Median Earnings (1yr)
$39,864
67th percentile (60th in UT)
Median Debt
$21,361
21% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.54
Manageable
Sample Size
29
Limited data

Analysis

Weber State's Liberal Arts program graduates earn notably more than typical liberal arts majors—$39,864 in year one rises to $51,593 by year four, outpacing both the national median ($36,340) and the Utah median ($37,839). That's solid performance for a traditionally lower-earning field, ranking in the 67th percentile nationally and 60th within Utah. The $21,361 debt load sits right at the state median and actually comes in lower than the national benchmark, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54—manageable by most standards.

The earnings trajectory deserves attention: the 29% jump from year one to year four suggests graduates aren't stuck in entry-level roles. However, these figures come from a small sample (fewer than 30 graduates), so individual outcomes could vary significantly. You're looking at one of the stronger liberal arts programs in Utah—only Utah Valley substantially outperforms it—but the sample size means next year's cohort might tell a different story.

For a general studies degree, Weber State offers decent value: below-average debt paired with above-average earnings. If your child is set on a liberal arts path and considering Utah schools, this program won't leave them buried in debt. Just recognize that even with these better-than-average numbers, liberal arts remains a lower-earning field overall—first-year earnings still fall well below what STEM or business majors typically command.

Where Weber State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities bachelors's programs nationally

Weber State UniversityOther liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities programs

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 Weber State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Weber State University graduates earn $40k, placing them in the 67th percentile of all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities 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

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Utah (7 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Weber State University$39,864$51,593$21,3610.54
Utah Valley University$44,366$49,899$21,4580.48
Southern Utah University$35,814$32,839$16,0010.45
Utah State University$31,049$42,982$20,9170.67
National Median$36,340—$27,0000.74

Other Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs in Utah

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Utah schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Utah Valley University
Orem
$6,270$44,366$21,458
Southern Utah University
Cedar City
$6,770$35,814$16,001
Utah State University
Logan
$9,228$31,049$20,917

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 Weber State University, approximately 16% 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 29 graduates with reported earnings and 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.