At $7,131/yr net price, Brigham Young University-Idaho graduates earn $53,406/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,406/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,131 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $28,524 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,406/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,406/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,969 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,102/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,175/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,457/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,757/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,309/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $80,336 | $16,125 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $77,966 | $7,806 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $73,635 | $13,300 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,653 | $12,819 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $64,493 | $17,290 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $63,005 | $16,813 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $61,516 | |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $61,218 | $15,250 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $57,318 | |
| Soil Sciences. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
The Risk Factor
55.1% of students at Brigham Young University-Idaho graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
BYU-Idaho delivers strong value with a $7,131 annual net price that leads to median earnings of $53,406 after graduation. Your return on investment here beats most private colleges, especially if you pursue the right major.
Computer engineering and computer science majors earn the highest returns, with graduates making over $75,000 annually while carrying modest debt loads under $17,000. Engineering programs also perform well, with mechanical and electrical engineering graduates earning in the mid-60s. These technical fields justify your investment at BYU-Idaho given the strong salary outcomes relative to low costs.
The school carries specific risks you should consider. The 55% graduation rate means nearly half of students never finish their degrees, forfeiting their investment entirely. The 70% retention rate signals that many students struggle to stay enrolled past freshman year. If you transfer out or drop out, you lose the financial benefits that make this school attractive.
BYU-Idaho works best financially if you can commit to completing your degree in a high-earning major like computer science or engineering. The religious environment and rural Idaho location help keep costs low, but also limit your job market unless you plan to relocate after graduation.
Only 25% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the already low sticker price and the LDS Church's subsidization of costs for members. Non-LDS students pay higher tuition, reducing the value proposition significantly. If you qualify for the subsidized rates and can handle the academic and cultural demands, BYU-Idaho offers one of the strongest ROI profiles among private colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brigham Young University-Idaho worth the cost compared to other schools?
BYU-Idaho offers strong value with a low net price of $7,131 per year and median debt of only $13,969. However, the 55% graduation rate is concerning, and 10-year earnings of $53,406 are below average for college graduates.
What are the best paying majors at Brigham Young University-Idaho?
Computer engineering and computer science graduates earn $77,000-$80,000 annually, making these programs solid investments. Engineering majors also perform well, with mechanical engineers earning around $64,000.
How much debt do Brigham Young University-Idaho graduates typically have?
BYU-Idaho graduates carry relatively low debt loads, with a median of $13,969. The school's affordable tuition keeps borrowing manageable for most students.
Does Brigham Young University-Idaho have good job placement after graduation?
The school's 55% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees. While tech and engineering graduates find decent-paying jobs, overall career outcomes are mixed due to the low completion rate.