Skip to main content
93.7%Acceptance
$9,228Tuition
20,342Students
57%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$54,022Earnings
#15 in UtahPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Utah State University

Utah State University is a powerhouse in agricultural and engineering education, serving 20,342 students in the mountain town of Logan. The Aggies have built their reputation on hands-on research and practical learning since 1888. Notable graduates include NFL Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen and legendary football coach LaVell Edwards. With a 94% acceptance rate, Utah State welcomes nearly all qualified applicants to its research-focused programs.

The financial picture looks solid for most families. Students pay an average net price of $12,869 after aid, making this one of the more affordable options for a quality education. Graduates earn a median of $54,022 ten years after graduation while carrying just $14,340 in debt. Monthly loan payments average only $152, making the degree highly manageable. Low-income families pay even less, with those earning under $30,000 facing a net price of just $9,601.

The retention rate of 74% reflects the adjustment challenges some students face in Logan's small-city environment. About 68% of students come from Utah, creating a tight-knit community feel. The Aggies compete in Division I Mountain West athletics with 390 student-athletes across 12 sports, adding school spirit to the academic focus.

Academics & Faculty

Utah State built its reputation as an agricultural powerhouse when it opened as an agricultural college in 1888. The university now operates as a full research institution with particularly strong engineering and natural resources programs. Students benefit from extensive research opportunities across multiple colleges, though the 19:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than at smaller schools. The 57% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenge many students face balancing academics with work or family obligations common in Utah. Engineering students gain hands-on experience through the university's research facilities, while agriculture majors work with modern technology in sustainable farming. The school's research focus creates internship and job placement opportunities throughout the Mountain West region.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
19:1
Full-Time Faculty
97.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
55.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
57.3%
Retention Rate
74.2%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$54,022
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral University (R1)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Curriculum and Instruction. Doctoral $87,754
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. Master $76,930
Mechanical Engineering. Master $74,576
Human Resources Management and Services. Master $72,587
Computer Engineering. Bachelor $71,015
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $71,015
Computer and Information Sciences, General. Bachelor $69,338
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. Doctoral $67,660
Information Science/Studies. Master $64,990
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. Bachelor $63,501

View all 311 programs →

Campus Life

Cache Valley stretches around Utah State's campus with mountains rising on all sides, creating a natural bowl that traps cold air and snow from November through March. Only 16% of the 20,342 students live in campus housing, so most commute from Logan apartments or drive in from surrounding farming towns. The Spectrum basketball arena becomes the heart of campus during winter, where students pack in to watch the Aggies compete against Mountain West rivals.

Logan sits 90 miles north of Salt Lake City, isolated enough that students create their own entertainment. The campus buzzes with agricultural research projects and engineering labs that keep many students busy beyond regular class hours. Weekend activities center around outdoor recreation when weather permits, with skiing at nearby Beaver Mountain or hiking in Logan Canyon. The True Aggie tradition requires students to be kissed on the "A" logo at midnight, though the 19:1 student-faculty ratio means professors often know students personally. Winter coats are essential gear here, with temperatures regularly dropping below freezing for months.
Setting
City-Small
Housing Capacity
3,297 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1888

Campus Safety (2023)

27 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Stalking 6 2 0 0
Domestic Violence 3 2 0 0
Rape 3 2 0 0
Aggravated Assault 2 1 0 0
Burglary 2 0 1 0
Dating Violence 1 1 0 0
Statutory Rape 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
17°–32°F
July Avg
60°–88°F
Annual Precipitation
19.0"
Annual Snowfall
61.5"

Student Demographics

Utah State draws primarily local students, with 67% coming from in-state, reflecting the university's strong regional reputation and affordable access for Utahns. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for most universities today. The student body is predominantly white, mirroring Utah's demographics. One in four students receives Pell Grants, indicating the school serves a significant population of lower-income families. This mix creates a community rooted in Utah values while maintaining the agricultural and engineering traditions that have defined the Aggies since 1888.
Men
45.5%
Women
54.5%
White
81.7%
Black
0.7%
Hispanic
6.6%
Asian
0.8%
In-State Students
67.5%
Pell Grant Recipients
25.7%

Location

Logan sits in northern Utah's Cache Valley, about 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. The city of roughly 52,000 residents transforms into a classic college town when Utah State's 20,342 students arrive each semester. The Wasatch and Bear River mountain ranges frame the valley, creating a scenic backdrop for outdoor activities year-round. Logan's elevation of 4,500 feet brings four distinct seasons and easy access to strong skiing at nearby resorts. The agricultural valley setting reflects the university's historic strengths in farming and ranching programs. Students considering colleges in Utah may also compare Utah State University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Logan, Utah 84322-1400
Norah Abdullah Al-Faiz
Norah Abdullah Al-Faiz
John K Cannon
John K Cannon
Mary Cleave
Mary Cleave

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$54,022
Median Earnings (5 years)
$58,651
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$37,400
Loan Repayment Rate
70.5%
Monthly Loan Payment
$152/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,340

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Utah State University?

Utah State University accepts 93.73% of applicants, making it highly accessible to most students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1050-1300 on the SAT. This open admissions approach reflects the university's mission as a public land-grant institution serving Utah residents.

How much does Utah State University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $12,869 annually after financial aid. In-state tuition runs $9,228 while out-of-state students pay $24,802. About 26% of students receive Pell Grants, and graduates typically leave with $14,340 in debt.

What are Utah State University's strongest academic programs?

Utah State excels in agricultural and engineering programs with extensive research facilities. The university maintains a 19:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs. As a land-grant institution founded in 1888, it has deep expertise in agriculture, natural resources, and applied sciences.

What do Utah State University graduates earn after college?

Alumni earn a median salary of $54,022 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 93.1% for recent graduates. About 57% of students complete their degree within six years, with many entering Utah's growing tech and agricultural sectors.

Where is Utah State University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Logan, a small city in northern Utah with 20,342 total students. On-campus housing accommodates 3,297 students at $8,644 per year. The Aggies compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 12 varsity sports in the Mountain West Conference.

Is Utah State University known for research opportunities?

Utah State operates as a major public research university with extensive facilities across multiple disciplines. The university awards $8.2 million in athletic scholarships annually and maintains strong research programs. Notable alumni include NFL Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen and acclaimed poet May Swenson.

Compare Utah State University