Boise State University vs College of Southern Idaho: which has better ROI?
Boise State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $86,440 in 26.2 years versus not at all at College of Southern Idaho, on median earnings of $51,658 vs $40,916 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Boise State University | College of Southern Idaho |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $21,610 | $6,095 |
| Total net cost | $86,440 | $12,190 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,658 | $40,916 |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $8,000 |
| Payback | 26.2 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | -$20,480 | -$161,070 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Boise State University or College of Southern Idaho?
College of Southern Idaho, at $6,095 a year after aid versus $21,610 — a gap of $15,515 a year, or $74,250 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Boise State University or College of Southern Idaho graduates earn more?
Boise State University graduates report a median $51,658 ten years after entry, $10,742 more than the $40,916 at College of Southern Idaho. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Boise State University or College of Southern Idaho?
College of Southern Idaho: its completers carry a median $8,000 in federal loans versus $20,500 at Boise State University, a difference of $12,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
60% of students finish at Boise State University, against 33% at College of Southern Idaho. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.