Brigham Young University-Idaho vs College of Southern Idaho: which has better ROI?
Brigham Young University-Idaho has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $32,884 in 6.5 years versus not at all at College of Southern Idaho, on median earnings of $53,406 vs $40,916 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Brigham Young University-Idaho | College of Southern Idaho |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $8,221 | $6,095 |
| Total net cost | $32,884 | $12,190 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $53,406 | $40,916 |
| Median debt | $13,969 | $8,000 |
| Payback | 6.5 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | $68,036 | -$161,070 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Brigham Young University-Idaho or College of Southern Idaho?
College of Southern Idaho, at $6,095 a year after aid versus $8,221 — a gap of $2,126 a year, or $20,694 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Brigham Young University-Idaho or College of Southern Idaho graduates earn more?
Brigham Young University-Idaho graduates report a median $53,406 ten years after entry, $12,490 more than the $40,916 at College of Southern 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, Brigham Young University-Idaho or College of Southern Idaho?
College of Southern Idaho: its completers carry a median $8,000 in federal loans versus $13,969 at Brigham Young University-Idaho, a difference of $5,969. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
55% of students finish at Brigham Young University-Idaho, against 33% at College of Southern 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.