SALT LAKE CITY — Higher education remains a cornerstone of personal opportunity and statewide prosperity, according to a new policy brief from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. The brief highlights the state’s well-trained workforce, robust economic performance, and strong social fabric, all linked to a long-standing educational commitment. This emphasis on higher education extends beyond economic impacts, contributing to social well-being, civic engagement, and innovation.
“This new report from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute underscores how higher education fuels Utah’s economy, workforce, and quality of life,” said Geoffrey Landward, Utah commissioner of higher education. “Utah’s high national ranking in postsecondary attainment reflects the state’s long-standing commitment to higher education; this research further shows that higher education creates long-term value and opportunity for individuals and our communities. We will continue working to expand access, completion, and workforce-aligned programs that support Utah’s future.”
“Postsecondary education pays dividends across Utah—boosting incomes, improving health and civic life, and fueling research and jobs that sustain our communities,” said Andrea Brandley, Senior Education Analyst at the Gardner Institute and lead author of the report. “Our research provides an overview of how higher education contributes to Utah’s success.”
Key findings from the brief include the following:
Educational Attainment and Earnings - Utah ranked second nationally in postsecondary attainment in 2024. Median earnings rise with educational attainment, and the typical Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) graduate earns 10%–64% higher wages five years after completion.
Major Economic Contributor - Public higher education institutions directly employed about 73,000 Utahns and supported about 138,000 total jobs, contributing roughly $14.0 billion in GDP to Utah’s economy.
Poverty and Unemployment - Higher educational attainment is associated with substantially lower poverty and unemployment rates, reducing joblessness and lowering public costs for social safety net programs.
Health and Insurance Coverage - Adults with postsecondary credentials report higher rates of good health and health care coverage, reducing lost workdays and health care spending.
Civic Engagement and Social Capital - More-educated Utahns vote and volunteer at higher rates, strengthening community social capital.
Reliance on Public Assistance - Participation in programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, and housing assistance declines as educational attainment rises, easing fiscal pressure on state and local budgets.
Workforce Pipeline and High‑yield Degrees - USHE enrolled nearly 250,000 students in the 2024–25 school year and awarded more than 70,000 degrees and certificates; 76.3% of these graduates earned high‑yield degrees tied to high‑demand occupations.
Research, Innovation, and Business Creation - Utah’s research universities attract outside research funding and drive innovation. Utah’s innovation index ranks highest among states.
Intergenerational Mobility - Individuals whose parents completed degrees are much more likely to complete postsecondary credentials themselves, and degree completion is linked to higher odds of earning more than one’s parents.
The full policy brief is now available online.
ABOUT THE KEM C. GARDNER POLICY INSTITUTE
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute serves Utah by preparing economic, demographic, and public policy research that helps the state prosper. We are Utah’s demographic experts, leaders on the Utah economy, and specialists on public policy and survey research. We are an honest broker of INFORMED RESEARCH, which guides INFORMED DISCUSSIONS, and leads to INFORMED DECISIONS™. For more information, please visit gardner.utah.edu or call 801-587-3717.
ABOUT THE DAVID ECCLES SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Founded in 1917, the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah is dedicated to driving student success through academic rigor, immersive real-world learning, and strong career outcomes. Located in one of the nation’s most dynamic regions for business and entrepreneurship, the school is shaped by a distinctive Mountain West ethos of growth, grit, and ambition. At the Eccles School, students don’t just earn a degree or learn business — they live it. Through a rigorous, integrated curriculum led by renowned faculty and hands-on experiences that translate knowledge into practice, graduates develop strong business fundamentals, durable skills, mindset, and confidence to lead with integrity and create impact across industries and communities. The school’s centers and institutes serve as a bridge between academics and the business community, connecting students to real-world opportunities while advancing applied research and partnerships that contribute to business and society. Learn more at eccles.utah.edu.