California State University-Sacramento vs University of Utah
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
Good news if you're stuck between them: California State University-Sacramento and University of Utah come out about even on financial return. California State University-Sacramento scores 83/100 and University of Utah scores 84/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, California State University-Sacramento runs $9,338 a year against $16,200 at University of Utah - $6,862 more a year, or about $27,448 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Utah graduates earn a median $67,170 against $64,876 at California State University-Sacramento. The cost earns itself back in 5.9 years at California State University-Sacramento and 6.4 years at University of Utah.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave California State University-Sacramento owing a median $15,000 versus $19,000 at University of Utah. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.36 and 0.40 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | California State Universi... | University of Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $8,018 | $9,620 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $20,618 | $30,860 |
| Net Price (avg) | $9,338 | $16,200 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $37,352 | $64,800 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $41,800 | $47,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $64,876 | $67,170 |
| Graduation Rate | 56.3% | 65.0% |
| Payback Period | 5.9 yr | 6.4 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $15,000 | $19,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $159 | $201 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.36 | 0.40 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 74.9% | 81.3% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 69.7% | 77.0% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 94.0% | 86.0% |
| Enrollment | 28,350 | 27,264 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | California State Uni... | University of Utah |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $6,501 | $13,123 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $7,001 | $13,424 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $9,212 | $14,246 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $11,814 | $17,663 |
| $110,001+ | $18,861 | $21,533 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | California State Uni... | University of Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $92,519 | $137,329 |
| Registered Nursing | $129,960 | $86,243 |
| Computer Engineering | $104,394 | $114,197 |
| Electrical Engineering | $103,512 | $91,361 |
| Civil Engineering | $93,973 | $85,097 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $93,878 | $91,127 |
| Economics | $70,290 | $84,146 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $67,636 | $81,252 |
| Physics | $64,133 | $77,158 |
| Geography and Cartography | $75,234 | $54,757 |
| Chemistry | $74,430 | $71,276 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences | $73,418 | $62,867 |
| Mathematics | $59,162 | $71,059 |
| International Relations | $60,278 | $68,490 |
| Romance Languages | $52,028 | $64,568 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | California State Uni... | University of Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 96 | 89 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 89 | 87 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 91 | 87 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 53 | 69 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 54 | 74 |
| Overall ROI Score | 83 | 84 |
The Verdict
It's close. University of Utah edges out California State University-Sacramento by 1 points (84 vs 83), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
California State University-Sacramento
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of Utah
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.