Boise State University vs The College of 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 689.6 years at The College of Idaho, on median earnings of $51,658 vs $48,473 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Boise State University | The College of Idaho |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $21,610 | $19,481 |
| Total net cost | $86,440 | $77,924 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,658 | $48,473 |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $24,500 |
| Payback | 26.2 yrs | 689.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$20,480 | -$75,664 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Boise State University or The College of Idaho?
The College of Idaho, at $19,481 a year after aid versus $21,610 — a gap of $2,129 a year, or $8,516 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 The College of Idaho graduates earn more?
Boise State University graduates report a median $51,658 ten years after entry, $3,185 more than the $48,473 at The College of 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 The College of Idaho?
Boise State University: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $24,500 at The College of Idaho, a difference of $4,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
63% of students finish at The College of Idaho, against 60% at Boise 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.