Head-to-head · 2026
Salt Lake Community College vs Utah State University
Compare average net price ($9,804 at Salt Lake Community College; $14,936 at Utah State University), ROI score (12.21 vs 9.04), ten-year median earnings ($47,867 vs $54,022), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Salt Lake Community College; 92.5% at Utah State University) using federal College Scorecard data. Salt Lake Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Salt Lake Community College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Salt Lake Community College | Utah State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 12.21 ✓ | 9.04 |
| Avg net price | $9,804 ✓ | $14,936 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $47,867 | $54,022 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 92.5% |
| Graduation rate | 29.3% | 59.1% ✓ |
| Median debt | $8,003 ✓ | $14,340 |
| Enrollment | 18,136 | 20,272 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1187 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Utah State University costs $5,132 more per year than Salt Lake Community College ($14,936 vs $9,804). Utah State University graduates report $6,155 higher median earnings after ten years ($54,022 vs $47,867). On EduGradify's model that puts Salt Lake Community College ahead on projected ROI (12.21 vs 9.04, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Salt Lake Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Utah State University reports 92.5% acceptance; Salt Lake Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Salt Lake Community College vs Utah State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Salt Lake Community College or Utah State University the better value?
Salt Lake Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (12.21 vs 9.04), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Salt Lake Community College is cheaper — average net price $9,804 per year vs $14,936 at Utah State University. The annual difference of $5,132 adds up to about $20,528 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Utah State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $54,022 vs $47,867 at Salt Lake Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $6,155.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Salt Lake Community College reports a A value grade; Utah State University reports B.