University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlights the best programs in Utah.
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.
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What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in Utah?
Based on surveys of degrees granted in recent years, the most popular majors are healthcare and business. Education and computer science are close behind along with the humanities, social, and natural sciences groupings. Utah students have a high interest in healthcare, and for good reason. They may care deeply about the goal of providing access to healthcare; they may also seek thriving careers in a high growth sector of the Utah and national economy. While business degrees placed second, many business concentrations fit well with healthcare financing, administration, and insurance studies.
The Top Five Degrees in Utah:
How Much Can You Make by Having 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 Management Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME | NUMBER OF JOBS | ANNUAL SALARY |
---|---|---|
Compliance Officers | 3,090 | $59,870 |
Human Resources Specialists | 6,660 | $56,100 |
Management Analysts | 4,330 | $76,560 |
Accountants and Auditors | 10,250 | $68,560 |
Financial Analysts | 2,900 | $78,510 |
- Compliance Officers help keep their organizations on course to meet their legal and regulatory obligations. They oversee rules and requirements from, laws, regulations, contracts, and agreements. They must examine internal functions and processes to determine whether they fulfill organizational duties and obligations.
- Human Resources Specialists provide critical support to organizational staffing and personnel needs. They help recruit and retain employees needed to carry out organizational processes and reach organizational goals. Human resources specialists work in areas of training, development, rewards, salary, and benefits.
- Management Analysts examine organizational functions and determine if they perform as expected and meet the desired goals. They develop plans and actions to improve efficiency. They develop and present reports that impact operations, budget, and all facets of organizational activities.
- Accountants and Auditors perform analysis of organizational finances and transactions. They track organizational business and keep official records. Auditors have the additional duties of confirming events, transactions, and the accuracy of reports and expenditures.
- Financial Analysts perform research and determine the status of all financial matters for their organizations. They are critical to budget and operations. Financial analysts help manage organizational resources and assets and they can help plan and direct the funds needed for organizational programs and actions.
- Business Administrator
- Business Analyst
- Business Manager
- Marketing Manager
- Economist
- Entrepreneur
- Hospitality Manager
- International Business Consultant
- Operations Manager
- Supply Chain Manager
Top Computer science Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME | NUMBER OF JOBS | ANNUAL SALARY |
---|---|---|
Computer Programmers | 2,630 | $84,120 |
Software Developers, Applications | 11,040 | $99,040 |
Software Developers, Systems Software | 5,690 | $106,040 |
Web Developers | 1,980 | $58,500 |
Database Administrators | 1,030 | $92,640 |
- Computer Programmers design code that makes computers run and perform their intended work. Programmers work with software engineers and developers. They can analyze user needs and provide important input into the design and build process.
- Software Developers, Applications provide expertise in creating, testing, and deploying software to business, commercial, and industrial clients. Application developers can help solve specific or broad problems.
- Software Developers, Systems Software provide systems that support applications and other computer-based functions. Operating systems create frameworks that have features to support the client’s processes and functions. Systems software developers work in commercial activities, military, communications, and aerospace settings including many other types of public and private organizations.
- Web Developers design and build websites and create interactions between website owners and their intended audiences. Web developers play a key role in eCommerce and online marketing.
- Database Administrators manage large data sets and provide security and controlled access for the information. Administrators create database management systems. They manage usage, changes, and security permissions. They oversee information security processes.
- Computer Science Careers
- Cybersecurity Analyst
Top Education Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME | NUMBER OF JOBS | ANNUAL SALARY |
---|---|---|
Business Teachers, Postsecondary | 880 | $101,180 |
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 600 | $119,380 |
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary | 170 | $118,850 |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | 2,360 | $144,740 |
Education Teachers, Postsecondary | 850 | $92,070 |
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary level prepare graduates to fill the many needs of the business communities for insightful thinkers. They also help prepare the next generation of college faculty by mentoring and supervising graduate students.
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary settings help prepare graduates for careers in research, development, and business environments. These highly trained teaching professionals also perform advanced research both in and outside of the university or college organization.
- Economics Teachers, Postsecondary guide college students into a wide range of research and studies of economic models, and trends. They work in research, writing, and analysis. They prepare students for leadership in private and public sector economics occupations.
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary education provide critical technical and specialized education to health professionals and students working towards degrees in the health professions.
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary are college-level educators that prepare students for many applications of education including teaching. Postsecondary Education professors teach undergraduate and graduate level students. They comprise the current core of college faculty and help replenish the supply of undergraduate and graduate level faculty.
- Preschool Teachers
Top Healthcare Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME | NUMBER OF JOBS | ANNUAL SALARY |
---|---|---|
Occupational Therapists | 860 | $83,670 |
Physical Therapists | 1,890 | $85,880 |
Registered Nurses | 21,650 | $67,970 |
Dental Hygienists | 2,730 | $69,720 |
EMT/Paramedics | 2,030 | $33,870 |
- Occupational Therapists provide direct support, therapy, and ongoing assessments of persons in recovery from illness, disease, and accident. Their focus is on overall health and job readiness. They restore strength, movement, and stamina and help patients regain lost or impaired abilities.
- Physical Therapists focus on restoring health to patients suffering from disease, recovering from medical conditions, and recovering from accident or injuries. The goals typically include restoring range of motion, physical strength, and endurance.
- Registered Nurses provide patient care in many settings including direct care in hospitals and nursing facilities. Nurses supervise licensed practical nurses, vocational nurses, nurse assistants, and nursing aides. Nurses can assess patients, plan care, and carry out treatment. In some situations, they work in managed care to deliver direct care and referrals to specialists.
- Dental Hygienists provide critical care to dental patients. They perform examinations, take x-rays, and provide assessments of dental health. Hygienists clean and treat teeth and gums and assist dentists in identifying problems and carrying out treatment plans.
- Healthcare Administrators help with strategic planning, preparing budgets, risk management, and marketing to keep the facilities operations running smoothly. There are many skills that are necessary to become a successful healthcare administrator.
Top Humanities and Social Sciences Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME | NUMBER OF JOBS | ANNUAL SALARY |
---|---|---|
Conservation Scientists | 240 | $63,450 |
Chemists | 730 | $70,450 |
Urban and Regional Planners | 320 | $69,440 |
Social Scientists | 140 | $67,430 |
Substance Abuse Counselors | 910 | $43,070 |
- Conservation Scientists perform research and investigations to determine the best methods for reducing human impact on the environment. They study soil, water, and resource conservation.
- Chemists examine the makeup of compounds and substances. They work in research, industrial, commercial, and academic settings. They apply knowledge of physical sciences, mathematics, and chemistry.
- Urban and Regional Planners study plans and opportunities for efficient development of urban and other living areas including infrastructure, transportation, and all aspects of communities. They provide assessments of local and regional development and planning.
- Social Scientists perform research and conduct studies. They examine social conditions and develop concepts to explain problems and support policies. Social scientists teach, prepare information on current conditions, and help shape remedies for social issues.
- Public Administrator
Top Psychology Careers and Salaries
Psychology is becoming more popular with each passing year as the country continues to embrace the importance of mental health. A degree in psychology can provide a career in a wide variety of professions. It can even lead to becoming a psychologist with a doctoral degree.
CAREER NAME | NUMBER OF JOBS | ANNUAL SALARY |
---|---|---|
Psychiatric Technician | 970 | $26,150 |
Psychiatrist | 220 | $120,440 |
Occupational Therapist | 860 | $83,670 |
Clinical, Counseling and School Psychologist | 1,140 | $88,480 |
Additional Careers in Utah
The top occupations with the highest forecasted growth rate in Utah
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: 93.07
- 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: $36,400
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Snow College
Score: 84.16
- 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
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: $37,700
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Find Online Utah Schools
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
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,096
- Out-of-State: $8,096
- 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
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,353
- Out-of-State: $25,961
- 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
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,324
- Out-of-State: $16,324
- 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
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,574
- Out-of-State: $23,784
- 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
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,763
- Out-of-State: $23,176
- 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
College Cost Analysis - Utah vs. National
Average Utah 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.