USU Named Best Public College for Your Tuition in Utah According to Washington Monthly

LOGAN — Utah State University has been named to Washington Monthy’s top 100 2025 Best Colleges for Your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars.

According to Washington Monthly, USU is ranked 90th nationwide and received the best ranking for public institutions in Utah, as the lone university inside the top 125. USU is also ranked 44th in the West for Washington Monthly’s Best Bang for your Buck College.

The rankings are determined by considering university access, median earnings for graduates, student loan debt, 8-year graduation rate and a handful of other factors.

"This recognition from Washington Monthly showcases our commitment to making a high-quality education accessible and affordable for all students,” said Interim President Alan L. Smith. “At Utah State University, we believe that a transformative education should be within reach for every individual. This ranking validates the hard work of our faculty and staff across USU’s 30 locations serving all of Utah.”

Education at USU is highly accessible in part because of its three residential campuses, Logan, Eastern (Price) and Blanding, and USU Extension locations serving all 29 counties throughout Utah. USU has also become more accessible through programs like Aggie First Scholars, aimed at supporting first-generation students. The success of this program is evident in the 2025 commencement data, which shows first-gen students earned more than 20% of all undergraduate degrees and certificates.

Washington Monthly’s full methodology can be found online.