Degree Dividend
Sourced from federal dataEvery figure datedNo rankings for sale

Western Governors University vs Utah Valley University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Salt Lake City UT · vs · Public, Orem UT

The verdict

Utah Valley University has the better ROI: it clears its 2-year net cost of $12,752 in 1.8 years versus 4.1 years at Western Governors University, on median earnings of $55,486 vs $60,615 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

Head to head
MeasureWestern Governors UniversityUtah Valley University
Net price / yr$12,548$6,376
Total net cost$50,192$12,752
Median earnings, 10 yrs$60,615$55,486
Median debt$11,116$14,750
Payback4.1 yrs1.8 yrs
20-year net return$194,908$129,768

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