Investing in Our Future

Is a college degree still worth it?

This is a question I’ve heard a lot lately from parents, prospective students, and even some of our own alumni. I understand the concern. With rising costs, changing job markets, and a world that seems to shift beneath our feet daily, it’s natural to wonder if the investment in higher education still pays off.

I wouldn’t be in this job if I didn’t believe that the answer is a resounding yes.

Don’t just take my word for it. Let’s look at the facts. Our graduates are earning, on average, $20,000 more each year than those with only a high school diploma. That’s not pocket change—it’s life-changing money that opens doors and creates opportunities.

At the U, we’re always pushing to make your degree more valuable. Our revamped career center does more than merely list jobs—it launches careers. We’re partnering with industry leaders to ensure our graduates are preparing for the “real world” while also actively shaping it.

No matter where I find myself in our great state, I see the U’s mark. It’s in the free health clinics staffed by our medical students, the after-school programs run by our education majors, and the local businesses started by our alumni. That’s why I believe a college degree is about more than just landing a job—it’s about becoming the kind of person who sees a problem in their community and thinks, “I can help solve that.”

Starting with this issue of Utah Magazine, we’re diving deep into the value of higher education. We’ll explore not just the financial returns of a degree, but also how universities like ours are lifting communities and driving economic growth.

So, when someone asks me if a college degree is worth it, I don’t just say yes. I say it’s one of the best investments you can make in yourself and in our shared future.