North Idaho College vs Lewis-Clark State College: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Lewis-Clark State College comes closer — median earnings $46,001 against a $62,540 total, vs $40,081 at North Idaho College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | North Idaho College | Lewis-Clark State College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $10,575 | $15,635 |
| Total net cost | $21,150 | $62,540 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $40,081 | $46,001 |
| Median debt | $9,000 | $18,500 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$186,730 | -$109,720 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, North Idaho College or Lewis-Clark State College?
North Idaho College, at $10,575 a year after aid versus $15,635 — a gap of $5,060 a year, or $41,390 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do North Idaho College or Lewis-Clark State College graduates earn more?
Lewis-Clark State College graduates report a median $46,001 ten years after entry, $5,920 more than the $40,081 at North Idaho College. 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, North Idaho College or Lewis-Clark State College?
North Idaho College: its completers carry a median $9,000 in federal loans versus $18,500 at Lewis-Clark State College, a difference of $9,500. 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 38% at North Idaho College. 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.