The Utah System of Higher Education exceeded its systemwide five-year goals for both timely completion (+0.4 percentage points) and high-yield awards (+2.1 percentage points). The system also advanced toward its annual access goal for the 2024–25 academic year. Above all, this year’s achievement demonstrates sustained progress across the entire system, showing that Utah’s colleges and universities are consistently taking strategic action to support students by expanding educational opportunity, accelerating completion and aligning programs with the needs of Utah’s growing economy.

“Utah’s system of higher education rewards colleges and universities based on student performance. Some years we meet those goals, while other years we may fall short. We are proud to see such significant improvement in this year’s results to improve completion, strengthen high-value programs, and create more accessible opportunities for every Utah student, regardless of their personal circumstances,” said Jon Cox, Utah Board of Higher Education Vice Chair.

The statewide timely completion rate reached 52.1%, surpassing the five-year target of 51.7%, and the high-yield metric climbed to 76.3%, outperforming the 2027 target of 74.2%. The system also made progress toward its annual access goal, as USHE’s enrollment share of high school graduates rose to 51.66% for the 2024–25 academic year. 

Timely completion tracks how efficiently students move toward earning a credential. High-yield awards focus on completions in high-wage, high-demand programs tied to Utah’s workforce needs. The access goal measures the share of Utah high school graduates who enroll in the state’s public colleges and universities.

Each year, the Utah Board of Higher Education evaluates institutional performance to ensure continued progress and determine eligibility for performance-based funding. This year’s results illustrate the collective impact of Utah’s public colleges and universities working together to expand opportunity, improve completion and deliver credentials that prepare students for meaningful careers and lifelong success.

The Board also adopted timely completion and high-yield performance goals for the 2025-26 academic year. The 2025-26 performance goal for access was approved at a modified 52.66%. These goals will guide this year’s system work and ensure continued alignment with Utah’s educational priorities and evolving talent needs.