Rankings / By State (Affordable)

Most Affordable Colleges in Utah

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 15 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$52,339

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

53%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$11,642

Avg. Net Price

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As families consider college options in Utah, affordability is often top of mind. With the rising cost of education, finding schools with reasonable tuition and strong outcomes can feel overwhelming. This list highlights colleges in Utah that are not just affordable but also provide pathways to better earnings after graduation.

The schools featured here share a commitment to keeping net prices low while also supporting student success through graduation rates and post-college earnings. For instance, Utah Valley University stands out with a net price of $6,376 and an earning potential of $55,486. This means students can expect to invest less upfront while still aiming for solid returns on their education.

Take Snow College and Southern Utah University as examples. Snow College has a lower net price at $5,552, yet graduates earn about $41,022 annually. In contrast, Southern Utah University has a higher net price of $10,462 but offers a greater earning potential of $50,296. These differences exemplify the trade-offs students might consider when evaluating their options.

Key Findings

Utah Valley University graduates earn an average of $55,486, with a net price of $6,376.

Snow College has a lower net price of $5,552 but lower average earnings at $41,022.

Southern Utah University boasts a 60% graduation rate, with an average debt of $12,500.

Bridgerland Technical College has the lowest net price at $2,338 and a 70% graduation rate.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 15

Avg. earnings at 10yr $52,339

Avg. graduation rate 53%

Avg. net price $11,642

Avg. median debt $13,649

How We Ranked

Ranked by lowest net price in Utah

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

Utah Valley University

Orem, UT

Graduation43%

Earnings$55,486

Net Price$6,376

View full profile →

Snow College

Ephraim, UT

Graduation45%

Earnings$41,022

Net Price$5,552

View full profile →

Southern Utah University

Cedar City, UT

Graduation60%

Earnings$50,296

Net Price$10,462

View full profile →

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Full Rankings

Utah Valley University

Orem, UT · 28,453 students · Public

With over 28,000 students, Utah Valley University in Orem, UT is a vibrant hub for learning and community engagement. The school has a graduation rate of 43%, which reflects a dedication to supporting students through their academic journeys, particularly those who may be balancing work and study. The median earnings of graduates ten years after enrollment stand at $55,486, highlighting the potential return on investment for students pursuing their degrees here.

43% graduate $55,486 earnings

Snow College

Ephraim, UT · 3,549 students · Public

Snow College in Ephraim, UT, is a smaller institution with just over 3,500 students, fostering a close-knit learning environment. With a graduation rate of 45%, this public college is committed to helping students achieve their educational goals. Graduates see median earnings of $41,022 after ten years, demonstrating a solid return for those pursuing various fields of study.

45% graduate $41,022 earnings

Southern Utah University

Cedar City, UT · 9,289 students · Public

Southern Utah University in Cedar City is a larger public university with nearly 9,300 students, offering a rich array of programs and a supportive campus culture. With a graduation rate of 60%, the university shows a strong commitment to student success. Graduates earn a median of $50,296 within ten years of completing their degrees, signaling a promising investment in education.

82% accepted 60% graduate $50,296 earnings

Southern's full profile

Salt Lake Community College

Salt Lake City, UT · 18,136 students · Public

Salt Lake Community College is a vibrant institution with over 18,000 students, making it the largest college in Utah. Despite a 29% graduation rate, the school offers a diverse range of programs that cater to various interests and career paths. Graduates can expect to earn a median salary of $47,867 within ten years, providing a strong return on investment for those who finish their degrees.

29% graduate $47,867 earnings

Weber State University

Ogden, UT · 16,360 students · Public

Located in Ogden, Weber State University serves more than 16,000 students and emphasizes both academic rigor and community engagement. With a graduation rate of 45%, students can find a supportive atmosphere that nurtures their educational journey. The median earnings of $56,287 after ten years suggest that those who graduate from Weber State are well-prepared for the job market.

45% graduate $56,287 earnings

Bridgerland Technical College

Logan, UT · 1,567 students · Public

Bridgerland Technical College in Logan is an ideal choice for students focused on practical skills and career readiness, with a remarkable graduation rate of 70%. Enrolling just over 1,500 students, this technical college prioritizes hands-on learning experiences, preparing graduates for the workforce. The median earnings of $38,347 after ten years illustrate the value of its programs in today’s job market.

70% graduate $38,347 earnings

Bridgerland's full profile

Ogden-Weber Technical College

Ogden, UT · 2,928 students · Public

With a student body of nearly 3,000, Ogden-Weber Technical College focuses on providing hands-on training that leads directly to jobs. Graduates earn a median salary of $35,032 after ten years, illustrating the college's commitment to practical education that meets local workforce needs. The 54% graduation rate signals a solid chance of completing your program, especially in a supportive environment tailored for career readiness.

54% graduate $35,032 earnings

Ogden-Weber's full profile

Utah State University

Logan, UT · 20,272 students · Public

Utah State University in Logan has a diverse enrollment of over 20,000 students who benefit from a broad range of programs. The 58% graduation rate indicates that while many students do finish their degrees, some may find challenges along the way, though the university's strong support networks can help.

92% accepted 58% graduate $54,022 earnings

Western Governors University

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

Western Governors University is an online institution that caters to over 155,000 students, making it one of the largest online universities in the country. With a graduation rate of 48%, it offers a flexible learning environment that can be ideal for working adults looking to advance their education. Graduates earn a median salary of $60,615 within ten years, highlighting the value of a degree in today's job market.

48% graduate $60,615 earnings

Western's full profile

#10

Ensign College

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

Located in Salt Lake City, Ensign College caters to a vibrant student body of over 7,500 individuals. With a graduation rate of 38%, the school focuses on providing a supportive environment for students to thrive academically and socially.

38% graduate $50,630 earnings

Ensign's full profile

#11

University of Utah

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

The University of Utah, located in Salt Lake City, boasts a student body of over 27,000. With a graduation rate of 64%, the university encourages a diverse learning environment, drawing in students from various backgrounds and interests, which enriches the overall academic experience.

86% accepted 64% graduate $67,170 earnings

University's full profile

#12

Brigham Young University

Provo, UT · 32,952 students · Private nonprofit

In Provo, Brigham Young University serves a large community of nearly 33,000 students, marked by a commitment to academic excellence. An impressive graduation rate of 82% reflects the school's supportive atmosphere, where students can thrive both personally and academically, driven by a strong sense of community and shared values.

68% accepted 82% graduate $75,790 earnings

Brigham's full profile

#13

Utah Tech University

Saint George, UT · 8,552 students · Public

Located in St. George, Utah, this public university serves over 8,500 students and emphasizes practical, hands-on learning. With a diverse array of programs, Utah Tech University supports students in various fields, which is reflected in their median earnings of $44,570 a decade after graduation. This school attracts students looking for a more applied approach to education, where they can gain real-world skills and experiences that prepare them for the job market.

36% graduate $44,570 earnings

Davis Technical College

Kaysville, UT · 3,027 students · Public

Davis Technical College in Kaysville stands out with a focus on technical training and workforce readiness, serving just over 3,000 students. With a graduation rate of 58%, this institution aims to equip students with the skills needed for high-demand careers. Many graduates find themselves on a fast track to employment, as indicated by the median earnings of $41,734 after ten years in the workforce.

58% graduate $41,734 earnings

Westminster University

Salt Lake City, UT · 823 students · Private nonprofit

Westminster University in Salt Lake City is a private nonprofit institution with a strong academic reputation, welcoming around 823 students. With a graduation rate of 66%, it fosters an environment where students can thrive academically and socially. Graduates enjoy impressive median earnings of $66,215 within ten years, indicating that a degree from Westminster can significantly enhance one's earning potential in the job market.

67% accepted 66% graduate $66,215 earnings

Westminster's full profile

When we look closely at the data, the differences in outcomes among these schools become clearer. For instance, Utah Valley University has significantly higher average earnings of $55,486 compared to Snow College's $41,022, despite both schools having relatively low net prices. This suggests that while Snow College is cheaper initially, the long-term financial return of Utah Valley University might be more favorable for students.

After reviewing these schools, consider how their features align with your family's priorities. If low debt is crucial, Bridgerland Technical College's net price of $2,338 may appeal to you. However, if you're looking for higher earning potential, Southern Utah University might be a better fit despite its higher costs. Focus on what matters most to you: earnings, program quality, location, or campus culture.

The path from college to a stable life is complex, but the right choice can make a significant difference. For one family considering these options, choosing a school with a strong graduation rate and lower debt could enhance their financial stability after graduation. Ultimately, the decision made today can shape their tomorrow.

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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