Statistics at Utah State University

A statistics bachelor's degree is a strong credential nationally—median first-year earnings of nearly $60,000 reflect genuine demand for quantitative skills. Utah State's program, however, produces markedly different outcomes. At $45,240 in first-year earnings, graduates here earn about $14,000 less than the state median and $24,000 less than nearby BYU grads with the same degree. That gap matters when you're competing for the same data analyst positions in Salt Lake City or beyond.

The estimated debt of $20,150, based on typical borrowing patterns at Utah State across programs, translates to a 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio—manageable on its own. But that ratio assumes you'll actually land a statistics-related position at market rates. The earnings shortfall suggests either graduates are taking non-technical roles, employers view this program differently than competitors, or the local job market limits what's available. Similar programs statewide show a median debt closer to $10,750, suggesting some Utah State students are borrowing more for weaker outcomes.

For families banking on statistics as a reliable path to technical employment, this particular program warrants scrutiny. If your child has strong quantitative aptitude, comparing job placement specifics—what companies recruit here, what roles graduates actually take—against BYU or programs elsewhere would clarify whether the $20,000 discount relative to Utah peers justifies the earnings gap.