Brigham Young University-Idaho vs Idaho State University: 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 Idaho State University, on median earnings of $53,406 vs $45,608 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Brigham Young University-Idaho | Idaho State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $8,221 | $12,193 |
| Total net cost | $32,884 | $48,772 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $53,406 | $45,608 |
| Median debt | $13,969 | $20,039 |
| Payback | 6.5 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | $68,036 | -$103,812 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Brigham Young University-Idaho or Idaho State University?
Brigham Young University-Idaho, at $8,221 a year after aid versus $12,193 — a gap of $3,972 a year, or $15,888 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 Idaho State University graduates earn more?
Brigham Young University-Idaho graduates report a median $53,406 ten years after entry, $7,798 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, Brigham Young University-Idaho or Idaho State University?
Brigham Young University-Idaho: its completers carry a median $13,969 in federal loans versus $20,039 at Idaho State University, a difference of $6,070. 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 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.