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Brigham Young University vs Utah State University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Provo UT · vs · Public, Logan UT

The verdict

Brigham Young University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $62,256 in 2.3 years versus 10.6 years at Utah State University, on median earnings of $75,790 vs $54,022 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureBrigham Young UniversityUtah State University
Net price / yr$15,564$14,936
Total net cost$62,256$59,744
Median earnings, 10 yrs$75,790$54,022
Median debt$11,069$14,340
Payback2.3 yrs10.6 yrs
20-year net return$486,344$53,496

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Brigham Young University or Utah State University?

Utah State University, at $14,936 a year after aid versus $15,564 — a gap of $628 a year, or $2,512 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Brigham Young University or Utah State University graduates earn more?

Brigham Young University graduates report a median $75,790 ten years after entry, $21,768 more than the $54,022 at Utah State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Brigham Young University or Utah State University?

Brigham Young University: its completers carry a median $11,069 in federal loans versus $14,340 at Utah State University, a difference of $3,271. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

81% of students finish at Brigham Young University, against 59% at Utah State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Brigham Young University vs Utah State University: frequently asked questions

Is Brigham Young University or Utah State University a better value?
Brigham Young University. It clears its $62,256 net cost in about 2.3 years versus 10.6 years at Utah State University, on median earnings of $75,790 vs $54,022 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Brigham Young University or Utah State University?
Utah State University: $14,936/yr net price after aid versus $15,564/yr at Brigham Young University — a difference of $628 a year, or about $2,512 over four years.
Do Brigham Young University or Utah State University graduates earn more?
Brigham Young University graduates earn a median $75,790 ten years after entry, versus $54,022 at Utah State University — a $21,768 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.