Idaho State University
Idaho State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Idaho State University at a Glance
Idaho State University (ISU) is a public research university in Pocatello, Idaho, United States. Founded in 1901 as the Academy of Idaho, Idaho State offers more than 250 programs at its main campus in Pocatello and locations in Meridian, Idaho Falls, and Twin Falls. It is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity ".
1901
125 years old
$122M
$122.1 million (2024)
12,614
10,406 undergrad · 2,208 grad
826
1,000 acres
Identity
Is Idaho State University Worth It?
At a value score of 36/100, Idaho State University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $45,608 — 15% below average — while paying $12,193/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.1 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 39% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Idaho State University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Idaho State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #169 of 260 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 | Skyline College | 100 | $1,738 | $55,702 |
| #2 | Indian River State College | 100 | $3,815 | $38,315 |
| #3 | Henry Ford College | 100 | $660 | $34,795 |
| #4 | CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice | 100 | $3,203 | $56,195 |
| #5 | CUNY York College | 100 | $4,456 | $56,945 |
| #6 | Texas A & M International University | 100 | $3,637 | $48,386 |
| #169 | Idaho State University | 36 | $12,193 | $45,608 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Idaho State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in ID.
Best Programs at Idaho State University
The highest-earning program at Idaho State University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $57,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at $23,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Idaho State University earns $57,500, while a Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduate earns $23,100. 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: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $25,000 in median debt vs. $29,631 for Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $12,193/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $57,500 | $57,500 | $25,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $55,500 | $55,500 | $31,100 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | $52,000 | $52,000 | $12,500 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions | $46,600 | $46,600 | $22,375 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $45,900 | $45,900 | $15,625 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $41,600 | $41,600 | $20,135 |
| Marketing | $40,200 | $40,200 | $22,553 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $39,600 | $39,600 | $22,694 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $37,200 | $37,200 | $38,015 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $34,400 | $34,400 | $24,000 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $33,400 | $33,400 | $24,396 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $32,700 | $32,700 | $27,118 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $32,300 | $32,300 | $28,671 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $31,400 | $31,400 | $26,000 |
| Political Science and Government | $29,500 | $29,500 | $22,968 |
| Social Work | $28,900 | $28,900 | $37,250 |
| Psychology, General | $27,200 | $27,200 | $31,000 |
| Sociology | $25,200 | $25,200 | $26,361 |
| History | $24,900 | $24,900 | $29,625 |
| Biology, General | $24,300 | $24,300 | $27,401 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $23,100 | $23,100 | $29,631 |
Similar Colleges in ID
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Pocatello, ID
- Student Body
- 7,583 students
- Graduation Rate
- 39%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $12,193
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $45,608
- Median Student Debt
- $20,039