At $11,432/yr net price, Southern Utah University graduates earn $50,296/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $16,296/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,432 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $45,728 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,296/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,296/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 59.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,156/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,339/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,243/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,197/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,580/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education, General. | Master | $59,320 | $14,798 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $59,042 | $14,739 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $53,108 | $11,000 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $52,107 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $52,107 | |
| Engineering Technology, General. | Bachelor | $51,273 | |
| Public Administration. | Master | $50,439 | $17,000 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $47,952 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $47,260 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
The Risk Factor
59.0% of students at Southern Utah University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Southern Utah University offers solid financial value with a low net price of $11,432 and manageable debt loads, but your career outcomes depend heavily on your major choice. The school's 59% graduation rate means four out of ten students never finish their degrees, making program selection critical for your investment.
Education and accounting graduates see the strongest returns at nearly $59,000 annually, while nursing majors earn $53,000 with the lowest debt burden at just $11,000. Business and computer science programs also deliver respectable $52,000 starting salaries. These programs align well with Utah's job market, where healthcare, education, and business services drive employment.
Your biggest financial risk at SUU is choosing the wrong major or failing to graduate. The 73% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the transition, and dropping out after accumulating debt leaves you worse off financially. The school's rural location in Cedar City limits internship and networking opportunities compared to urban campuses.
SUU works best financially if you're Utah-focused, debt-averse, and targeting practical career fields like teaching, nursing, or business. The low sticker price makes it accessible even with limited financial aid. However, if you're pursuing fields requiring graduate school or seeking high-tech careers with Silicon Valley ambitions, you might find better long-term value elsewhere despite higher upfront costs.
Only 24% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting the school attracts middle-income families who don't qualify for federal grants but appreciate the affordable tuition structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southern Utah University worth the cost for the career outcomes?
Southern Utah University graduates earn a median of $50,296 ten years after graduation, which is modest compared to the national average. The low net price of $11,432 annually and manageable debt load of $12,500 help offset the lower earnings potential.
What are the best paying majors at Southern Utah University?
Education and accounting graduates from Southern Utah University earn around $59,000 annually, the highest among the school's programs. Nursing, business, and computer science graduates earn in the $52,000-$53,000 range, which are solid middle-class incomes.
How much debt do Southern Utah University students graduate with?
Southern Utah University graduates have a median debt of $12,500, which is relatively low compared to national averages. This manageable debt load combined with the affordable annual cost makes the financial risk lower than many universities.
Does Southern Utah University have good graduation rates for the investment?
Southern Utah University's 59% graduation rate is concerning, meaning 4 out of 10 students don't finish their degree. However, those who do graduate face minimal debt and reasonable career prospects in education and business fields.