Degree Dividend
Sourced from federal dataEvery figure datedNo rankings for sale

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

Public, Boise ID · vs · Public, Moscow ID

The verdict

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.)

Head to head
MeasureBoise State UniversityUniversity 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$21,982
Payback26.2 yrs9.4 yrs
20-year net return$-20,480$66,876

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