Due to increasing tuition prices, college students knowing how to get the most out of their education has become more important than ever. Students at the University of Utah are no exception.
A May 2024 study by the Pew Research Center found that 29% of U.S. adults believe a college education isn’t worth the cost. Meanwhile, 47% percent believe it’s only worth it if the student doesn’t have to take out loans.
Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at the U Career Success Center Diana Woodbury said she believes that students aren’t just paying for the opportunity to sit in a classroom. They’re paying for the upper hand in their search for a career.
Perspectives on Higher Education
According to Pew, only 1 in 4 U.S. adults say it’s extremely or very important to have a four-year degree to get a well-paying job today. Additionally, 40% say that a four-year degree is not too or not at all important.
Melissa Ryder, a biochemistry student at the U, believes that whether a college education is “worth it” depends on the student.
“I think it depends on the degree,” Ryder said. “I think for students who are studying something that can only be learned in a classroom like math or science, college is worth it. But I think that a lot of other things can be learned without going to college.”
Woodbury said lots of job postings in Utah require at least a bachelor’s degree. She emphasized that choosing not to attend college isn’t going to ruin your chances of ever being successful. However, college does make your chances of career success higher.
“Obviously, income is one factor in why a student would want to pursue higher education, but there’s also so many quality-of-life aspects that come along with it,” Woodbury said. “People tend to be healthier when they have higher degrees of educational attainment, and believe it or not, they tend to be happier too.”
Beyond the Classroom
In 2024-25 school year, U students are paying 3.28%, or $338 dollars, more in tuition and fees than the prior school year. Tuition and fees for non-resident students cost $34,900 and $12,424 for resident students. When considering housing, food, course materials and personal expenses, one year of school at the U can cost up to $68,140, according to the office of scholarships and financial aid.
Woodbury explained that what truly makes a four-year degree at the U worth the cost is how students use the resources provided to them. These resources include career success coaches, student advisers, career fairs, on-campus jobs and internship opportunities.
“There are a lot of things that we can’t put a price tag on, like the match between what you are learning in the classroom and the social experiences you have or organizations you might join,” Woodbury said.
Woodbury pointed to Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute as a unique resource for students who have created or want to create their own businesses. Lassonde partners with members of the Salt Lake community to help support and fund student’s small businesses. Lassonde is also equipped with offices for student entrepreneurs and a “Make Space” for students to experiment and make prototypes of their products.
Additionally, Ryder said that one of the things she felt makes her time at the U valuable is the access to networking.
“I think that getting a degree makes finding a job easier because you meet so many people in college, and most people get their jobs because they know the right people,” Ryder said.
The U has a multitude of resources for students to help them make the most of their education. The U’s Career Success Center offers resources such as career coaching, internship information and opportunities through employer partnerships. The U also holds career fairs with local employers, provides students mental health resources, offers scholarship opportunities for students and more.
“Why would someone not want to do a degree? It’s such an advantage,” Woodbury said. “And if the finances are a hurdle, just focus on the return on your investment, because the time and money you are putting in are so worth it.”
