by our College Data Analytics TeamIs USU worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
USU is ranked #917 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of D-. Within Utah, it ranks #9 of 21 for value.
Among the majors USU offers, these rank best for value nationally.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Ecology | #1 of 25 |
| Communications / Public Relations | #1 of 13 |
| International & Intercultural Communication | #1 of 13 |
| Educational/Instructional Technology | #1 of 6 |
| Instructional Technology | #1 of 6 |
| Instructional Media Design | #1 of 6 |
| Apparel & Textile Manufacture | #1 of 5 |
| Environment / Natural Resources | #1 of 6 |
| Agricultural Production Operations | #3 of 8 |
| Plant Science, General | #3 of 30 |
Below is the detailed USU value breakdown: state and national value rankings, the real cost of a degree, and how the price stacks up against the aid most students receive.
Utah State University is ranked #7 out of #22 in Utah for quality and #9 out of #21 for Utah value.
Do you qualify for in-state tuition? Check the USU financial aid page to be sure.
Utah State University is ranked #917 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, Utah State University is overpriced for the quality of education it provides.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at USU costs about $17,305. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $69,221 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $21,705 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $14,936 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $17,305 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $69,221 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
Your price depends heavily on your family income and the aid you qualify for. See the USU net price page for a fuller breakdown of what you might actually pay.
The price you actually pay depends on your circumstances — most students do not pay the full sticker price.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a USU degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $86,820 | — | — |
| All Students | $69,221 | #917 | D- |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $59,744 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $86,820 | — | — |
| All Students | $69,221 | #9 | D+ |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $59,744 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at USU shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $9,601 |
| $30K–$48K | $9,966 |
| $48K–$75K | $11,599 |
| $75K–$110K | $14,825 |
| Over $110K | $17,671 |
About 65% of USU undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $8,347 per year. Get more details on the USU financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual calculates value by comparing the average USU cost of a degree against other schools of a similar quality. If the school is priced fairly for the educational quality it provides, it receives a fair ranking; if it is underpriced, it earns a good or excellent value.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.