Economics at Utah Valley University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 suggests manageable borrowing for this economics degree, though parents should understand these figures come from peer programs rather than Utah Valley's actual graduates. With an estimated $21,650 in debt and first-year earnings around $61,900 based on other Utah economics programs, the math works—graduates would need to dedicate roughly a third of their first year's salary to eliminate debt entirely, or manage comfortable payments over a standard repayment timeline.

The estimated earnings align closely with what the state's flagship institutions report: University of Utah economics grads earn $64,386, Brigham Young $63,332, and Utah State $60,472. If Utah Valley's program performs similarly—a reasonable expectation given the state's labor market—graduates enter with credentials that employers in Utah clearly value. The program also sits well above the national median of $51,722, suggesting Utah's economy rewards economics degrees more generously than many other states.

The uncertainty here stems entirely from small graduate cohorts, not program quality concerns. For families comfortable with $22,000 in borrowing and confident their student will complete the degree, the estimated outcomes suggest solid economic returns. The real question is whether Utah Valley provides the advising, internship connections, and career support that turn a decent economics curriculum into actual job offers—information you'll need to evaluate through campus visits and conversations with current students.