small private university, Westminster offers the advantages of close faculty mentorship, smaller class sizes, and individualized career guidance while maintaining strong connections to Utah's growing economy. For families willing to invest in a private education, Westminster delivers the kind of long-term financial returns that justify the higher upfront costs.
Westminster University's program portfolio centers on professional fields that lead directly to stable, well-paying careers. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both the largest program with 83 graduates and the strongest financial performer, with median earnings of $57,995 and the highest aggregate return among all majors. This reflects both the high demand for healthcare professionals in Utah and Westminster's strong clinical partnerships that prepare students for immediate career success.
Business and finance programs also deliver solid outcomes, with Banking and Financial Support Services graduating 38 students annually at median earnings of $55,547. Business Administration, while showing more moderate early-career earnings at $46,087, provides foundational skills that often lead to stronger long-term growth. These programs benefit from Westminster's location in Salt Lake City's growing financial services sector and the university's emphasis on practical, career-focused education.
What distinguishes Westminster's programs is the combination of small class sizes, personalized faculty attention, and strong industry connections. The university's focus on professional preparation rather than broad liberal arts creates clear pathways from classroom to career, particularly in healthcare and business fields where Utah's economy continues to expand.
Westminster University graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that place the institution among the top performers nationally. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $66,215, ranking in the 84th percentile for earnings among all colleges and universities. Perhaps more importantly, Westminster graduates earn about $4,442 more than similar students at other institutions, demonstrating the university's ability to add meaningful value beyond what would be expected based on student characteristics alone.
The university's strongest financial returns come from its nursing and business programs. Adult Health Nursing, Westminster's largest and most successful program with 83 graduates, produces median earnings of $57,995 and represents the highest aggregate return among all majors. Banking and Financial Support Services graduates 38 students annually with median earnings of $55,547, while Business Administration graduates earn $46,087 early in their careers. These programs reflect Westminster's focus on professional preparation in high-demand fields.
What sets Westminster apart is how consistently its graduates outperform earnings expectations across different fields of study. The university's small size allows for personalized career guidance and strong industry connections, particularly in Utah's robust healthcare and financial services sectors. With 198 graduates earning more than $75,000 annually, Westminster demonstrates that a smaller private institution can deliver outcomes that rival much larger universities.
Westminster University operates with the pricing structure typical of private nonprofit institutions, requiring families to make a more substantial upfront investment compared to public alternatives. Low-income students pay about $17,947 annually after aid, while middle-income families see net prices around $21,345, and higher-income families pay approximately $30,467. These prices place Westminster in the lower quartile nationally for affordability, reflecting the premium associated with private education.
Despite higher sticker prices, Westminster's financial aid approach helps make the education accessible to students from various economic backgrounds. The university enrolls 25% Pell Grant recipients and 27% first-generation students, indicating meaningful access for lower-income families. The aid structure appears designed to provide significant support to those who need it most while maintaining the revenue necessary to deliver small class sizes and personalized attention.
What makes Westminster's pricing more palatable is the strong return on investment graduates achieve. With median earnings of $66,215 ten years out and earnings that exceed expectations by over $4,400, the higher upfront costs translate into meaningful long-term financial advantages. For families who can manage the initial investment, Westminster delivers the kind of career preparation and outcomes that justify private tuition levels.
Westminster University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
