Utah System of Higher Education graduates saw significant short- and long-term financial benefits after completing a college education, according to a new analysis from the Utah Data Research Center, which included outcomes of 2014-16 USHE graduates. 

The study found that a typical USHE graduate earned 79% to 167% higher wages one year after graduation compared to their pre-graduation income. USHE graduates with bachelor’s degrees saw the highest percentage wage increase, followed by those with two-year certificates and then associate degrees. 

Five years after completion, USHE graduates earned 10% to 64% higher wages than a control group without higher education credentials. When accounting for educational costs, the typical USHE graduate had higher cumulative wages eight years after graduating.  

The analysis not only examined wage increases for USHE graduates but also the economic impact of graduates on the state. As part of this broader economic impact of USHE graduates, Utah collected almost $100 million in additional tax revenue from these USHE graduates over five years. 

Learn more and read the full report here.