Utah's Higher Education: Building a Stronger Future
Utah's higher education system is making significant strides to prepare students for the future. The Utah Board of Higher Education has been diligently working to make college more affordable and accessible. Their focus is on programs that will help students secure good jobs after graduation.
Key Changes in 2025
House Bill 265: This bill required Utah's eight public colleges and universities to reallocate millions of dollars to programs that are most valuable. Each institution created a plan to use these funds to support student success and meet workforce needs.
AI-Driven Future: The board is preparing for an AI-driven future by supporting faculty learning and building stronger partnerships with employers who are already using AI. This initiative helps students gain the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing job market.
New Initiatives Launched in 2025
Admit Utah: Guarantees that every high school graduate in the state is admitted to at least one of the state's public colleges and universities, regardless of GPA.
First Credential Program: Aligns K-12 education with higher education and Utah industry.
Talent Ready Utah: Connects higher education, K-12, and industry to design college-to-career pathways.
Leadership Changes and Innovations
New University Presidents: Shane Smeed became the president of Utah Tech University, and Brad Mortensen became the president of Utah State University.
Three-Year Bachelor's Degrees: Utah became the first public higher education system in the country to offer three-year bachelor's degrees, helping students complete their degrees faster and save money.
Achievements in 2025
- Graduation Statistics: Utah's higher education institutions awarded 61,265 graduates with 71,262 certificates and degrees, demonstrating progress in preparing students for the future.
