At $13,172/yr net price, University of Utah graduates earn $67,170/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $33,170/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,172 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $52,688 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $67,170/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$33,170/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 63.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,447/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,667/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,398/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,886/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,278/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $104,192 | $128,300 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $100,213 | $54,967 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $98,213 | $41,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $85,070 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $84,653 | |
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $76,998 | $24,323 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $75,832 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $74,307 | $19,000 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $68,499 | $47,209 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $67,995 |
The Risk Factor
63.9% of students at University of Utah graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 36% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Utah delivers solid financial returns with a low net price of $13,172 annually and median 10-year earnings of $67,170. Your debt load stays manageable at $19,000, creating a favorable debt-to-income ratio that many public universities can't match.
Pharmacy leads earnings at $104,192 but comes with crushing debt of $128,300 that undermines the financial advantage. Nursing programs offer the best balance, delivering $100,213 in earnings with just $54,967 in debt. Business administration also performs well at $98,213 with moderate debt of $41,000. Engineering graduates earn $84,653, though debt data isn't available for comparison.
The school's 64% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. If you don't finish, you'll carry debt without the degree needed to access higher-paying jobs. The 85% retention rate suggests most students who struggle do so after their first year.
University of Utah works best for Utah residents planning careers in healthcare, business, or engineering within the Mountain West region. The low sticker price makes it attractive even for moderate-earning majors. However, only 20% of students receive financial aid, so you'll likely pay close to full price regardless of family income.
Avoid Utah if you need substantial financial aid or plan to study liberal arts fields not represented among the top-earning programs. The limited aid means higher-income families who don't qualify for need-based assistance elsewhere might find better value here, while lower-income students should compare aid packages carefully with other state schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Utah worth the cost for the education quality?
University of Utah offers solid value with a low net price of $13,172 annually and median debt of just $19,000. The 10-year earnings average of $67,170 provides reasonable returns, though the 64% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs.
What are the highest paying majors at University of Utah?
Pharmacy leads at $104,192 in 10-year earnings, followed by nursing at $100,213 and business administration at $98,213. Engineering programs like electrical engineering also perform well at $84,653, making these the clear ROI winners.
How much student debt do University of Utah graduates typically have?
University of Utah graduates have a median debt of $19,000, which is relatively low compared to national averages. Combined with the school's affordable net price, this keeps debt burdens manageable for most students.
Is University of Utah a good financial investment compared to other schools?
University of Utah provides decent value for in-state students due to low costs and reasonable earnings outcomes. However, the below-average graduation rate of 64% means significant risk that students may not complete their degrees and see returns on investment.