The University of Utah, Utah State University, and Weber State University are larger public schools in Utah that offer Utah residents a full range of majors and education for careers and further graduate training. The most well-known college in Utah is Brigham Young University, and that school is also distinguished as a global leader for the Mormon faith-based education effort. Utah colleges offer large- and small-scale settings with small private schools like Westminster College.
Utah is a large state with a relatively small population. It has some major cities and large, expansive rural areas. The state has made strides in increasing college level participation among Utah resents and in equipping young people to make sound decisions about college expenses and financing.
How Much Can You Make by Earning a Degree in Utah?
Government information and private surveys have consistently shown a relationship between education and income. Holders of bachelor’s degrees can earn a million dollars more than their similar workers without a college degree over the course of a lifetime. There is a direct correlation of increasing average salaries for workers with a high school education, associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree. The consistent increase in income continues with graduate degrees and professional degrees.
Education Level & National Average Median Compensation
NO FORMAL EDUCATION | HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | ASSOCIATE DEGREE | BACHELOR’S DEGREE | MASTER’S DEGREE | DOCTORAL DEGREE |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$36,816* | $46,748* | $55,016* | $77,636* | $90,324* | $109,668* |
Most Popular Degrees and Careers in Utah
Utah has an advanced economy with a diverse base that consists of agriculture, mining, tourism, and information technology. It has a regionally important financial sector and a dynamic energy industry. The state produces petroleum, refined petroleum products, coal, and gas. Utah is a mineral-rich place, and it has a long history of large-scale mining, with some of the world’s largest open pit mines. The state has a strong position in IT and advanced technology. It has been a hub for technology and technological innovation.
The Utah economy matches with the selection of majors by Utah collegians. The state’s population is growing, and growing older. Advances in access to healthcare create demands for health services for older Americans. Utah has a vibrant technology community, and it is among the nation’s leaders in venture capital, high tech startups, and tech-sector employment. Students majoring in business, computer studies, and finance will have an active market for their services in Utah.
Utah is also an active region for online education. The vast expanses of rural areas tend toward students that may wish to access education online rather than by local travel or moving to a larger city/campus. With a wide network of community colleges, Utah can offer a model of education that can fit nearly every situation.
Top Business Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE |
---|---|---|
Accountants and Auditors | 10,250 | $68,560 |
Compliance Officers | 3,090 | $59,870 |
Financial Analysts | 2,900 | $78,510 |
Human Resources Specialists | 6,660 | $56,100 |
Management Analysts | 4,330 | $76,560 |
- Accounting
- Business
- Business Administrator
- Business Manager
- Compliance Officers
- Economist
- Entrepreneur
- Financial Analyst
- Hospitality Manager
- Human Resources Manager
- Human Resources Specialists
- International Business Manager
- Management Analysts
- Marketing Manager
- Operations Manager
- Organizational Leader
- Project Manager
- Supply Chain Manager
Top Computers Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE |
---|---|---|
Computer Programmers | 2,630 | $84,120 |
Database Administrators | 1,030 | $92,640 |
Software Developers, Applications | 11,040 | $99,040 |
Software Developers, Systems Software | 5,690 | $106,040 |
Web Developers | 1,980 | $58,500 |
- Computer Engineer
- Computer Information Technologist
- Computer Programmer
- Computer Scientist
- Cybersecurity
- Database Administrator
- Database Management
- Software Developers, Applications
- Software Developers, Systems Software
- Software Engineer
- Web Developers
- Web Development
Top Education Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE |
---|---|---|
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 600 | $119,380 |
Business Teachers, Postsecondary | 880 | $101,180 |
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary | 170 | $118,850 |
Education Teachers, Postsecondary | 850 | $92,070 |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | 2,360 | $144,740 |
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary
- Early Childhood Administrator
- Early Childhood Education Teacher
- Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
- General Education Teacher
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
- Secondary School Teacher
Top Healthcare Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE |
---|---|---|
Chemists | 730 | $70,450 |
Clinical, Counseling and School Psychologist | 1,140 | $88,480 |
Dental Hygienists | 2,730 | $69,720 |
EMT/Paramedics | 2,030 | $33,870 |
Occupational Therapist | 860 | $83,670 |
Occupational Therapists | 860 | $83,670 |
Physical Therapists | 1,890 | $85,880 |
Psychiatric Technician | 970 | $26,150 |
Psychiatrist | 220 | $120,440 |
Registered Nurses | 21,650 | $67,970 |
- Chemists
- Dental Hygienists
- Gerontology Nurse or Physician
- Healthcare Administrator
- Healthcare Manager
- Nurse
- Occupational Therapists
- Physical Therapists
- Registered Nurses
Top Legal Careers and Salaries
Top Occupations With the Highest Forecasted Growth Rate
Job Sector | Annual growth Rate |
---|---|
Business and Financial Operations | 3.5% |
Computer and Mathematical | 4.4% |
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | 3.8% |
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | 4.1% |
Building and Grounds Cleaning/Maintenance | 3.9% |
Management | 3.0% |
Art, Design, Entertainment, and Media | 3.4% |
Best Associate Degree Programs in Utah
Salt Lake Community College
Score: 82.63
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,257
- Out-of-State:$13,701
- Net Price: $6,279
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 58%
- Graduation Rate: 34%
- Total Enrollment: 26,300
- Undergrad Students: 26,300
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $45,800
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Utah Tech University
Score: 76.43
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,074
- Out-of-State:$17,644
- Net Price: $14,589
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 36%
- Total Enrollment: 12,556
- Undergrad Students: 12,481
- Graduate Students: 75
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Snow College
Score: 69.46
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,564
- Out-of-State:$14,130
- Net Price: $8,576
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 47%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 5,997
- Undergrad Students: 5,997
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $33,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
Top 10 Best Bachelor's Programs in Utah
Brigham Young University
Score: 90.56
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,496
- Out-of-State:$6,496
- Net Price: $13,521
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 79%
- Total Enrollment: 34,464
- Undergrad Students: 31,411
- Graduate Students: 3,053
- Grads Salary: $83,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
University of Utah
Score: 82.27
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,315
- Out-of-State:$29,837
- Net Price: $12,399
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 34,734
- Undergrad Students: 26,355
- Graduate Students: 8,379
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Westminster University
Score: 78.45
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $41,416
- Out-of-State:$41,416
- Net Price: $27,068
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 1,280
- Undergrad Students: 961
- Graduate Students: 319
- Grads Salary: $91,000
- Student-to-faculty: 8:1
Southern Utah University
Score: 73.17
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,770
- Out-of-State:$20,586
- Net Price: $12,681
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 58%
- Total Enrollment: 14,330
- Undergrad Students: 12,649
- Graduate Students: 1,681
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Utah State University
Score: 73.14
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,228
- Out-of-State:$24,802
- Net Price: $14,577
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Total Enrollment: 27,943
- Undergrad Students: 24,835
- Graduate Students: 3,108
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Western Governors University
Score: 71.94
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,300
- Out-of-State:$8,300
- Net Price: $9,207
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 156,935
- Undergrad Students: 112,807
- Graduate Students: 44,128
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 42:1
Weber State University
Score: 70.76
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,391
- Out-of-State:$17,084
- Net Price: $10,525
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 29,914
- Undergrad Students: 28,903
- Graduate Students: 1,011
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
Utah Valley University
Score: 66.66
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,270
- Out-of-State:$17,830
- Net Price: $9,346
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 39%
- Total Enrollment: 43,099
- Undergrad Students: 42,296
- Graduate Students: 803
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 25:1
Utah Tech University
Score: 60.03
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,074
- Out-of-State:$17,644
- Net Price: $14,589
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 36%
- Total Enrollment: 12,556
- Undergrad Students: 12,481
- Graduate Students: 75
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Snow College
Score: 51.11
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,564
- Out-of-State:$14,130
- Net Price: $8,576
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 47%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 5,997
- Undergrad Students: 5,997
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $33,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
Top 5 Best Master's Programs in Utah
Brigham Young University
Score: 90.95
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,496
- Out-of-State:$6,496
- Net Price: $13,521
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 79%
- Total Enrollment: 34,464
- Undergrad Students: 31,411
- Graduate Students: 3,053
- Grads Salary: $83,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
University of Utah
Score: 82.69
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,315
- Out-of-State:$29,837
- Net Price: $12,399
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 34,734
- Undergrad Students: 26,355
- Graduate Students: 8,379
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Westminster University
Score: 78.45
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $41,416
- Out-of-State:$41,416
- Net Price: $27,068
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 1,280
- Undergrad Students: 961
- Graduate Students: 319
- Grads Salary: $91,000
- Student-to-faculty: 8:1
Southern Utah University
Score: 73.58
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,770
- Out-of-State:$20,586
- Net Price: $12,681
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 58%
- Total Enrollment: 14,330
- Undergrad Students: 12,649
- Graduate Students: 1,681
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Utah State University
Score: 73.5
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,228
- Out-of-State:$24,802
- Net Price: $14,577
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Total Enrollment: 27,943
- Undergrad Students: 24,835
- Graduate Students: 3,108
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Cost of Utah College Education & Salaries
Utah, like other states, offers a two-tier tuition structure in its public schools, colleges, and universities. The in-state rate reflects the support that the residents of Utah provide with tax dollars and other types of support. Utah public schools offer in-state rates at about 40% of the out-of-state rate.
To qualify for in-state tuition, students must meet the residency requirements. When students seek a major course of study not available in the Utah public schools, then they can use the Western Undergraduate Exchange and pay nearly the in-state rate at schools in Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and California.
Search Programs Offering Utah Majors
Tuition Cost Analysis - In-state vs. National
Average Tuition & Fees at 4 Year Public Schools
In-State Tuition - $6,731
National Average – $9,580
Out-of-State tuition – $21,557
National Average – $27,437
Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid
The national average is 38%. The state of Utah ranks at 45%. Utah is significantly below the national average in average dollars per recipient. The difference between the national and state averages may reflect the low costs of tuition in Utah. It ranks well among the lowest in average tuition costs
Financial Aid | Utah | Nationally |
---|---|---|
Received Federal Grants | 45% | 37.7% |
Average $ per Recipient | $8,654 | $10,927 |
* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a postsecondary institution.
* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private non-profit schools only.
Scholarships for Utah College Students
Grants and scholarships are important to students seeking to attend college. The costs of college education are high and continue to rise as schools offer the majors and specialized training needed for the modern economy and workforce. Grants and scholarships provide support for tuition and expenses but do not require repayment after graduation. Students must attempt to reduce reliance on loans and other types pf repayable financial assistance, and the leading categories of this type of assistance include grants and scholarships.
UJ
Utah Jump$tart
https://www.utahjumpstart.org/
Amounts: $1,250
Deadline: Varies
This contest serves two purposes to promotes student attendance at college with the least possible debt, and it awards scholarships for the best video messaging and content. This scholarship is part of a larger program of financial literacy aimed at equipping students to manage their finances at the critical early age stages of higher education. Many students in the US get burdened with student debt, and this program aims to help students make better and more cost-effective financial decisions.
SCC
StepUp to College Costs - Scholarship for 8th and 9th Graders
https://stepuputah.com/paying-for-college/stepup-college-costs-scholarship-8th-9th-rules/
Amounts: $500
Deadline: April 15
This award encourages students to begin early planning for college. The users of specific planning tools can qualify for this scholarship. This program has two goals; it awards scholarship funds and promotes financial planning for college. Students should begin planning for college and applying for scholarships as early as the 8th grade. By applying the methodology and research tools in this program, all students can gain maximum exposure to education funding opportunities.
MYM
Make Your Mark - bookmark contest
https://higheredutah.org/students-earn-1000-scholarships-in-bookmark-contest/
Amounts: $1,000 (8 Awards)
Deadline: Varies
This annual scholarship contest uses arts, crafts, and creativity to award scholarships to eight Utah students of all ages. The scholarship can take the form of a college savings account that the student can later apply to college expenses. The contest is part of the Utah StepUp to Higher Education. It’s an outreach initiative managed by the Utah System of Higher Education with the goal of increasing the college participation rates of Utah students. The program emphasizes students and families that, due to costs and other factors, may have never considered higher education as a reachable option.
The StepUp to Higher Education initiative is made possible by a College Access Challenge Grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
RSP
Regent’s Scholarship Program
https://stepuputah.com/program/regents-scholarship/
Amounts: Varies
Deadline: Varies (Previously February 1) – You must submit a FAFSA, which has its own deadline
This program is part of a larger student support effort called the Step Up to Higher Education campaign. This is a merit-based award that recognizes students that excel in a core of academic coursework and that plan to attend college in the State of Utah. The highest levels of award require a 3.5 GPA, and lower levels also require high achievement. Students must review the required courses list and the required tests including the ACVT. The application portal for classes after 2019 is https://myaccount.regentsscholarship.org/login
NCS
New Century Scholarship
https://stepuputah.com/new-century-applicants/
Amounts: $1,000
Deadline: Varies (Previously February 1)
The new century scholarship is a novel approach to college education that can accelerate learning and reduce the costs of a bachelor’s degree. This scholarship helps students in the 11th and 12th grades pursue an Associate degree. Once completed, they can graduate from high school with a diploma and an associate degree. Utah colleges can accept the associate degree credits and shorten the time required for a bachelor’s degree by as much as two full years.
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Top Social Services Careers and Salaries