Boise State University vs Idaho State University: 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 Idaho State University, on median earnings of $51,658 vs $45,608 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Boise State University | Idaho 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 |
| Payback | 26.2 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | -$20,480 | -$103,812 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Boise State University or Idaho State University?
Idaho State University, at $12,193 a year after aid versus $21,610 — a gap of $9,417 a year, or $37,668 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 Idaho State University graduates earn more?
Boise State University graduates report a median $51,658 ten years after entry, $6,050 more than the $45,608 at Idaho State University. 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 Idaho State University?
Idaho State University: its completers carry a median $20,039 in federal loans versus $20,500 at Boise State University, a difference of $461. 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 39% at Idaho State University. 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.