University of Utah vs Utah State University: which has better ROI?
University of Utah has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $64,800 in 3.4 years versus 10.6 years at Utah State University, on median earnings of $67,170 vs $54,022 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Utah | Utah State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $16,200 | $14,936 |
| Total net cost | $64,800 | $59,744 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $67,170 | $54,022 |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $14,340 |
| Payback | 3.4 yrs | 10.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $311,400 | $53,496 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Utah or Utah State University?
Utah State University, at $14,936 a year after aid versus $16,200 — a gap of $1,264 a year, or $5,056 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of Utah or Utah State University graduates earn more?
University of Utah graduates report a median $67,170 ten years after entry, $13,148 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, University of Utah or Utah State University?
Utah State University: its completers carry a median $14,340 in federal loans versus $19,000 at University of Utah, a difference of $4,660. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
65% of students finish at University of Utah, 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.