Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Utah Valley University vary significantly by field of study, with technical and business programs generally outperforming liberal arts and social science tracks. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than prestige or reputation.
Use this data to compare how different majors perform in the labor market while considering Utah Valley University's overall strength in debt management.
Analyzing 45 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size at Utah Valley University.
recent graduates
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, rank, debt, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Utah Valley University.
Technology programs show mixed results, with Computer Science earning $103,513 but ranking #87 nationally, suggesting competitive market conditions. Cloud Computing ranks higher (#3 nationally) with more moderate earnings of $75,474.
Students should evaluate these programs based on specific career goals and market timing, as technology outcomes vary significantly by specialization and economic cycles.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering. | — | $121,466★ | — | 38 |
These program rankings reflect labor-market outcomes rather than academic prestige or reputation. Programs at the same institution show different earnings because graduates enter different industries, pursue varied career paths, and face distinct employment market conditions. Rankings are based on federal College Scorecard data, which tracks graduates who received federal aid and remained in the United States for earnings measurement. Programs require minimum cohort sizes for inclusion, ensuring statistical reliability while potentially excluding smaller specialized tracks. The value scores incorporate both earnings levels and debt burdens, explaining why high-salary programs may show lower value if accompanied by excessive borrowing. Use these outcomes as one factor in program selection alongside personal interests, career goals, and market timing considerations.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
| Computer Science. |
| — |
| $115,541 |
| — |
| 68 |
| Information Science/Studies. | — | $112,128 | — | 55 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | — | $97,341 | — | 52 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | — | $83,278 | — | 34 |
| Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering. | — | $80,491 | — | 27 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications.Small sample | — | $61,451 | — | 6 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | — | $56,135 | — | 25 |
Business programs at Utah Valley University show consistently strong performance across multiple specialties. Banking and Financial Support Services ranks #36 nationally with earnings of $83,180, while Business Administration ranks #61 nationally with substantial enrollment of 290 graduates.
Digital Marketing and Accounting Technology round out the portfolio with solid earnings and national recognition. This cluster suits students prioritizing practical business skills and strong employment prospects.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | — | $93,858★ | — | 181 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | — | $86,602 | — | 309 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | — | $81,706 | — | 165 |
| Marketing. | — | $81,582 | — | 170 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | — | $70,818 | — | 33 |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations.Small sample | — | $62,739 | — | 5 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | — | $56,252 | — | 44 |
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing shows earnings of $65,009 but ranks lower nationally (#237) compared to other Utah Valley University programs. Despite solid salary levels, the program's value score of 13.9 suggests more challenging economics relative to institutional strengths.
Students should carefully evaluate nursing market conditions and career trajectory expectations when considering this path.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | — | $81,664★ | — | 94 |
| Public Health. | — | $49,432 | — | 71 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | — | $39,369 | — | 25 |
Biology represents Utah Valley University's science offerings, ranking #57 nationally and #2 in Utah with median earnings of $61,611. The program demonstrates competitive performance within the biological sciences, particularly considering the institution's debt advantages.
This path suits students planning graduate school or healthcare careers where controlled educational costs provide strategic advantages for extended training.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology. | — | $67,603★ | — | 33 |
| Biology, General. | — | $57,010 | — | 140 |
Psychology dominates this category as Utah Valley University's largest program, graduating 398 students annually with median earnings of $40,516. While earnings are modest, the program ranks #2 in Utah and maintains strong enrollment, suggesting solid regional employment opportunities.
This field suits students planning graduate school or social service careers where debt management provides crucial flexibility.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Political Science and Government. | — | $61,464★ | — | 62 |
| Social Work. | — | $55,713 | — | 51 |
| Psychology, General. | — | $47,596 | — | 409 |
Communication and Media Studies ranks #62 nationally and #2 in Utah, graduating 196 students with median earnings of $51,811. The program demonstrates solid performance relative to the communications field nationally, with earnings that exceed many peer institutions.
This program works well for students seeking media careers while maintaining financial sustainability through manageable debt levels.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies. | — | $62,566 | — | 131 |
Commercial Photography ranks #38 nationally and #2 in Utah, graduating 149 students with earnings of $44,117. The program shows competitive positioning within its field, though earnings remain moderate relative to technical programs.
This creative field works for students passionate about visual arts who value Utah Valley University's debt control advantages for creative career sustainability.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| History.Small sample | — | $59,491★ | — | 12 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | — | $58,219 | — | 64 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | — | $55,728 | — | 147 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.Small sample | — | $52,657 | — | 19 |
| Philosophy. | — | $49,403 | — | 32 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | — | $44,206 | — | 79 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | — | $41,833 | — | 38 |
| Music.Small sample | — | $40,597 | — | 18 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | — | $40,289 | — | 31 |
| American Sign Language. | — | $28,583 | — | 27 |
| Dance. | — | $20,140 | — | 20 |
Education programs show moderate earnings but strong value propositions through Utah Valley University's exceptional debt control. Adult and Continuing Education ranks #57 nationally, graduating 132 students with earnings of $44,873.
Agricultural Teacher Education also maintains solid state rankings. These programs serve students committed to education careers where loan affordability matters more than premium salaries.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | — | $52,194★ | — | 101 |
| Special Education and Teaching.Small sample | — | $50,647 | — | 16 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | — | $48,831 | — | 155 |
Criminal justice programs perform well with Corrections Administration ranking #34 nationally and Fire Prevention and Safety Technology ranking #3 nationally. Both programs deliver solid earnings above $56,000, with Fire Prevention reaching $70,785.
These public safety paths suit students seeking stable government careers with strong benefits packages and predictable advancement opportunities.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Protection. | — | $83,807★ | — | 87 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | — | $68,296 | — | 76 |
This group features Utah Valley University's flagship Aeronautics program, which ranks #1 nationally and delivers exceptional earnings of $80,991 with perfect value scores. Exercise Science also performs strongly, ranking #33 nationally and #1 in Utah with solid career outcomes.
These specialized programs demonstrate how focused professional preparation can yield outstanding market results, making them ideal for students seeking technical expertise in high-demand fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Transportation. | — | $106,001★ | — | 212 |
| Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection. | — | $97,793 | — | 56 |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness. | — | $63,951 | — | 124 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | — | $53,967 | — | 24 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | — | $20,971 | — | 164 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
