At $7,005/yr net price, College of Southern Idaho graduates earn $40,916/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,916/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,005 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $28,020 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,916/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,916/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,067/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,473/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,812/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,915/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,171/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $46,966 | $9,000 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $36,132 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $21,508 | $6,516 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,596 | $7,014 |
The Risk Factor
35.1% of students at College of Southern 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 Southern Idaho delivers solid financial value for a public institution, with a net price of just $7,005 annually and low median debt of $8,000. Your return hinges entirely on program choice, as earnings vary dramatically across majors.
Allied health programs offer the strongest ROI at this school, with diagnostic and treatment professions generating $46,966 in median earnings against minimal additional debt. Dental support services also pay well at $42,682. These healthcare tracks capitalize on Idaho's growing medical sector and aging population, making them smart bets for your investment.
Vehicle maintenance and repair technologies provide decent middle-class earnings at $36,132, reflecting strong demand for skilled trades in the region. However, criminal justice graduates earn just $29,685, which barely justifies even this low-cost education. Entrepreneurship programs show concerning returns at $25,194, suggesting you should avoid this major unless you have specific business plans.
The school's 35% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. Many students accumulate debt without completing degrees, eliminating any ROI potential. You need realistic assessment of your likelihood to finish before enrolling.
This school works best for career-focused students targeting healthcare or trades who want minimal debt. The low sticker price makes it accessible for families earning too much for significant federal aid but too little for pricier options. Skip CSI if you need prestige credentials for competitive fields or want broad liberal arts education that translates to higher-paying careers elsewhere.
With only 18.7% of students receiving aid, merit opportunities appear limited. Your best strategy involves choosing high-earning programs and graduating quickly to maximize the value proposition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College of Southern Idaho worth the money?
College of Southern Idaho offers solid value with a low net price of $7,005 annually and median debt of only $8,000. However, the 35% graduation rate is concerning, and average earnings of $40,916 after 10 years may not justify the cost for all programs.
What are the highest paying programs at College of Southern Idaho?
Allied Health programs lead with $46,966 average earnings, followed by Dental Support Services at $42,682. Vehicle repair and criminal justice programs pay significantly less at $36,132 and $29,685 respectively.
How much debt do College of Southern Idaho graduates have?
Median debt is $8,000, which is relatively low compared to most colleges. The low cost makes this school less risky financially, even with the modest post-graduation earnings.
What is the graduation rate at College of Southern Idaho?
Only 35% of students graduate, which is well below the national average. This low completion rate suggests many students may not see any return on their investment at all.