What do Zillennials want next? Many of us already hold degrees. I earned my bachelor’s from Weber State University and a master’s degree in higher education from Penn State, where I studied what shapes institutions like the one I now represent. We’ve worked hard, yet many carry substantial debt. And now that we face the realities of buying homes, starting families and building financial futures, we ask: Was the cost worth it? How can we make it better for the next generation?

For me, answering those questions starts with reviewing — and strengthening — the institutions that shaped us. That’s why I believe so deeply in Weber State, not just as an alum, but as someone who works every day to advocate for its future.

Regional public universities, or RPUs, are institutions that focus on serving the educational and workforce needs of their surrounding region, accounting for roughly 70% of undergraduates across the U.S. As one of those RPUs, Weber State serves the people of Utah directly. It’s built for impact, not prestige. And for most students, that’s the better bet.

Now, that’s not to diminish the value of Utah’s research institutions, which are essential for innovation and the national reputation of our state. But when it comes to return on investment, there’s a way to get a quality education that leads directly to meaningful careers, without the price tag of a flagship university. Students are finding that RPUs like Weber State are where ROI lives.

Tuition and fees at Weber State are roughly $5,800 per year, nearly half of what students pay at other institutions in the state. That difference can mean tens of thousands of dollars less in student debt — or often, no debt at all, as was the case for my wife and me. In a state where the median home price in Weber County now exceeds $435,000, starting your adult life without crushing student loan debt is game-changing. Less debt means earlier homeownership. It means starting a family, opening a business, or staying in Utah, all while contributing to the community that raised you.

Weber State actively works to preserve affordability. This year, the university froze tuition for associate degree students, a move that WSU President Brad Mortensen called “an intentional step to lower cost barriers to education.” For generations that feel stretched thin, that kind of institutional leadership makes a difference. It also reflects a broader shift in how younger generations view public higher education. We want it to work for us. We want it to solve problems, be efficient, relevant and outcomes-focused. We’re not chasing clout; we’re after security, skills, knowledge and a shot at the elusive American Dream.

And we appreciate policy that aligns with that vision.

A recent bill, H.B. 265, directs universities to review and shift resources from low-performing programs to high-demand fields, and calls to redesign performance funding to reward institutions that produce measurable outcomes. While certainly challenging for universities to implement, policies like these help catalyze necessary change, creating long-term, intergenerational impact that higher education institutions too rarely achieve on their own.

As my friend Leah Murray, professor and Director of the Walker Institute at Weber State, recently put it: “We owe people the best possible education we can give them, which entails constantly evaluating ourselves, ensuring that we align with the public’s needs and concerns, and making changes where necessary.”

Weber State works tirelessly to respond to legislation and the needs of the region it serves. Looking back on my choice to attend an RPU, I have no regrets. I’m seeing results from my investment, and I’m confident that they will continue to expand.

RPUs like Weber State are not only essential but worthy of greater investment.

For older generations reading this, I ask you to think about your children, grandchildren or your neighbors’ kids — the next wave of Utahns who want to stay here, build here and contribute to our great state. Their success shouldn’t start with large amounts of student debt. Investing in Weber State means investing in families, homes and Utah’s future.

That’s not just a Zillennial perspective. That’s a Utah value.

Kade Crittenden is director of Government Relations and Special Projects at Weber State University, where he advocates for and studies public institutions of higher education and how they are impacted by state-level politics. The views expressed by the author do not necessarily represent the institutional values or positions of the university.