University of Idaho vs College of Southern Idaho: which has better ROI?
University of Idaho has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $59,324 in 9.4 years versus not at all at College of Southern Idaho, on median earnings of $54,670 vs $40,916 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Idaho | College of Southern Idaho |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,831 | $6,095 |
| Total net cost | $59,324 | $12,190 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $54,670 | $40,916 |
| Median debt | $21,982 | $8,000 |
| Payback | 9.4 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | $66,876 | -$161,070 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Idaho or College of Southern Idaho?
College of Southern Idaho, at $6,095 a year after aid versus $14,831 — a gap of $8,736 a year, or $47,134 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of Idaho or College of Southern Idaho graduates earn more?
University of Idaho graduates report a median $54,670 ten years after entry, $13,754 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, University of Idaho or College of Southern Idaho?
College of Southern Idaho: its completers carry a median $8,000 in federal loans versus $21,982 at University of Idaho, a difference of $13,982. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
57% of students finish at University of 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.