Rankings / By State

Best Master's Programs in Utah

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 11 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$56,555

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

53%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$13,259

Avg. Net Price

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When considering a master's program in Utah, prospective students have a variety of options, each with distinct outcomes. With average earnings for graduates across these programs hovering around $56,555, it’s clear that some schools set their students up for more success than others.

The distinction among these institutions lies in key metrics: graduate earnings, completion rates, debt levels, and overall mobility. For example, while Brigham Young University boasts an impressive $75,790 average earning for graduates, the University of Utah, with a lower earning potential of $67,170, still offers a compelling educational experience but comes with higher debt levels.

Southern Utah University and Weber State University present a stark contrast. Southern Utah graduates earn an average of $50,296 with a graduation rate of 60%, while Weber State’s graduates earn slightly more at $56,287 but have a lower graduation rate of 45%. This highlights the tradeoffs prospective students may face as they weigh their options.

Key Findings

Brigham Young University leads with $75,790 average earnings and an 82% graduation rate.

The University of Utah offers a solid education but has a higher debt burden of $19,000.

Southern Utah University graduates have a 60% graduation rate, earning $50,296 on average.

Weber State University has an average earning of $56,287 but a completion rate of only 45%.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 11

Avg. earnings at 10yr $56,555

Avg. graduation rate 53%

Avg. net price $13,259

Avg. median debt $14,214

How We Ranked

Master's programs in Utah ranked by graduate outcomes

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Top 3

Brigham Young University

Provo, UT

Graduation82%

Earnings$75,790

Net Price$15,564

View full profile →

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT

Graduation64%

Earnings$67,170

Net Price$16,200

View full profile →

Southern Utah University

Cedar City, UT

Graduation60%

Earnings$50,296

Net Price$10,462

View full profile →

Featured Programs From Accredited Schools

Accredited schools accepting applicants in this field.

Full Rankings

Brigham Young University

Provo, UT · 32,952 students · Private nonprofit

With a graduation rate of 82%, Brigham Young University attracts students who are focused on academic success and personal development. Nestled in Provo, UT, this private nonprofit university has a diverse student body of nearly 33,000, fostering a supportive community in a picturesque setting. The university emphasizes values-based education, preparing students for both professional and personal lives grounded in integrity and service.

68% accepted 82% graduate $75,790 earnings

Brigham's full profile

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT · 27,264 students · Public

The University of Utah, located in the vibrant city of Salt Lake City, is home to more than 27,000 students who benefit from a strong academic and social environment. Its diverse range of programs and 64% graduation rate reflect a commitment to helping students succeed both in the classroom and beyond. The university is well-integrated into the local community, offering students numerous opportunities for internships and networking.

86% accepted 64% graduate $67,170 earnings

University's full profile

Southern Utah University

Cedar City, UT · 9,289 students · Public

Southern Utah University in Cedar City is an inviting choice for students seeking a supportive environment. With a smaller student population of around 9,289, the school boasts a close-knit community where students can build lasting relationships with peers and faculty. The graduation rate of 60% reflects the university's commitment to student success, particularly in providing targeted support to help students navigate their academic journeys.

82% accepted 60% graduate $50,296 earnings

Southern's full profile

Utah State University

Logan, UT · 20,272 students · Public

Utah State University in Logan is a dynamic place for students looking to engage with innovative research and a vibrant campus life. With a student body of over 20,000 and a graduation rate of 58%, the university provides a rich environment where students can thrive academically and personally. USU is known for its commitment to community and service, encouraging students to get involved both on campus and in the local area.

92% accepted 58% graduate $54,022 earnings

Weber State University

Ogden, UT · 16,360 students · Public

Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, serves over 16,000 students and emphasizes a strong connection to the community and hands-on learning. With a median earning of $56,287 a decade after graduation, many graduates find fulfilling careers without leaving the state, reflecting the school's commitment to local job markets.

45% graduate $56,287 earnings

Utah Valley University

Orem, UT · 28,453 students · Public

Utah Valley University is one of the largest schools in the state, with nearly 28,500 students enrolled. Known for its diverse programs and support for adult learners, UVU encourages a culture of innovation and accessibility in education, which is reflected in its sizeable enrollment of 23% Pell Grant recipients.

43% graduate $55,486 earnings

Snow College

Ephraim, UT · 3,549 students · Public

Snow College, a smaller public institution in Ephraim, Utah, attracts around 3,500 students with its intimate campus atmosphere and supportive community. The college emphasizes strong academic programs and personalized attention, helping students thrive in their educational pursuits as seen in its 45% graduation rate.

45% graduate $41,022 earnings

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, UT · 155,088 students · Private nonprofit

Western Governors University is a unique online nonprofit institution based in Salt Lake City, catering to over 155,000 students. Its flexible, competency-based approach allows students to learn at their own pace, which is especially beneficial for working adults or those balancing multiple responsibilities.

48% graduate $60,615 earnings

Western's full profile

Westminster University

Salt Lake City, UT · 823 students · Private nonprofit

With a median earning of $66,215 ten years after graduation, Westminster University in Salt Lake City shows that it prepares students for solid careers. The graduation rate sits at 66%, indicating that many students find success in completing their degrees, which can lead to better job prospects and higher earnings over time.

67% accepted 66% graduate $66,215 earnings

Westminster's full profile

#10

Utah Tech University

Saint George, UT · 8,552 students · Public

Utah Tech University is home to over 8,500 students, creating a vibrant and diverse community in Saint George. The university's focus on practical learning prepares students for real-world success, though its graduation rate of 36% highlights that some students may face challenges in completing their degrees.

36% graduate $44,570 earnings

Ensign College

Salt Lake City, UT · 7,568 students · Private nonprofit

Ensign College, located in Salt Lake City, caters to over 7,500 students and focuses on a unique blend of academic and personal growth. With a graduation rate of 38%, some students may find the transition to college life challenging, but those who thrive often appreciate the college's emphasis on community and support.

38% graduate $50,630 earnings

Ensign's full profile

The data reveals a notable pattern between Brigham Young University and the University of Utah. While BYU graduates enjoy a significant $8,620 edge in average earnings, the University of Utah's higher debt of $19,000 compared to BYU's $11,069 may be a concern for some students weighing financial outcomes.

For those sifting through the details of these 11 programs, it's essential to consider your priorities. Do you want to minimize debt, or is it more crucial to maximize potential earnings? Are you seeking a campus culture that aligns with your values? Aligning personal goals with financial realities can help narrow down choices.

Ultimately, this data highlights the crucial decisions families are making about education and its long-term impact on financial stability. Choosing the right master's program can set the course for a more secure future, making this decision one that deserves careful consideration.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

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