At $17,324/yr net price, Idaho State University graduates earn $45,608/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,608/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,324 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $69,296 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,608/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,608/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,039 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,678/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,971/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,797/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,328/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,084/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $124,909 | $92,250 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $103,424 | $110,724 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $77,213 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $76,460 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Certificate | $71,957 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $71,202 | $77,136 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $71,015 | $57,360 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $63,005 | $9,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $61,516 | $15,202 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,042 | $25,000 |
The Risk Factor
38.3% of students at Idaho State University 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
Idaho State University offers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings barely exceeding $45,000 ten years after graduation despite a low graduation rate of just 38%. The numbers reveal a school where many students struggle to complete their degrees and those who do often face limited earning potential in eastern Idaho's constrained job market.
Your major choice becomes critical here. Pharmacy graduates earn $125,000 annually but carry crushing debt loads of $92,000, while allied health diagnostic programs deliver strong returns at $103,000 despite even higher debt burdens. Communication disorders and electrical engineering offer solid middle-ground options with respectable earnings and more manageable debt. Most other programs leave graduates earning well below the national average.
The biggest financial risk at ISU is the poor graduation rate. With nearly two-thirds of students failing to complete their degrees, you face real odds of accumulating debt without earning credentials. The 74% retention rate suggests many students recognize early that the school may not meet their needs.
ISU works financially if you can get into pharmacy, allied health, or engineering programs and have strong academic discipline. The relatively low net price of $17,000 annually makes it accessible, but only 27% of students receive aid, limiting support for struggling families.
Skip ISU if you want broad career flexibility or plan to work outside Idaho and surrounding states. The regional nature of the job market and weak alumni network limit your options after graduation. Students with average academic preparation should consider schools with higher graduation rates to avoid the significant risk of non-completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Idaho State University worth the cost?
Idaho State University's ROI depends heavily on your major. Pharmacy and health programs offer strong returns with six-figure earnings, but the overall 10-year median earnings of $45,608 and 38% graduation rate suggest limited value for most other programs.
What majors at Idaho State University have the best job prospects?
Pharmacy leads with $124,909 median earnings, followed by allied health programs at $103,424. Engineering and business programs also perform well, but most other majors struggle to justify the $17,324 annual cost.
How much debt do Idaho State University graduates typically have?
Idaho State graduates leave with $20,039 in median debt, which is manageable for pharmacy and health majors but creates financial strain for graduates in lower-paying fields. The low graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without finishing their degree.
Should I attend Idaho State University if I'm not studying pharmacy or health?
Consider other options unless you're in engineering or business. With a 38% graduation rate and median earnings under $46,000, Idaho State offers poor value for most liberal arts and general studies programs.