At $20,566/yr net price, The College of Idaho graduates earn $48,473/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,473/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,566 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $82,264 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,473/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,473/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 64.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,367/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,437/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,013/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,946/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,125/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $31,890 | $20,500 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $26,933 | $26,000 |
| History. | Bachelor | $26,933 | |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $25,194 | |
| Social Sciences, Other. | Bachelor | $24,035 | |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $23,649 | $20,227 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $22,192 | $21,500 |
The Risk Factor
64.1% of students at The College of Idaho graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 36% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
The College of Idaho delivers weak financial returns that make it hard to recommend for most students. With median 10-year earnings of just $48,473 and a net price over $20,000 annually, you'll struggle to justify the investment.
The earnings data reveals troubling patterns across majors. Even the highest-paying program, Business Administration, produces graduates earning only $31,890 after 10 years. Psychology and History majors fare worse at $26,933, while Natural Resources Conservation graduates earn just $25,194. These wages barely exceed what many high school graduates achieve without college debt.
Your biggest financial risk here is the 36% chance you won't graduate at all, leaving you with debt but no degree. The 76% retention rate signals students frequently transfer or drop out, often due to financial pressure or academic struggles.
This school might work if you're wealthy enough to pay without borrowing, live locally to minimize costs, or plan to pursue graduate school where your undergraduate institution matters less. The low percentage receiving aid suggests limited financial support for middle-income families.
Most students should look elsewhere. State universities in Idaho offer similar programs at lower costs with better job placement records. If you're set on a small private college experience, target schools with stronger alumni networks in major metropolitan areas where wages can support your loan payments.
The College of Idaho works best as a backup option or for students whose families can afford the full cost without financial strain. Otherwise, the math simply doesn't add up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The College of Idaho worth the cost for most students?
The College of Idaho's return on investment is below average, with graduates earning $48,473 ten years after enrollment while carrying $24,500 in median debt. The net price of $20,566 per year is reasonable, but low post-graduation earnings make it a risky financial choice for most majors.
Which programs at The College of Idaho offer the best financial returns?
Business Administration graduates earn the highest at $31,890 annually, though this is still modest for a business degree. History, Psychology, and other liberal arts programs at The College of Idaho typically lead to starting salaries around $25,000-27,000, making debt repayment challenging.
How much debt do The College of Idaho graduates typically have?
The College of Idaho graduates carry a median debt of $24,500, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, with most graduates earning under $32,000 in their first jobs, even this moderate debt level can strain budgets.
Does The College of Idaho provide good financial aid to reduce costs?
The College of Idaho's net price of $20,566 suggests decent financial aid for a private college, bringing costs down from the full sticker price. The 64% graduation rate indicates some students struggle to complete their degrees, which eliminates any return on investment.