Idaho State University vs Lewis-Clark State College: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Idaho State University comes closer — median earnings $45,608 against a $48,772 total, vs $46,001 at Lewis-Clark State College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Idaho State University | Lewis-Clark State College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,193 | $15,635 |
| Total net cost | $48,772 | $62,540 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $45,608 | $46,001 |
| Median debt | $20,039 | $18,500 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$103,812 | -$109,720 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Idaho State University or Lewis-Clark State College?
Idaho State University, at $12,193 a year after aid versus $15,635 — a gap of $3,442 a year, or $13,768 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Idaho State University or Lewis-Clark State College graduates earn more?
Lewis-Clark State College graduates report a median $46,001 ten years after entry, $393 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, Idaho State University or Lewis-Clark State College?
Lewis-Clark State College: its completers carry a median $18,500 in federal loans versus $20,039 at Idaho State University, a difference of $1,539. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
40% of students finish at Lewis-Clark State College, 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.