Boise State University vs University of Idaho: which has better ROI?
University of Idaho has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $59,324 in 9.4 years versus 26.2 years at Boise State University, on median earnings of $54,670 vs $51,658 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Boise State University | University of Idaho |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $21,610 | $14,831 |
| Total net cost | $86,440 | $59,324 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,658 | $54,670 |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $21,982 |
| Payback | 26.2 yrs | 9.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$20,480 | $66,876 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Boise State University or University of Idaho?
University of Idaho, at $14,831 a year after aid versus $21,610 — a gap of $6,779 a year, or $27,116 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 University of Idaho graduates earn more?
University of Idaho graduates report a median $54,670 ten years after entry, $3,012 more than the $51,658 at Boise 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 University of Idaho?
Boise State University: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $21,982 at University of Idaho, a difference of $1,482. 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 57% at University of 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.