Attending college or earning a post-secondary credential does more than open doors to higher-paying careers. New research shows that educational attainment directly boosts health, financial stability, and civic participation across Utah neighborhoods.

According to a study by the Utah State University Utah Women & Leadership Project, completing education past high school is one of the strongest predictors of long-term personal and family well-being.

Utah already boasts a strong educational foundation. State data reveals that 92.7% of Utah adults hold a high school diploma, outperforming the national average of 89.7%. However, local leaders are focusing heavily on helping residents finish two-year and four-year programs to unlock broader life benefits.

A separate economic brief from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute highlights that education transforms quality of life in several measurable ways:

• Health and Coverage: Approximately 92% of Utah adults with a college degree report good to excellent health, and 97% maintain health insurance coverage—compared to under two-thirds of adults without a high school diploma.

• Community Engagement: Education drives civic action. In Utah, 78% of residents with a degree or technical certificate regularly vote in state elections, compared to 53% of those with a high school diploma alone.

• Economic Stability: Higher education creates a safety net against unemployment. Utahns with a bachelor’s degree face an unemployment rate nearly two percentage points lower than peers with only a high school education.

These findings reflect why the Murray City School District remains committed to fostering a culture of lifelong learning and college and career readiness. Success looks different for every student, and a traditional four-year college degree is not the only path to a happy, prosperous life. However, data clearly shows a powerful connection between continuous training—whether through universities, technical colleges, trade programs, or apprenticeships—and long-term stability. By equipping students with the tools to pursue specialized skill sets after high school, Murray helps ensure that every graduate has a direct pathway to personal achievement and community success.

📊 Quick Take: Education by the Numbers

• 92.7%: Utah adults with a high school diploma (vs. 89.7% nationally)

• 97%: College-educated Utahns with health insurance coverage

• 78%: Utah degree-holders who vote regularly in state elections (vs. 53% without a post-secondary degree)

• 3-to-1 Return: Every $1 Utah invests in public higher education returns $3 in state tax revenue through increased earnings.

(Sources: USU Women & Leadership Project; Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute)