Over the past several years, the future of higher education in Utah has been the subject of extensive debate. It seems like the debate, however, has largely unfolded within the halls of government and academia, rather than among the broader public it ultimately affects.
I’ve authored several opinion pieces in Deseret News challenging the direction taken by the Utah Legislature — among them, “Higher education must be protected” and “One size doesn’t fit all — the impact of HB261 on women in higher education.” Drawing on research, each piece underscores the essential role higher education plays in the lives of Utahns.
My commitment to this issue spans more than two decades. In 2010, I published the first Utah Women & Leadership Project research and policy brief, titled "The Value of Higher Education for Women in Utah“. That work helped spark broader conversations about the many benefits — both individual and societal — that come when more residents pursue post-secondary certificates and degrees.
The dialogue has continued to evolve, most recently with the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s 2024 policy brief, "The Value of Higher Education," which reaffirmed the importance of advancing educational opportunities for Utah’s future.
Just last week, I came across an article noting that nearly two-thirds of registered voters nationwide now feel a four-year college degree is not worth the cost. Yet, the piece stated that Utah stands apart from this growing skepticism, with Utahns continuing to enroll and graduate students in record numbers. I’m grateful this is the case. Yet, I continue to be asked the following questions by Utahns around the state:
- Do Utahns still believe that college is worth the financial investment?
- Do Utahns continue to think that college is only about improving economic opportunities, or do we understand that higher education is also important for intellectual growth, personal development and lifelong societal contributions?
- In preparing to cover the costs of college, do Utahns believe that it is important for all potential students to apply for federal financial aid (FAFSA)?
Fortunately, I have access to fresh Utah data collected in October and November of 2025, with survey items designed to address these very questions. More than 5,000 Utahns in all 29 counties participated across two samples. While the official reports are not yet published, I want to share insights into how Utahns are currently thinking about these three key areas within this ongoing discussion.
First, we asked Utahns whether they believed college is worth the financial investment. Because Utah is still graduating students in record numbers, we assumed they did. Well, out of more than 5,000 respondents, nearly three-quarters (73.2%) agreed, with over half expressing strong agreement. Only a small fraction — less than 13% — disagreed. This stands in sharp contrast to the national trends just cited. Utahns, it seems, continue to recognize the enduring value of higher education, at least for the economic benefits. Utah leaders continue to boast that we have the country’s third most well-trained and educated workforce, so that makes sense. However, do Utahns understand that education has more than economic benefits?
Second, when asked whether higher education matters beyond economic opportunity — encompassing intellectual growth, personal development and lifelong contributions — Utahns responded with striking clarity. Nearly 80% agreed at some level, while fewer than 8% expressed disagreement. The message is unmistakable: Utahns continue to see higher education as a force for both individual and societal good, not just a paycheck. In fact, more than 4 in 5 Utahns affirm higher education’s broader value.
Third, as Utah prepares students for the costs of college, one question stands out: Do we believe it’s important for all potential students to apply for federal financial aid through the FAFSA? In 2024, only 37.3% of Utah seniors completed the FAFSA, compared to a national average of 54.4%, ranking Utah 49 out of 50 states.
When asked in our study if applying for FAFSA is important, Utahns showed strong support: More than 70% agreed or strongly agreed, with less than 10% disagreeing at some level. Yet application completion rates remain among the lowest in the nation — a troubling disconnect between belief and action. Experts stress that completing FAFSA applications is one of the most critical steps toward making college affordable and accessible for anyone.
Across all three survey items, other clear patterns emerged: Women were significantly more likely than men to agree, and those with higher levels of education expressed stronger support as well. The data revealed something striking — agreement rose steadily with each step in educational attainment.
Utahns have spoken clearly: They believe college is worth the investment, they see its value beyond a paycheck and they affirm the importance of ensuring access through tools like FAFSA. The challenge now is to turn conviction into action. If we want Utah to remain a place where education fuels opportunity, innovation and community strength, we must continue to champion higher education not only in our policies but in our everyday choices. By investing in affordability, affirming its broader purpose and encouraging every student to pursue the resources available to them, Utah can secure a future where higher education remains both a personal pathway and a public good.