Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at Utah State University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Utah State's electrical engineering program delivers what matters most: remarkably low debt paired with solid career trajectory. At just $14,500 in median student loans, graduates here carry roughly half the debt of typical electrical engineering students nationwide (95th percentile for low debt). While starting salaries trail the national median by about $3,600, this debt advantage means graduates reach positive net worth much faster than peers elsewhere.
Within Utah, the program sits comfortably in the middle of the pack—40th percentile for earnings—performing comparably to University of Utah grads who start at $75,654. The $74,055 starting salary closely tracks the state median of $74,854, and four-year earnings climb to $87,163, showing healthy 18% growth. For a school with a 94% admission rate, this represents accessible engineering education without the credential inflation of more selective programs.
The value calculation here is straightforward: your child exits with a legitimate engineering degree, minimal debt burden, and earnings that support a comfortable lifestyle from day one. The 0.20 debt-to-earnings ratio means loans represent less than three months of first-year salary—among the best ratios you'll find in engineering nationwide. If your family is comparing in-state options and prioritizes financial security over chasing marginally higher starting salaries, Utah State accomplishes exactly what an engineering program should.
Where Utah State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical, electronics and communications engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Utah State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Utah State University graduates earn $74k, placing them in the 28th percentile of all electrical, electronics and communications engineering bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Utah
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Utah (6 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah State University | $74,055 | $87,163 | $14,500 | 0.20 |
| Brigham Young University | $77,060 | $95,202 | $12,000 | 0.16 |
| University of Utah | $75,654 | $93,865 | $24,477 | 0.32 |
| Weber State University | $69,537 | — | $23,354 | 0.34 |
| National Median | $77,710 | — | $24,989 | 0.32 |
Other Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering Programs in Utah
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Utah schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brigham Young University Provo | $6,496 | $77,060 | $12,000 |
| University of Utah Salt Lake City | $9,315 | $75,654 | $24,477 |
| Weber State University Ogden | $6,391 | $69,537 | $23,354 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Utah State University, approximately 26% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 39 graduates with reported earnings and 29 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.