At Utah Valley University, exceptional care is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to providing comprehensive, personalized support that meets students where they are and helps them thrive academically, emotionally, and personally. From application to graduation and beyond, UVU students know they have a community dedicated to their success.
UVU educates and graduates more Utahns than any other university.
In April 2025, UVU was named an “Opportunity College and University – Higher Access, Higher Earnings” by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Just 16% of all U.S. colleges and universities received this award, which recognizes and highlights institutions that demonstrate excellence in creating equitable outcomes for students and strengthening economic mobility.
With UVU’s engaged learning model, robust student support services, and workforce-aligned programs, 73.4% of graduates secure high-demand, high-wage jobs, with most staying in Utah to strengthen the state’s economy. UVU’s open-admissions model and long-term commitment to student success initiatives have helped ensure that graduates see high returns on their educational investments.
When we became a university in 2008, we had a whole host of people telling us we should climb the rankings and all we’d need to do is limit admissions. But that’s not who we are. That’s not our mission.”
— Kyle Reyes, Ph.D., UVU Vice President of Institutional Advancement, UVU Foundation CEO
73.4% of UVU graduates secure high-demand, high-wage jobs.
Utah Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education Data Governance and Analytics
Retention on the Rise
UVU has reached a significant milestone in student success, achieving a 70% one-year retention rate two years ahead of its original goal (UVU Business Intelligence and Research Services, fall 2022-fall 2023). This five-point increase reflects UVU’s focused efforts to support students from their first day on campus.
Key initiatives include the launch of the First-Year Advising Center, expanded orientation and student engagement programs, and the implementation of a proactive Early Alert system that uses data, artificial intelligence, and mentorship to identify and support students at risk of falling behind. These strategies promote a sense of belonging, timely intervention, and personalized guidance, helping more students persist and thrive.
70% One-year retention rate
UVU Business Intelligence and Research Services (BIRS), fall 2022-fall 2023
UVU was awarded a seven-year, $31.5 million federal grant to help 4,500 low-income Utah students prepare for college through the GEAR UP Utah program.
In 2024, UVU opened its new Language Hub, a space designed to transform how students learn and engage with nine different languages. The hub offers peer mentoring, club meeting spaces, a sense of community for language learners, and creative tools like podcast and video studios. It makes a meaningful difference by helping students move from memorization to real-world communication, creativity, and cultural connection.
In 2024, UVU launched the Foster Success program to support students transitioning from foster care into higher education. The program connects students with resources like housing, counseling, and financial aid while offering empathy and guidance tailored to their unique challenges. By creating a strong support network, UVU helps foster youth feel seen, valued, and equipped to succeed.
At UVU, students are surrounded by a network of support to help them thrive academically, personally, and professionally.
Tutoring: Online and in-person support for 549 courses
First-Year Advising Center: Specialized guidance for new Wolverines
GEAR UP and TRIO: Extra help and mentoring for eligible students
Early Alert Program: Proactively connecting students in need with campus resources
Concurrent Enrollment: High school students can earn college credit at $5 per credit hour
UVU Student App: Easy access to class schedules, grades, and campus tools
Flexible Adult Learning: Online and hybrid classes that fit busy schedules
Career and Internship Center: Resources to explore careers, build resumes, and land internships
Money Success Center: Students learn sound financial management skills
Student-parent support: Low-cost, on-campus childcare center, family study spaces, and drop-in, hourly childcare
Mental Health Services: Free and low-cost counseling and crisis support
Wellness Programs: Workshops and activities for a healthy mind and body
Recreation and Fitness: On-campus gym and outdoor adventure resources
CARE Hub: Student access to housing, food, health, and safety resources
Student Clubs: Students explore shared interests in 130+ clubs and 14 club sports teams
Wolverine Welcome Week: Warm welcome for first-year and returning students
Homecoming Week: Wolverines celebrate, connect, and show their Wolverine pride
“There are so many resources and so many different pathways at UVU ... Anybody wanting to be anything could come here and be happy and find resources for them, which I think is incredible."
— Hailey Cox, Biology Major
The Wee Care Center, UVU’s on-campus, low-cost childcare center, helped 199 student-parents stay on track by delivering over 72,000 hours of affordable childcare for 239 children. In total, 106 certificates and degrees were earned by student-parents during the year, with 93% reporting that Wee Care was essential to completing their degree. From parenting classes to early literacy programming and nutritious meals, these programs worked together to remove barriers, build community, and help Wolverines succeed.
In partnership with UVU’s Excelerate Program, in 2024, the Wee Care Center launched a creative, competition-based reading program that dramatically increased how often student-parents read to their children. By gamifying reading with team names, points, and prizes, participation jumped from 15% to 60% in just one semester. The program strengthens family bonds, builds early literacy skills, and gives parents tools to support their child’s development, showing that with the right support, even busy student-parents can nurture a lifelong love of reading.
The UVU CARE Hub strives to increase students’ access to food, housing, health, and safety. This year, the CARE Hub made a powerful difference in the lives of students in need of support. It provided over 53,000 pounds of food — enough for approximately 35,300 meals — to more than 9,000 people and distributed 284 food vouchers. It also held 479 individualized support meetings and Sub for Santa programs for 61 children in 32 families.
35,300
meals provided (2024-2025)
“The CARE Hub is the embodiment of UVU's value of exceptional care. By connecting students to resources for basic needs like food and housing, the CARE Hub helps remove barriers to academic and personal success. The dedicated staff and volunteers excel at helping students feel seen, supported, and empowered throughout their journey."
— Michelle Kearns, UVU Vice President of Student Affairs
“We are committed to continuing these efforts, ensuring our students have access to the resources they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally, even in challenging times."
— Alexis Palmer, UVU Associate Vice President of Student Development and Well-Being and Dean of Students
In 2024, UVU graduated from the JED Campus program, designed to help the nation’s colleges and universities strengthen their mental health, suicide prevention, and substance misuse programs. Joining the JED Campus Alumni Network marks a major milestone in UVU’s commitment to student mental health. UVU has built a sustainable, campus-wide system for suicide prevention and emotional wellness. With access to training and national collaboration, UVU can support students, reduce stigma, and create a culture where mental health is prioritized and help is always within reach.
UVU’s Melisa Nellesen Center for Autism celebrated 10 years of its Passages program, which has helped autistic young adults navigate life after high school. The anniversary kicked off with the Super Spectrum Showcase and Soiree, featuring artwork by artists with autism. Since launching in 2014, Passages has supported hundreds of participants in building friendships, setting goals, and finding their paths — whether in school, work, or everyday life.
Throughout the year, UVU celebrates and supports students from all backgrounds.
UVU marked Native American Heritage Month with cultural performances, storytelling, and traditional powwows honoring Indigenous students and community members.
Black History Month included films, academic workshops, events, and celebrations highlighting Black culture and achievements.
Women’s History Month featured leadership programs, mentoring, and discussions on topics including body image and maternal health.
During Disability Awareness Month, UVU highlighted resources and technology that help students with disabilities succeed.
Veterans Day brought events that honored service members and fostered community through the Military-Affiliated Student Hub.
UVU has made it easier for adult learners to complete their degrees by expanding its Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) program. CPL lets students turn work experience, military service, training, or professional certifications into college credit, saving time and money. With new opportunities in areas like business, digital media, and health sciences, UVU helps students turn real-world skills into academic progress, creating faster pathways to graduation and career growth.
“Balancing four kids, a full-time job, and community commitments meant I couldn't always take a full course load, but discovering Credit for Prior Learning changed my path. This opportunity helped me see the light at the end of the tunnel and saved me a semester and a half of classes. I'm truly grateful to UVU for recognizing the value of my journey."
— Amy Saville, First-Generation Student, Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Digital Marketing Certificate, Class of 2026
UVU delivers an exceptional return on investment for students and the state by preparing graduates for Utah’s most in-demand careers. Enrollment is growing in majors that align with Utah’s 4- and 5-star jobs, defined by the Utah Department of Workforce Services as high-wage, high-demand positions.
These fields are vital to Utah’s expanding economy and meet critical workforce needs in health care, business, infrastructure, and innovation. UVU’s commitment to hands-on learning and industry-relevant training means students graduate ready to contribute immediately, strengthening families and communities across the state.
Nursing Enrollment up
15.87%
Finance and Economics Enrollment Up
15.62%
Construction Technologies Enrollment Up
14.29%
Mechanical Engineering Enrollment Up
12.79%
Fall 2023 to Fall 2024
In Sept. 2024, UVU employees joined more than 1,500 volunteers across Utah County for United Way’s Day of Caring, with over 30 Wolverines serving at Cherry Hill Elementary in Orem. Volunteers read with students, led group activities, and helped brighten classrooms, demonstrating UVU’s deep commitment to community care through its long-standing partnership with United Way of Utah County.
