At $8,463/yr net price, Utah Valley University graduates earn $55,486/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,486/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,463 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $33,852 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,486/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,486/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,381/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,303/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,871/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,410/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,064/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $77,401 | $23,146 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $73,949 | $13,421 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $71,575 | $26,766 |
| Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection. | Bachelor | $67,899 | $14,454 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $67,101 | |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $64,990 | $17,125 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Bachelor | $60,298 | $19,043 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $57,318 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $54,894 | $12,974 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $53,608 | $10,949 |
The Risk Factor
40.7% of students at Utah Valley 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 Valley University delivers solid financial returns for a public institution, with a low net price that makes the investment manageable even if graduation rates lag behind national averages.
Computer science and engineering programs offer the strongest payoffs, with computer science graduates earning over $77,000 annually. The construction management program also performs well at nearly $68,000, reflecting Utah's booming construction market. Business majors see decent returns at $71,575, though they carry higher debt loads that eat into the advantage.
The biggest financial risk is the 40% graduation rate. If you don't finish, you lose the investment entirely while still carrying debt. The 70% retention rate suggests many students struggle after their first year, often due to the school's large part-time population balancing work and family obligations.
UVU works best financially if you can commit to completing your degree and choose a high-earning major. The low sticker price means even moderate-earning graduates can achieve positive returns. Students juggling multiple responsibilities should carefully assess whether they can maintain the momentum needed to graduate.
With only 23% of students receiving financial aid, most families pay out of pocket or through minimal borrowing. This keeps debt levels reasonable but means you need upfront funding. Merit scholarships exist but are competitive given the school's size.
Skip UVU if you need extensive academic support to graduate or want prestige that opens doors beyond Utah. The degree works well for local employment but may not travel as effectively to other job markets. Choose it if you value affordability, can handle the self-directed learning environment, and plan to work in Utah's growing tech or construction sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Utah Valley University worth the cost?
Utah Valley University offers solid value with a low net price of $8,463 per year and reasonable debt levels around $14,750. However, the 40.7% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which hurts the return on investment.
What are the highest paying majors at Utah Valley University?
Computer Science ($77,401) and Computer Engineering ($73,949) provide the best earnings at Utah Valley University. Business majors earn around $71,575, while construction management and electromechanical tech programs also pay well above the school average.
How much debt do Utah Valley University graduates have?
Utah Valley University graduates have a median debt of $14,750, which is manageable compared to many schools. The low annual cost helps keep borrowing down for most students.
What is the job market like for Utah Valley University graduates?
Utah Valley University graduates earn a median of $55,486 ten years after graduation, which is decent but not exceptional. Tech and engineering majors do significantly better, while other programs may struggle to justify the investment.