Head-to-head · 2026
University of Utah vs Utah Valley University
Compare average net price ($16,200 at University of Utah; $6,376 at Utah Valley University), ROI score (10.37 vs 21.76), ten-year median earnings ($67,170 vs $55,486), and admissions context (86% at University of Utah; Open / not reported at Utah Valley University) using federal College Scorecard data. Utah Valley University has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Utah Valley University 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 | University of Utah | Utah Valley University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.37 | 21.76 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $16,200 | $6,376 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $67,170 ✓ | $55,486 |
| Acceptance rate | 86% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 65.1% ✓ | 45.1% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $14,750 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 27,264 | 28,453 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1257 | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Utah costs $9,824 more per year than Utah Valley University ($16,200 vs $6,376). University of Utah graduates report $11,684 higher median earnings after ten years ($67,170 vs $55,486). On EduGradify's model that puts Utah Valley University ahead on projected ROI (21.76 vs 10.37, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Utah Valley University) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of Utah reports 86% acceptance; Utah Valley University does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
University of Utah vs Utah Valley University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Utah or Utah Valley University the better value?
Utah Valley University has the higher EduGradify ROI score (21.76 vs 10.37), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Utah Valley University is cheaper — average net price $6,376 per year vs $16,200 at University of Utah. The annual difference of $9,824 adds up to about $39,296 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Utah reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $67,170 vs $55,486 at Utah Valley University. The annual gap in the federal data is $11,684.
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. University of Utah reports a B value grade; Utah Valley University reports A+.