At $8,728/yr net price, College of Eastern Idaho graduates earn $42,057/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,057/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,728 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $34,912 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,057/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,057/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,879/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,012/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,967/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,859/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,921/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,318 | $20,197 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $34,704 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $31,851 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $31,314 | $11,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $27,488 |
The Risk Factor
35.3% of students at College of Eastern Idaho graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
College of Eastern Idaho offers solid financial value for students pursuing healthcare and technical careers, but the numbers tell a mixed story across programs. At $8,728 per year, the net price sits well below national averages for community colleges, making this an affordable entry point into higher education.
Your best financial bet is the registered nursing program, which delivers $57,318 in median earnings despite carrying $20,197 in debt. The math works because nursing demand in eastern Idaho remains strong, and you can reasonably expect to pay off that debt within a few years. Practical nursing offers a lower-debt path at $11,000 with $31,314 earnings, giving you faster entry into the healthcare workforce.
Computer systems networking graduates earn $34,704, which provides decent returns in a region where tech opportunities are growing. However, accounting graduates face tougher prospects at just $27,488 in median earnings, barely covering the opportunity cost of two years in school.
The 35% graduation rate signals significant academic risk. If you struggle with college-level coursework or lack clear career direction, you may join the majority who leave without credentials. The low 27% financial aid rate means most students pay out of pocket, but it also suggests the school keeps costs manageable without heavy borrowing.
This school works best if you want healthcare training, need affordable local education, or plan to transfer to a four-year program. Skip it if you need extensive student support services or want programs outside healthcare and basic technical fields. The regional job market favors healthcare workers but offers limited opportunities for other majors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College of Eastern Idaho worth the cost for the low graduation rate?
With a 35% graduation rate and median earnings of $42,057 ten years after enrollment, College of Eastern Idaho presents significant completion risk. The low net price of $8,728 per year helps offset this concern, but two-thirds of students don't finish their programs.
What programs at College of Eastern Idaho have the best return on investment?
Registered nursing programs at College of Eastern Idaho lead to median earnings of $57,318, making them the strongest financial choice. Computer networking programs also perform well at $34,704, while accounting graduates earn a modest $27,488.
How much student debt do College of Eastern Idaho graduates typically have?
College of Eastern Idaho graduates carry a median debt of $12,000, which is manageable compared to many schools. The low annual net price of $8,728 keeps borrowing minimal for most students.
Does College of Eastern Idaho provide good value compared to other Idaho colleges?
College of Eastern Idaho offers affordable education at $8,728 per year, but the 35% graduation rate creates substantial risk of leaving without a degree. Students who complete nursing or tech programs see decent returns, while other majors may struggle to justify even the low costs.