Uintah Basin Technical College (UBTech) continues to elevate Utah through its commitment to technical education and supporting the local economy, especially in the Uintah Basin. With the help of the UBTech Foundation and its dedicated partners, the College is making strides in providing life-changing opportunities for students, particularly in rural communities where access to education and training is crucial.

One of the biggest challenges for students in rural areas is the financial barrier to higher education. UBTech Foundation donors have been instrumental in bridging this gap, providing over $1.1 million in scholarships in FY24 alone. Thanks to this support, nearly 900 students benefited from these scholarships, allowing them to access quality education and training without the financial strain that often accompanies higher education.

“This underscores the community’s belief in the power of technical education. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of the members in our communities.” Said UBTech President, Aaron Weight.

UBTech’s commitment to its students and the local community is reflected in its impressive completion rates. In FY23, UBTech celebrated 707 certificate completers, and this number rose to 789 in FY24, demonstrating the college’s continued commitment to workforce development.

Data from the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) Workforce Outcomes report further underscores the value of a UBTech education. Graduates with a college certificate often earn more than those with an associate degree shortly after completing their programs.

One year post-graduation, the median salary for UBTech certificate holders was $50,293, compared to $47,956 for those with an associate degree. This strong return on investment (ROI) is a testament to the quality and relevance of UBTech’s programs, which can often be completed in under a year.

The importance of technical education is particularly pronounced in rural Utah, where educational attainment can have a profound impact on personal income. According to a recent Cicero study, the average wage for someone from rural Utah jumps significantly from $34,565 to $97,917 after completing a college credential. This wage increase is nearly triple and highlights the transformative power of college credentials in driving economic mobility and prosperity in rural communities.

In contrast, in urban Utah, the income increase from obtaining a college credential is less pronounced, rising from $39,516 to $66,058. These figures demonstrate that education is especially crucial in rural regions, where it can mean the difference between economic hardship and a path to sustainable prosperity.

UBTech is more than just a college; it is the Uintah Basin’s college, tailored to meet the specific needs of the local community. By providing targeted technical education programs that align with local industry demands, UBTech ensures that its graduates are ready to enter the workforce and contribute to the region’s economy.

As an institution accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE), UBTech is committed to achieving positive outcomes in its programs, measured by completion, placement, and licensure rates (CPL).

Completion rate refers to the percentage of students who start a program and successfully finish it, with a benchmark set at 60%. Placement rate measures the percentage of graduates who secure employment in their field or pursue further education, with a benchmark of 70%. The licensure rate represents the percentage of students who pass state or national exams required for professional license.

In FY23, UBTech surpassed these benchmarks, achieving a 91% completion rate, 94% placement rate, and 100% licensure rate.

As UBTech looks to the future, the college remains committed to expanding its reach and impact. With the continued support of the UBTech Foundation and its partners, the college aims to increase scholarship opportunities, enhance program offerings, and further elevate the quality of life for residents of the Uintah Basin and beyond.

“We are grateful for the unwavering support from our community and scholarship partners,” President Weight added. “Together, we are building a brighter future for our students, our community, and the state of Utah.”