At $13,782/yr net price, University of Idaho graduates earn $54,670/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,670/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,782 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $55,128 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,670/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,670/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 60.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,982 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,930/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,390/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,902/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,256/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,322/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $86,424 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $84,653 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $74,576 | $25,500 |
| Civil Engineering. | Master | $68,499 | |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,499 | $27,000 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,101 | $24,930 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $59,982 | $21,125 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $59,640 | $30,147 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $57,860 | |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $57,860 | $20,125 |
The Risk Factor
60.9% of students at University of Idaho graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 39% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Idaho gives you a solid financial return for a public school, especially if you pick engineering or computer science. The median debt of about $22,000 stays below the median 10-year earnings, which means you can realistically pay it back without stretching your budget for a decade.
The payoff depends heavily on your major. Computer science and chemical engineering graduates out-earn the school median by a wide margin, and computer science does it while sitting near the top of the debt list at $25,500. Mechanical and civil engineering pay less at graduation but come with lighter debt loads, so your net position stays healthy. Idaho and the greater Pacific Northwest support these fields through agriculture tech, manufacturing, and infrastructure work, so these degrees translate into regional jobs.
The risk is the 60.9% graduation rate. Four in ten students don't finish in the tracked window, and if you take on debt without a degree, the earnings numbers here don't apply to you. The 75% retention rate says a quarter of first-year students leave, so momentum matters. This return only works if you graduate.
The net price scales sharply with income. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay under $10,000 a year. Cross into the $75,000-$110,000 band and the price jumps to roughly $16,000, and above $110,000 you pay over $18,000. Lower-income families get the strongest discount here.
This school fits you if you're committed to finishing an engineering or computing degree and want to work in the region. If you're undecided or leaning toward a field not listed among the top earners, weigh the cost carefully, since the strong outcomes here are concentrated in a handful of technical programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Idaho worth the cost for engineering students?
Yes, University of Idaho engineering programs offer strong ROI with electrical engineering graduates earning $86,424 annually. With a net price of $13,782 per year and median debt of $21,982, engineering students typically see quick payback on their investment.
What is University of Idaho's return on investment compared to other schools?
University of Idaho provides solid value with graduates earning $54,670 after 10 years while paying a relatively low net price of $13,782 annually. The modest median debt of $21,982 makes it more affordable than many state universities.
Should I attend University of Idaho if I'm not studying engineering or business?
University of Idaho's value drops significantly outside engineering and business programs, where graduates earn $68,000-86,000 annually. With overall graduate earnings at $54,670, students in other majors may struggle to justify the cost and should consider alternatives.
How risky is taking on debt to attend University of Idaho?
University of Idaho presents moderate debt risk with a 61% graduation rate and median debt of $21,982. Students who don't graduate or choose lower-paying majors face difficulty repaying loans, especially given the school's average academic selectivity.