Graduate earnings are in line with similar institutions.
What graduates earn 10 years after enrollment.
Annual salary at 10 years
Lower quartile earnings
Upper quartile earnings
How graduate earnings grow in the decade after enrollment.
Utah State University graduates experience steady earnings growth throughout their early career progression, demonstrating consistent professional advancement opportunities. Median earnings increase from $44,822 six years after enrollment to $50,008 at eight years, representing 11.6% growth during this two-year period.
How outcomes compare to similar institutions.
Graduate earnings fall below the peer average for similar institutions.
Financial justification for the investment.
Excellent affordability. Median debt of $14,340 is well under annual earnings, enabling comfortable repayment.
Utah State University graduates carry exceptionally manageable debt levels that support long-term financial stability and economic mobility. Median student debt of $14,340 ranks in the 86th percentile nationally for debt management, indicating superior performance in controlling student borrowing relative to peer institutions.
Utah State University generates above-average return on investment despite earnings falling below expectations relative to student demographics. The institution ranks at the 56.6th percentile for return performance, indicating above-average outcomes when considering the full cost-benefit equation of higher education investment.
Approximately 23.9% of Utah State University graduates continue to graduate or professional study, based on program mix analysis with high confidence ...
Program mix explains much of the earnings story.
Program-level earnings demonstrate significant variation across Utah State University's academic portfolio, with technology and business fields leading in post-graduation income potential. Artificial Intelligence produces the highest median earnings at $91,862, followed by Information Science at $78,628 and Mechanical Engineering at $77,504, reflecting strong demand for technical skills in regional and national job markets.
Applied Economics generates $73,167 for the institution's largest program with 343 graduates, while business programs like Accounting Technology ($71,538) and Digital Marketing ($67,969) provide solid professional outcomes. Education and health programs show more moderate earnings, with Agricultural Teacher Education at $48,047 and Audiology at $50,790, but deliver exceptional value scores indicating strong return on investment.
See which programs drive the strongest earnings and career trajectories
Graduate earnings at Utah State University span a wide range from $28,475 at the 25th percentile to $80,715 at the 75th percentile, creating a 2.8:1 ratio between high and low earners. Low-income graduates earn $51,500, ranking in the top 25% nationally for outcomes among students from lower-income backgrounds, demonstrating the institution's effectiveness in supporting economic mobility.
