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 gives you a low-risk financial deal. Median debt sits at $14,340, well below what you'd owe at most four-year schools, and median earnings clear it several times over within a decade. You're not gambling much money to attend, and the payoff is solid without being spectacular.
Engineering and computing are where the money is. Computer engineering grads pull over $71,000, and computer science grads earn nearly as much while carrying only about $16,500 in debt. Electrical and mechanical engineering both land in the low-to-mid $60,000s with debt under $14,000, so your loan balance stays small relative to what you'll make. These five programs anchor the school's strongest returns, and all of them are bachelor-level.
The catch is what USU doesn't list. Only the top-earning majors show program data, and they're all technical. If you're headed into a field outside engineering and computing, you have no earnings figure to check, and the school's overall median of $54,022 is dragged up by those high-paying degrees. Pick a lower-paying major and your personal return could fall well under that median.
The bigger risk here is finishing. A 57% graduation rate and 74% retention mean a real chance you leave with debt and no degree, which flips the whole calculation against you. Debt without a credential is the worst outcome, and roughly one in four freshmen don't return for year two.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your household earns under $48,000, you pay under $10,000 a year. above $110,000, you pay closer to $17,700. USU fits you well if you're targeting engineering or computing and confident you'll graduate. If you're undecided or shaky on finishing, weigh that retention number carefully before enrolling.
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.