Brigham Young University-Idaho
Brigham Young University-Idaho — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Brigham Young University-Idaho at a Glance
Brigham Young University–Idaho is a private college in Rexburg, Idaho. Founded 138 years ago in 1888, the college is owned and operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Previously known as Ricks College, it transitioned from a junior college to a baccalaureate institution in 2001.
1888
138 years old
45,584
Identity
Is Brigham Young University-Idaho Worth It?
Brigham Young University-Idaho is one of the strongest value propositions in higher education. At $8,221/year net price and $53,406 median earnings, graduates earn 6.5× their annual cost within a decade of enrolling.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 55% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 96% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
Bottom line: Brigham Young University-Idaho delivers strong financial returns that justify the investment for most students.
How Brigham Young University-Idaho compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #2 of 6 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Brigham Young University | 99 | $15,564 | $75,790 |
| #2 | Brigham Young University-Idaho | 90 | $8,221 | $53,406 |
| #3 | Boston University | 76 | $24,402 | $83,238 |
| #4 | University of Southern California | 65 | $32,740 | $92,498 |
| #5 | New York University | 49 | $37,050 | $82,509 |
| #6 | Liberty University | 25 | $29,357 | $44,813 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Brigham Young University-Idaho's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Brigham Young University-Idaho
The highest-earning program at Brigham Young University-Idaho is Computer Science at $76,600/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Music at $9,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer Science graduate from Brigham Young University-Idaho earns $76,600, while a Music graduate earns $9,500. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Computer Science graduates carry $10,571 in median debt vs. $12,500 for Music.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $8,221/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $76,600 | $76,600 | $10,571 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $70,100 | $70,100 | $14,207 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $63,300 | $63,300 | $14,433 |
| Construction Management | $60,200 | $60,200 | $13,690 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $55,400 | $55,400 | $14,443 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $51,600 | $51,600 | $10,000 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | $49,300 | $49,300 | $10,939 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $47,200 | $47,200 | $11,417 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $46,400 | $46,400 | $12,500 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $46,100 | $46,100 | $13,500 |
| Political Science and Government | $38,400 | $38,400 | $14,608 |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other | $33,500 | $33,500 | $12,403 |
| Sociology | $33,400 | $33,400 | $11,580 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $33,100 | $33,100 | $14,550 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $32,800 | $32,800 | $12,184 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $31,500 | $31,500 | $11,952 |
| International/Global Studies | $29,600 | $29,600 | $11,270 |
| Biology, General | $29,100 | $29,100 | $12,250 |
| Social Work | $28,000 | $28,000 | $16,902 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $27,800 | $27,800 | $13,378 |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management | $27,800 | $27,800 | $10,215 |
| Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services | $26,600 | $26,600 | $13,399 |
| Animal Sciences | $26,300 | $26,300 | $13,625 |
| Public Health | $25,600 | $25,600 | $9,884 |
| Psychology, General | $23,500 | $23,500 | $13,643 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $21,800 | $21,800 | $12,052 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $21,300 | $21,300 | $14,250 |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences | $19,300 | $19,300 | $11,401 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $16,700 | $16,700 | $12,605 |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General | $16,500 | $16,500 | $16,409 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $14,100 | $14,100 | $11,598 |
| Music | $9,500 | $9,500 | $12,500 |
Similar Colleges in ID
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Rexburg, ID
- Student Body
- 44,397 students
- Admission Rate
- 96%
- Graduation Rate
- 55%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $8,221
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $53,406
- Median Student Debt
- $13,969