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Utah's nursing programs show striking cost variations, with public universities offering net prices as low as $8,463 while private options reach $32,097. Utah Valley University leads affordability at $8,463 net cost, followed closely by Western Governors University's competency-based model at $10,442. The state's booming healthcare sector, driven by population growth and major systems like Intermountain Healthcare and University of Utah Health, creates strong demand for nursing professionals across all specialties. Graduates earn between $48,752 and $80,022, with Joyce University producing the highest earners despite its premium cost. Weber State and Southern Utah universities provide solid middle-ground options under $12,000, while Brigham Young University offers the unique combination of low debt ($7,830) and high graduation rates (82.2%). Utah's Silicon Slopes tech boom has also increased demand for nursing informatics and healthcare technology roles.
15
Programs
$8,463 – $32,097
Net Price Range
$59,988
Avg. Program Earnings
55.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
2 $10,442 $8,300 50.9%
3 $10,722 $6,391 43.0%
4 $11,432 $6,770 59.0% 83.9%
5 $12,869 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
6 $13,172 $9,315 63.9% 89.1%
7 $14,487 $6,496 82.2% 66.7%
8 $15,265 $6,074 34.2%
9 $26,536 $41,416 69.4% 69.8%
10 $28,945 $16,491 52.8%
11 $29,378 45.0%
12 $30,255 $16,491 63.6%
13 $31,013 $20,780 47.1% 97.4%
14 $31,831 $22,586 100.0%
15 $32,097 68.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge earnings gap between Utah nursing programs?

Nursing graduates in Utah earn anywhere from $48,752 to $80,022, largely depending on specialization and employer type. Joyce University graduates top earnings at $80,022, likely due to advanced practice focus, while BYU graduates average $48,752. The $31,270 spread reflects Utah's varied healthcare market, from rural hospitals to major medical centers. Western Governors University graduates earn $75,430 despite the school's $10,442 net cost, showing strong return on investment.

How do Utah's public nursing programs compare in graduation rates?

Public nursing programs in Utah show graduation rates from 34.2% to 63.9%, with the University of Utah leading at 63.9%. Utah State follows at 57.3%, while Southern Utah achieves 59% despite lower costs. Utah Tech lags significantly at 34.2%, suggesting students may struggle with the program's demands. These rates generally exceed national nursing program averages, reflecting Utah's supportive educational environment.

Is Western Governors University's nursing model worth considering?

Western Governors University offers a unique competency-based nursing program at $10,442 net cost with impressive outcomes. Graduates earn $75,430 on average with only $9,470 in debt, creating excellent financial prospects. The 50.9% graduation rate reflects the self-paced online format's challenges but remains competitive. Students must demonstrate mastery rather than complete time-based coursework, appealing to working professionals.

Where should cost-conscious students avoid high debt loads?

Eagle Gate College locations create the highest debt burdens at $47,150, despite moderate graduation rates of 52.8% to 68%. Provo College follows with $42,951 in debt, while Arizona College of Nursing adds $40,813. These for-profit institutions cost significantly more than public options like Utah Valley University, which generates only $12,974 in debt. Students can achieve similar career outcomes through public programs with substantially lower financial risk.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.