Median Earnings (1yr)
$74,055
28th percentile
40th percentile in Utah
Median Debt
$14,500
42% below national median

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

Earnings Distribution

How Utah State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Utah State University$74,055$87,163+18%
University of California-Berkeley$137,295$202,911+48%
Massachusetts Institute of Technology$117,345$172,897+47%
Brigham Young University$77,060$95,202+24%
University of Utah$75,654$93,865+24%

Compare to Similar Programs in Utah

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Utah (6 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Utah State UniversityLogan$9,228$74,055$87,163$14,5000.20
Brigham Young UniversityProvo$6,496$77,060$95,202$12,0000.16
University of UtahSalt Lake City$9,315$75,654$93,865$24,4770.32
Weber State UniversityOgden$6,391$69,537$23,3540.34
National Median$77,710$24,9890.32

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical, electronics and communications engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Hardware Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

$155,020/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Aerospace Engineers

Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.

$134,830/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Electrical Engineers

Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Electronics Engineers, Except Computer

Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists

Design and implement radio frequency identification device (RFID) systems used to track shipments or goods.

$118,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Engineers, All Other

All engineers not listed separately.

Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar

Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.

Mechatronics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.

Microsystems Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

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.