Utah researchers explore value of higher education beyond the economics

For many Utahns, going to college has more benefits than just a pathway to a prosperous career. An education can also lead to greater confidence navigating complex institutions, as well as shaping their attitudes toward topics that impact women and families.

That’s what a recent study from Utah State University’s Utah Women & Leadership Project found, amid a national debate on rising costs of academia, uncertain career payoff, and what the authors described as “aspects of campus culture that feel disconnected from local values.”

“Higher education shapes awareness of the many issues that allow families and communities to thrive. Decades of national and international research show that educational attainment is closely linked to stronger health and well‑being, greater civic and political participation, increased financial stability, and deeper engagement in community life,” researchers wrote, citing a report from Lumina Foundation and Gallup.

As people’s education level increases, the Utah Women & Leadership Project report says, their awareness of broader issues is likely to expand. And as their awareness of family and children’s issues grows, the more likely they are to support policies that promote safety, stability and opportunity. This pattern was confirmed during the project’s 2025 statewide survey. 

“Overall, higher levels of education were associated with greater awareness of individual, family, and community well‑being — including stronger understanding, recognition, and attitudes across a wide range of issues. These patterns appeared among both men and women,” the authors wrote.

Survey respondents with higher levels of education demonstrated more awareness of issues like sexual assault, domestic violence, finances, health, the value of higher education, homelessness, political and civic engagement, among others, within the community, the study says. 

That includes factors like how prevalent challenges are in Utah, whether they are preventable, and their awareness of resources. The pattern was repeated when respondents were asked about whether education was worth the investment, their knowledge of reproductive health decisions and necessary health screenings.

There was also a “more modest gain in confidence about how to respond to many of these challenges” with each education level, according to the report. 

“This finding suggests that education alone is insufficient. Awareness must be accompanied by local resources, practical skills, and community leadership,” the authors said. 

Among the policy recommendations the report made, is to first continue expanding educational opportunities for all members of the state, which should include broadening access through dual-enrollment programs, as well as FAFSA completion initiatives and other financial aid. Also, offering more completion options for adults and non-traditional students by providing flexible scheduling, credit transfers and multiple types of credentialing.

State and local governments should also look into expanding evidence-based intervention programs and invest more in community response training and public education campaigns to increase the visibility and accessibility to available resources, authors said. 

The project also recommends cultivating partnerships between higher education institutions, government and the community.

“These collaborations could include community-based research projects, service-learning courses, neighborhood leadership opportunities, public health initiatives, financial literacy programs, violence prevention campaigns, and youth councils where students help contribute to practical solutions to local problems,” the report said.