Utah is home to 16 public colleges and universities — institutions that serve as engines of economic opportunity, civic formation, and intellectual discovery for students and communities across the state. The Utah House of Representatives has worked in close partnership with university presidents and the Utah Board of Higher Education  to make higher education more accessible and responsive to the needs of students and employers. 

We worked with our colleges and universities to trim administrative costs and reinvest the savings to expand student opportunities. We refocused our colleges and universities on their core mission of helping students gain the skills and knowledge they need to improve their livelihoods, meet workforce needs, and become well-rounded citizens. Under the leadership of the Board of Higher Education, we’re also reigning in the costs of higher education. After adjusting for inflation, tuition and fees at Utah colleges and universities have actually decreased since 2020 — a major reversal of a decades-long trend. Students and taxpayers who invest time and money in Utah’s higher education system can be assured they’re getting a strong return on that investment. The results are measurable, and Utah is building a model the nation is watching.