Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Utah Valley University

Utah Valley University's Liberal Arts associate's program shows something important in the earnings trajectory: graduates start modestly at $28,089 but see a notable 34% jump to $37,530 by year four. That kind of growth suggests graduates are either continuing their education or finding their footing in careers that reward additional experience. The $10,000 debt burden keeps the debt-to-earnings ratio manageable at 0.36—students will owe roughly four months of their first-year salary.

However, the program's position within Utah deserves scrutiny. While it performs slightly above the state median, it trails significantly behind Salt Lake Community College's $35,804 and Weber State's $34,165 for similar programs. This matters because Utah families choosing between in-state options could secure considerably higher early earnings elsewhere. The program ranks at the 60th percentile statewide, meaning four out of ten comparable Utah programs deliver better outcomes.

For families considering this as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree, the low debt load makes sense—you're not overinvesting in what should be a transitional credential. But if the associate's is the endpoint, recognize that even with strong earnings growth, graduates start behind peers at other Utah institutions and take several years to catch up. The value here depends entirely on whether your student plans to transfer.