In 2024, USU revised its set of national peers to better highlight USU’s unique characteristics as a premier land and space grant research institution. In some areas these peers represent an aspirational set for student achievement, and in others recognize USU’s leadership and innovation in helping students achieve. The national peers are R1, land-grant universities with similar enrollments, geographic considerations, and budgets.
National Peer Institutions
Completion
National Six-Year Completion Rate
The percentage of students who earn a degree within six years
Current Status
The national peers are: (1) Colorado State University – Fort Collins, (2) Iowa State University, (3) Kentucky University, (4) Mississippi State University, (5) Oklahoma State University - Stillwater, (6) Oregon State University - Corvallis, (7) Nebraska University – Lincoln, (8) University of Nevada – Reno, (9) Tennessee University – Knoxville, and (10) Washington State University
Source: : U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)Note: USU’s national peer institutions do not offer associate degrees. USU is working on breaking out the associate degree students to provide a more accurate benchmark.
USU, like all public universities in Utah, have lower graduation rates than its national peers. On average, Utah universities have a nine-percentage point lower graduation rate. A study on completion patterns within Utah public universities identified six factors that depress graduation rates. These factors affect all Utah universities and appear to be Utah-specific. They are: (1) large patterns of delayed matriculation, (2) high proportion of students attending part-time, (3) a continuously hot labor market over a long period of time, (4) higher rates of mental health challenges, (5) lower rates of financial aid, and (6) lower high school graduation requirements.
Many USU students start college later because of church mission service. These students serve these missions after high school graduation but before attending university. According to the study, delaying just one-year after high school lowers the likelihood of graduating by 35%. We also know that students report financial difficulties as the primary reason for stopping out. The State of Utah is the 11th lowest in the country in providing state financial aid to students.
USU remains committed to supporting students and increasing graduation rates. We know that the single greatest factor that will increase student completion is ensuring that students have a strong connection to the university and a high-impact learning environment. USU leadership recognized that student achievement required a systems-based approach that could coordinate better to improve the student experience. From this insight, the Student Achievement Collaborative was born. For more information on USU’s efforts to increase student completion visit USU's Student Achievement Collaborative.
Retention
New Student Retention Rate
The percent of first-time undergraduate students who enrolled the following fall term
Current Status
The national peers are: (1) Colorado State University – Fort Collins, (2) Iowa State University, (3) Kentucky University, (4) Mississippi State University, (5) Oklahoma State University - Stillwater, (6) Oregon State University - Corvallis, (7) Nebraska University – Lincoln, (8) University of Nevada – Reno, (9) Tennessee University – Knoxville, and (10) Washington State University
Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)Note: USU’s peer institutions do not offer associate degrees. USU is working on breaking out the associate degree students to provide a more accurate benchmark.
USU is committed to supporting our students through to completion. We recognize that too many students leave the university after only the first year. A study on completion patterns within Utah public universities identified six factors that depress graduation rates. These factors affect all Utah universities and appear to be Utah-specific. They are: (1) large patterns of delayed matriculation, (2) high proportion of students attending part-time, (3) a continuously hot labor market over a long period of time, (4) higher rates of mental health challenges, (5) lower rates of financial aid, and (6) lower high school graduation requirements.
Many USU students start college later because of church mission service. Students serve these missions after high school graduation but before attending university. According to the study, delaying just one-year after high school and lowers the likelihood of graduating by 35%. We also know that students report financial difficulties as the primary reason for stopping out. The State of Utah is the 11th lowest in the country in providing state financial aid to students.
USU remains committed to supporting students and increasing student retention rates. We know that the single greatest factor that will increase student retention is ensuring that students have a strong connection to the university and a high-impact learning environment. USU leadership recognized that student achievement required a systems-based approach that could coordinate better to improve the student experience. From this insight, the Student Achievement Collaborative was born. For more information on USU’s efforts to increase student completion visit USU Collaborative
Workforce Alignment
Wage Outcomes
The median bachelor graduate earnings five years after graduation
Current Status
The national peers are Colorado State University – Fort Collins and Oregon State University - Corvallis
Source: Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer | U.S. Census (Includes all cohorts and was adjusted for inflation to 2024 dollars by USU)Note: Only two of USU’s national peers participate in the system used to generate wage outcomes for university graduates.
At Utah State University (USU), our graduates are prepared for success in the workforce, with median bachelor’s degree earnings reaching $64,027 just five years after graduation (adjusted to 2024 dollars). This places USU in a strong position among our national peer institutions. Our results show that USU graduates are highly competitive and on par with those from institutions like Oregon State and Colorado State. These outcomes reflect the hard work of our students, the dedication of our faculty, and the effectiveness of our programs in preparing graduates for real-world success. We take pride in aligning our academic offerings with workforce demands, ensuring that students leave USU with both the knowledge and practical skills needed to excel.
As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we remain focused on enhancing student outcomes and creating more opportunities for success after graduation. Whether you’re a current student, prospective student, or employer, USU is a place where talent thrives, and futures are built.
For more information on how USU helps students plan for a career with high wage outcomes, visit the USU Career Design Center website.