Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,697 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $30,788 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 26.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,720 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,563/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,044/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,953/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,555/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,657/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 | $58,943 | $13,000 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $51,482 | |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Associate | $41,789 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $41,025 | $7,625 |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $40,461 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $38,829 | $7,848 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $38,289 | $9,312 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $34,908 | $11,507 |
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $32,213 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $31,133 | $8,000 |
The Risk Factor
26.8% of students at College of Western 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 Western Idaho delivers strong financial returns for vocational programs but weak outcomes for transfer students. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning nearly $59,000 annually against just $13,000 in debt, creating an excellent debt-to-income ratio in Idaho's growing healthcare market.
Your program choice determines everything at CWI. Electrical engineering technology and heavy equipment maintenance both lead to solid middle-class incomes above $40,000, while drafting and design engineering technology offers similar earning potential. These technical programs align well with Idaho's industrial and construction sectors.
The major financial risk is the 26% graduation rate. Nearly three-quarters of students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt without the credential needed for career advancement. If you struggle with academic persistence or lack clear career direction, you face significant risk of joining this group.
CWI works best financially if you enter with a specific vocational goal and can complete your program quickly. The low $7,697 annual net price makes it affordable for Idaho residents, and only 23% of students need financial aid. The modest $9,720 median debt load becomes manageable with technical program earnings.
Avoid CWI if you plan to transfer to a four-year university. The low graduation rate suggests weak academic support for students pursuing general education requirements. You would likely achieve better transfer outcomes at University of Idaho or Boise State University, despite higher costs. For career-focused technical training, however, CWI offers one of Idaho's better community college value propositions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College of Western Idaho worth the cost?
With a net price of $7,697 per year and median debt of only $9,720, College of Western Idaho offers good value if you complete your program. However, the 26.8% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which wastes both time and money.
What are the highest paying programs at College of Western Idaho?
Nursing programs at College of Western Idaho lead to median earnings of $58,943, making them the strongest ROI option. Electrical engineering technology ($51,482) and heavy equipment maintenance ($41,789) also offer solid returns on the low tuition investment.
How much debt do College of Western Idaho graduates typically have?
College of Western Idaho graduates have a median debt of $9,720, which is relatively low compared to four-year schools. The low debt burden makes it easier to see positive returns, especially in higher-paying technical programs.
What is the graduation rate at College of Western Idaho?
Only 26.8% of students graduate from College of Western Idaho within normal time frames. This low completion rate is the biggest risk factor for ROI, as students who don't finish get little benefit from their investment.