Higher Ed Day on the Hill - Utah System of Higher Education
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Higher Ed Day on the Hill

Utah State Capitol

Board members, institutional presidents, lawmakers, and industry leaders gathered at the Utah State Capitol for Higher Education Day on the Hill on Feb. 18. The event served as an opportunity for state leaders to discuss the important connection between higher ed and Utah’s economy.

According to Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, by 2031, 71% of jobs in Utah will require postsecondary education. Utah’s higher education system is meeting this demand by building a strong talent pipeline with 16 colleges across the state. In AY 2024-25, USHE institutions awarded more than 70,000 degrees and certificates.

Appreciation is extended to the legislators, institutional leadership, and workforce partners who participated in today’s event and continue working alongside USHE to advance the Board’s strategic priorities centered on Access, Completion, Financial Value, and Economic Development, benefiting students, families, and communities statewide.

Overhead view of Higher Ed day on the hill breakfast
Tablescape at Higher Ed Day on the Hill
Crowd of people at Higher Ed Day on the Hill.
Commissioner Geoffrey Landward in conversation at the USHE day on the hill breakfast
Sen. Ann Millner in conversation at the USHE day on the hill breakfast
Rep. Karen Peterson in conversation at the USHE day on the hill breakfast
Attendees in conversation at Higher Ed Day on the Hill.
Graphic saying, "16 public colleges and universities Serving 245k+ students 71,262 degrees and certificates awarded in 2024-25 Higher education prepares students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the labor force. 71% of Utah jobs will require postsecondary training beyond high school by 2031, ranking the 9th highest in the nation. (Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce) 76.3% of USHE students graduated in high-yield (high-wage, high-demand) programs in 2025. Higher education and industry work together to develop technical and durable skills in Utah graduates. Compared to Utahns without a higher education credential, USHE graduates’ median wage was: 10% HIGHER for certificate holders 19% HIGHER for associate degree holders 64% HIGHER for bachelor’s degree holders
Grahic showing Utah Board of Higher Education pillars, value, and mission

Media Inquiries

Trisha Dugovic
Communications Director
801.646.4779

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