Economics at Utah State University

Utah State's economics program punches above its weight nationally but sits in the middle of Utah's competitive landscape. With first-year earnings of $60,472, graduates outperform 77% of economics programs nationwide—impressive for a school with a 94% admission rate. However, this same figure lands at just the 40th percentile among Utah programs, trailing both University of Utah ($64,386) and BYU ($63,332). The $15,250 median debt is excellent by any measure, ranking in the 87th percentile nationally and matching the state median.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.25 means graduates owe roughly three months' salary—a manageable burden that's paid back more easily than at most schools. Strong earnings growth of 21% over four years shows the degree maintains its value as graduates gain experience. While Utah State doesn't quite match Utah's flagship programs in immediate earning power, the gap is modest enough that the lower debt load could make it the smarter financial choice for many families.

For students choosing between Utah economics programs, this represents solid value: strong national outcomes at a bargain price. The real competition here isn't whether the degree works—it clearly does—but whether the $10,000-15,000 salary difference at graduation justifies potentially higher costs or admission requirements elsewhere.