Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Southern Utah University at a Glance
Southern Utah University (SUU) is a public university in Cedar City, Utah, United States. Founded in 1897 as a normal school, Southern Utah University now has over 1,800 graduates each year with baccalaureate and other graduate degrees from its six colleges. SUU offers more than 140 undergraduate and 19 graduate programs. More than 15,000 students attend SUU.
1897
129 years old
$46M
$45.9 million (2025)
15,444
13,126 undergrad · 2,318 grad
282
129 acres
Identity
How to Apply to Southern Utah University
Official admissions page$60
Fee waiver available
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Is Southern Utah University Worth It?
Southern Utah University delivers solid financial returns for its graduates. At $10,462/year, it's priced 49% below average, while graduates go on to earn $50,296 — near the national average.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 60% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: Southern Utah University delivers strong financial returns that justify the investment for most students.
How Southern Utah University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #19 of 188 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Foothill College | 100 | $7,653 | $57,072 |
| #2 | Skyline College | 100 | $1,738 | $55,702 |
| #3 | Indian River State College | 100 | $3,815 | $38,315 |
| #4 | Oakland University | 92 | $9,120 | $58,612 |
| #5 | Gulf Coast State College | 90 | $4,709 | $38,359 |
| #6 | Shasta College | 89 | $2,878 | $39,269 |
| #19 | Southern Utah University | 72 | $10,462 | $50,296 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Southern Utah University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in UT.
Best Programs at Southern Utah University
The highest-earning program at Southern Utah University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $52,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General at $19,800/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Southern Utah University earns $52,900, while a Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General graduate earns $19,800. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $8,250 in median debt vs. $14,024 for Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $10,462/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $52,900 | $52,900 | $8,250 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $44,700 | $44,700 | $10,897 |
| Engineering Technology, General | $43,300 | $43,300 | $12,875 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $36,800 | $36,800 | $18,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $36,400 | $36,400 | $10,520 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $32,900 | $32,900 | $12,412 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $30,400 | $30,400 | N/A |
| Communication and Media Studies | $30,300 | $30,300 | $12,750 |
| Biology, General | $27,500 | $27,500 | $13,500 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $25,600 | $25,600 | $11,000 |
| Sociology | $23,800 | $23,800 | N/A |
| Psychology, General | $23,600 | $23,600 | $13,528 |
| History | $21,900 | $21,900 | $13,750 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $20,500 | $20,500 | $19,685 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $20,100 | $20,100 | $19,300 |
| Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General | $19,800 | $19,800 | $14,024 |
Similar Colleges in UT
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Cedar City, UT
- Student Body
- 9,289 students
- Admission Rate
- 82%
- Graduation Rate
- 60%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $10,462
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $50,296
- Median Student Debt
- $12,500