Utah State University
Utah State University is a public university in Logan, UT ranked #1049 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 20,342 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 93.6%. Students most often pursue Computer and Information Sciences and Information Science/Studies.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, 74.2% first-year retention, and 57.3% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $12,869, about $4,129 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -12.9%, roughly 98.2 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $44,822. That's about $1,134 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Utah State University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Utah State University graduates 57.3% of students within six years and keeps 74.2% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Utah State University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $9,228 |
| Books and Supplies | $856 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $8,644 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,192 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $21,050 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 25.7% of Utah State University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $9,601 to $17,671 depending on family income. Use Utah State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $14,825/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $17,671/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $44,822
- 10-Year Median Earnings $44,822
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $9,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 70.4%
- Employment Rate 83.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Utah State University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Utah State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Utah State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Utah State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Utah State University graduates earn $44,822 median, the -12.9% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 530-660
- SAT Math 530-640
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 20-28
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 20,342
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 74.2%
- Graduation Rate 57.3%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 19:1
How to Get Into Utah State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Utah State University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 93.6%, Utah State University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 93.6% acceptance rate, Utah State University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1060 and 1300 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Utah State University undergraduates. Economics, Communication Disorders Sciences and Services, and Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods draw the most students.
- Economics 7.8%
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services 7.7%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 7.0%
- Psychology, General 4.2%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 3.8%
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other 3.7%
See more majors
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Ser 3.4%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 3.4%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer and Information Sciences, General $105,434
- 2. Information Science/Studies $100,906
- 3. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $98,046
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Economics $88,162
- 5. Mechanical Engineering $87,442
- 6. Civil Engineering $86,663
- 7. Finance and Financial Management Services $84,357
- 8. Accounting and Related Services $84,245
- 9. Marketing $77,882
- 10. Public Health $77,541
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degree) $108,207
- 2. Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degree) $106,456
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $99,511
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $97,522
- 5. Curriculum and Instruction (Doctoral Degree) $96,401
- 6. Civil Engineering (Master's Degree) $89,813
- 7. Information Science/Studies (Master's Degree) $83,007
- 8. Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degree) $81,795
- 9. Educational/Instructional Media Design (Master's Degree) $74,277
- 10. Natural Resources Management and Policy (Master's Degree) $66,552
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer and Information Sciences, General grads earn $105,434—36% more than Public Health ($77,541). Graduate: Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering programs lead with $108,207 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Utah State University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degree, 975 graduates)
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 343 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degree, 308 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 167 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 148 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (79 programs)â–¼
- Economics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Mechanical Engineering
- Biology, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Information Science/Studies
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- English Language and Literature, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Special Education and Teaching
- Social Work
- Communication and Media Studies
- Civil Engineering
- Area Studies
- Animal Sciences
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
- Plant Sciences
- Music
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Biological/Biosystems Engineering
- Political Science and Government
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Air Transportation
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Apparel and Textiles
- Statistics
- International Business
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Sustainability Studies
- Mathematics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Environmental Design
- Physics
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Agricultural Production Operations
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
- Public Health
- Chemistry
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Design and Applied Arts
- Computer Engineering
- Philosophy
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Agricultural Public Services
- Forestry
- Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Food Science and Technology
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Geography and Cartography
- Soil Sciences
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Parks, Recreation, Leisure, and Fitness Studies, Other
- Nutrition Sciences
- International Agriculture
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies
- Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations
- Landscape Architecture
- Interior Architecture
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Computer Software and Media Applications
Online Master's Degrees (70 programs)â–¼
- Psychology, General
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Social Work
- Accounting and Related Services
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Civil Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Information Science/Studies
- Mechanical Engineering
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- English Language and Literature, General
- Computer Engineering
- Sustainability Studies
- Special Education and Teaching
- History
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Economics
- Area Studies
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Plant Sciences
- Mathematics
- Nutrition Sciences
- Biological/Biosystems Engineering
- Anthropology
- Animal Sciences
- Sociology
- Political Science and Government
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
- Statistics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Chemistry
- Biology, General
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Soil Sciences
- Physics
- International Agriculture
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Geography and Cartography
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Operations Research
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Music
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Landscape Architecture
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Forestry
- Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Design and Applied Arts
- Computer Science
- Communication and Media Studies
- Classical and Ancient Studies
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences, Other
- Agricultural Production Operations
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Computer Software and Media Applications
Online Doctoral Degrees (40 programs)â–¼
- Psychology, General
- Special Education and Teaching
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Biological/Biosystems Engineering
- Sociology
- Nutrition Sciences
- Mathematics
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Chemistry
- Animal Sciences
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Mechanical Engineering
- Engineering, Other
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Sustainability Studies
- Plant Sciences
- Physics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Biology, General
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Soil Sciences
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Forestry
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management
- Education, General
- Economics
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences, Other
- Agricultural Production Operations
- Agricultural Engineering
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (11 programs)â–¼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Library Science and Administration
- Engineering, Other
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Special Education and Teaching
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (37 programs)â–¼
- Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants
- Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
- Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services
- Precision Metal Working
- Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Agricultural Mechanization
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection
- Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies
- Ground Transportation
- Accounting and Related Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Special Education and Teaching
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies
- Gerontology
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians
- Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians
- Electrical and Power Transmission Installers
- Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Design and Applied Arts
- Data Processing
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Business Operations Support and Assistant Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Agricultural Production Operations
- Geography and Cartography
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)â–¼
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Veterinary Medicine
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 20,342
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 45.5%
- Female Students 54.5%
- Caucasian 81.7%
- Asian 0.8%
- Hispanic 6.6%
- Black 0.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients 25.7%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Utah State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Utah State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Utah State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Utah State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 81.7% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Utah State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Utah State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Utah State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1049 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $12,869 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $44,822 median earnings. The 57.3% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 74.2% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Utah State University's Strengths
Ranked #1049 with a B grade, Utah State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Utah State University excel at providing affordable education ($12,869 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Utah State University's 74.2% retention and 57.3% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($44,822 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Utah State University and $12,869 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 57.3% six-year graduation rate sits 5.2 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 74.2% first-year retention is 2.6 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -12.9% return on investment is 98.2 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $44,822 run about 3% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $12,869 is roughly $7,030 lower than the national median of $19,899.
Helpfulness for Students
- 19:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 74.2% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 83.0% employment rate within three years sits 14.8 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 25.7% trails the national share by 7.8 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Logan, UT, Utah State University operates as a public university and receives a B from EDsmart. It appears at #1049 in EDsmart's national list Grades by category break down as Completion B, Support C+, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
74.2% of learners come back after year one while 57.3% complete the degree within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -12.9%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $12,869 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $21,050.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $8,181 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $9,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 25.7% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $44,822 at the median. That sits about 3% above the national median.
Roughly 83.0% of graduates are employed three years out.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -12.9%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
93.6% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Utah State University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Logan, UT 84322-1400
- Website www.usu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Endowment$532.4M