At $12,869/yr net price, Utah State University graduates earn $54,022/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,022/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,869 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $51,476 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,022/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,022/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 57.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,340 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,601/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,966/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,599/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,825/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,671/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | $38,120 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,015 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $71,015 | $30,700 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $69,338 | $16,500 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $67,660 | |
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $64,990 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,501 | $13,887 |
The Risk Factor
57.3% of students at Utah State 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
Utah State University delivers solid financial value with a low net price of under $13,000 and manageable debt loads, but your major choice will determine whether you see strong returns or struggle financially.
Engineering programs at USU pay off strongly well. Electrical engineering graduates earn $76,930 annually while mechanical engineering grads make $74,576, providing excellent returns on your investment in Logan's affordable environment. The curriculum and instruction program also performs strongly at $87,754, ideal if you plan to teach or work in educational administration.
Business majors face a more complex picture. While business administration graduates earn $71,015, they carry significantly higher debt at $30,700 compared to the school median of $14,340. Human resources management shows similar patterns with $72,587 in earnings but $38,120 in debt, creating a weaker financial position despite decent starting salaries.
USU's 57% graduation rate creates real financial risk. Nearly half of students who start never finish, potentially leaving with debt but no degree. The 74% retention rate suggests academic or social fit issues that could derail your financial plans.
You should consider USU if you can get into engineering or education programs and take advantage of the low in-state costs. The school works particularly well for Utah residents who can commute or live affordably in Logan while accessing quality technical programs.
Skip USU if you need extensive academic support, plan to study liberal arts programs not shown in the top earnings data, or require a higher-touch college experience. The combination of moderate retention rates and limited high-paying program options outside STEM creates financial risk for students without clear career paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Utah State University worth the cost?
Utah State University offers solid value with a low net price of $12,869 annually and manageable debt levels around $14,340. However, the 57% graduation rate is concerning, and average earnings of $54,022 after 10 years are modest compared to other state schools.
Which Utah State University programs have the best ROI?
Engineering programs at Utah State deliver strong returns, with electrical engineering graduates earning $76,930 and mechanical engineering graduates earning $74,576. Curriculum and Instruction leads at $87,754, though this likely reflects graduate-level teaching positions.
How much debt do Utah State University students typically have?
Utah State students graduate with a median debt of $14,340, which is relatively low for a four-year degree. The affordable in-state tuition keeps borrowing manageable for most students.
What are the biggest risks of attending Utah State University?
The 57% graduation rate means over 4 in 10 students don't finish their degree, wasting time and money. With a 94% acceptance rate, the school admits many students who may struggle academically.