- Utah System of Higher Education reports record number of Utahns claiming college degrees and certificates.
- The Utah higher education data runs counter to polls suggesting Americans are placing less importance on a college education.
- Higher education leaders report Utah grads are equipped to thrive in the state's evolving economy.
Apparently education-minded Utahns are ignoring the polls.
Even as national studies reveal Americans are continuing to place less importance on the value of a college education, Beehive State residents are simultaneously claiming higher education awards in historic numbers.
On Thursday, the Utah System of Higher Education announced “record-breaking completions” of degrees and certificates in its public colleges and universities for the 2025 academic year.
Those completion numbers, according to a higher ed report, are highlighted by “significant growth” in awards aligning with Utah’s workforce demands.
The state’s public colleges and universities reportedly awarded 61,265 graduates with 71,262 certificates and degrees — a 26% increase in awards and a 22% increase in graduates since 2021.
“The true value of higher education is most clearly demonstrated when students graduate from their programs prepared to contribute to Utah’s economy and our communities,” said Geoffrey Landward, Utah Commissioner of Higher Education in the report.
“Our colleges and universities are fulfilling their missions by equipping students to graduate ready for rewarding careers, civic engagement and lifelong success. These outcomes are the most meaningful measure of higher education’s impact and reflect our commitment to deliver results that matter for students, employers and the state.”
Added Utah Board of Higher Education Chair Amanda Covington: “The historic number of graduates this year underscores our institutions’ dedication to provide accessible, high-quality education that prepares Utahns for success.
“From certificates that offer quick pathways to employment to advanced degrees that drive research and innovation, Utah colleges are equipping students to contribute to Utah’s thriving economy and communities.”
More than 21,000 bachelor’s degrees were awarded at Utah’s public higher education institutions during the 2025 academic year — followed by 5,175 master’s degrees and 490 doctorate degrees.
Gateways to more cash, stability and economic mobility
The academic awards earned by Utahns in 2025, according to the higher ed report, are gateways to higher earnings, career stability, greater economic mobility and better health outcomes — while addressing Utah’s workforce needs.
“Utah graduates see these advantages firsthand with median wages 10% higher for certificate holders, 19% higher for associate degree holders and 64% higher for bachelor’s degree holders five years after graduation compared to Utahns without a higher education credential,” the report noted.
The largest number of bachelor’s degrees were awarded in registered nursing, psychology, business administration and management, finance and computer science.
Meanwhile, the top certificate fields in 2025 were in high-demand fields such as nursing assistant/aide, truck/bus driving, EMT paramedic, electrician and phlebotomy.
Thursday’s degree/certificate report also emphasized the “critical role” being played in Utah’s higher education by public community colleges. The state operates a pair of community colleges: Salt Lake Community College and Snow College.
More than half of community college transfer students are earning bachelor’s degrees at four-year institutions.
Higher education = Health and increased happiness
Thursday’s USHE graduation data echoes recent research collected by the University of Utah’s Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute affirming the value of pursuing higher education.
And like the state higher ed report, the Gardner research doubles as a response to polls reporting diminishing numbers of Americans who value the importance of earning a four-year college degree in order to get a well-paying job in today’s economy.
Claiming a college degree in Utah, according to the Gardner report, is a demonstrable method for earning more cash, enjoying stable employment and social mobility — and garnering several other positive individual and societal benefits.
Utah boasts the country’s third most well-trained and educated workforce.
Just over 61% of Utahns have attained some form of postsecondary education — including a degree or some form of certification or certificate. That’s well above the national average of approximately 54%.
Only Colorado and Massachusetts have a higher percentage than Utah.
Meanwhile, just over 25% of Utah’s working-age adults have claimed a bachelor’s degree — while 13% have earned a graduate or professional degree, according to the Gardner report.
“My view is that there has never been a more important time for a well-trained and educated citizenry in the state of Utah,” said Natalie Gochnour, director of the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, at a meeting earlier this year to discuss the higher education report.
The Gardner study highlighted several key findings suggesting higher education still checks several “quality of life” boxes for both individuals and society.
Perhaps the most significant finding: Individuals with higher educational attainment enjoy greater incomes, economic stability and quality of life.
Higher education, the report added, benefits Utah’s economy through workforce development, job and business creation and research innovation.