College of Southern Idaho
College of Southern Idaho — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
College of Southern Idaho at a Glance
College of Southern Idaho (CSI) is a public community college in Twin Falls, Idaho. It also has off-campus programs in Jerome, Burley and Gooding. Together with the College of Eastern Idaho, College of Western Idaho and North Idaho College, CSI is one of only four comprehensive community colleges in Idaho.
1965
61 years old
8,775
300 acres
Identity
Is College of Southern Idaho Worth It?
College of Southern Idaho offers moderate value at $6,095/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $40,916, which is 24% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 34% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Median student debt of $8,000 is manageable at just 20% of first-year post-graduation earnings.
How College of Southern Idaho compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #29 of 210 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 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #2 | Indiana University-Kokomo | 100 | $3,968 | $49,917 |
| #3 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #4 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #5 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #6 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #29 | College of Southern Idaho | 57 | $6,095 | $40,916 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of College of Southern Idaho's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in ID.
Best Programs at College of Southern Idaho
Program-level earnings data isn't available for College of Southern Idaho. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $6,095/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
Similar Colleges in ID
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Twin Falls, ID
- Student Body
- 3,810 students
- Graduation Rate
- 34%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $6,095
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $40,916
- Median Student Debt
- $8,000