At $19,182/yr net price, Boise State University graduates earn $51,658/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,658/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,182 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $76,728 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,658/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,658/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,387/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,200/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,197/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,131/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,767/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $76,208 | $26,000 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $75,047 | $32,250 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $74,786 | $40,804 |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $72,274 | $23,250 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $65,621 | $17,033 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $63,600 | $25,650 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $60,240 | $16,551 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $60,025 | $24,667 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $59,417 | $17,484 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $58,673 | $19,823 |
The Risk Factor
61.9% of students at Boise State University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 38% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Boise State delivers solid financial returns for a regional public university, with median earnings exceeding $50,000 and manageable debt loads for most graduates. The school's location in Idaho's growing tech hub creates strong job prospects that boost earning potential beyond what you might expect from similar-sized institutions.
Computer science and engineering majors see the biggest payoffs, with computer science graduates earning over $76,000 annually while carrying reasonable debt of $26,000. Construction management also delivers strong returns at $72,000 in earnings with just $23,250 in debt. Nursing provides excellent value with $65,000+ salaries and the lowest debt burden at $17,000, reflecting high regional demand for healthcare workers.
Business administration presents mixed results. While graduates earn nearly $75,000, they carry significantly higher debt at $40,804, making this program less attractive from a pure ROI standpoint compared to technical fields.
The biggest financial risk at Boise State is the 38% non-graduation rate. If you don't finish your degree, you face debt without the earning power to justify it. The school works best for students committed to completing their programs, particularly in high-demand technical fields.
Boise State makes financial sense if you plan to stay in the Mountain West region, where the school's reputation and alumni network provide job market advantages. The relatively low percentage of students receiving aid suggests merit opportunities may be limited, so out-of-state students should carefully calculate total costs against expected regional salaries before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boise State University worth the money?
Boise State offers solid value for Idaho residents with a net price of $19,182 and median debt of $20,500. The 10-year earnings average of $51,658 means most graduates can reasonably pay off their loans, though this varies significantly by major.
What are the highest paying majors at Boise State University?
Computer Science ($76,208), Electrical Engineering ($75,047), and Business Administration ($74,786) offer the strongest earning potential at Boise State. These technical programs provide returns well above the school's overall average.
How much debt do Boise State University graduates have?
Boise State graduates carry a median debt of $20,500, which is manageable compared to many four-year schools. With average earnings of $51,658 ten years after graduation, most students can handle this debt load.
Does Boise State University have a good graduation rate?
Boise State's 62% graduation rate is below the national average for four-year schools. This means about 4 in 10 students don't finish their degree, which represents both lost time and potential debt without the earning benefits of graduation.