Degree Dividend
Sourced from federal dataEvery figure datedNo rankings for sale

Boise State University vs Idaho State University: which has better ROI?

Public, Boise ID · vs · Public, Pocatello ID

The verdict

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 Idaho State University, on median earnings of $51,658 vs $45,608 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

Head to head
MeasureBoise State UniversityIdaho State University
Net price / yr$21,610$12,193
Total net cost$86,440$48,772
Median earnings, 10 yrs$51,658$45,608
Median debt$20,500$20,039
Payback26.2 yrs
20-year net return$-20,480$-103,812

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.