The cost of college in Idaho — and what it pays back
Across the 14 Idaho institutions we profile, the median net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $17,558/yr, $652 above the $16,906 national median. Graduates earn a median $43,833 ten years after entry (above the $43,552 national median), and 5 of the 14 schools clear their full cost on institution-wide earnings. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
$17,558
Median net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$43,833
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
26.2 yrs
Median payback
Our math, 2026
5/14
Schools that pay back
Our math, 2026
How Idaho's 14 colleges split by ROI verdict
Strong0
Solid2
Slow0
Weak12
Verdicts: payback under 5 / 10 / 20 / over 20 years (or none).
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brigham Young University-Idaho | $8,221 | $53,406 | 6.5 yrs |
| University of Idaho | $14,831 | $54,670 | 9.4 yrs |
| Boise State University | $21,610 | $51,658 | 26.2 yrs |
| Northwest Nazarene University | $29,580 | $51,719 | 35.2 yrs |
| The College of Idaho | $19,481 | $48,473 | 689.6 yrs |
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| College of Southern Idaho | $6,095 | $40,916 | no payback |
| Brigham Young University-Idaho | $8,221 | $53,406 | 6.5 yrs |
| College of Eastern Idaho | $8,778 | $42,057 | no payback |
| North Idaho College | $10,575 | $40,081 | no payback |
| Idaho State University | $12,193 | $45,608 | no payback |
Frequently asked questions
How much does college cost in Idaho?
The median net price across Idaho colleges is $17,558/yr after aid — above the $16,906 national median. Sticker prices run far higher; net price is what the typical aided student actually pays.
Is college in Idaho cheaper than the national average?
No — the median Idaho net price of $17,558/yr runs about $652/yr above the $16,906 national median. Individual schools vary widely, so check each profile.
What do Idaho college graduates earn?
A median $43,833 ten years after entry (College Scorecard), above the $43,552 national median.
Which Idaho college pays for itself fastest?
Brigham Young University-Idaho — about 6.5 years to clear its $32,884 total net cost on earnings above the high-school baseline. The full ranking is on our best-colleges-in-idaho page.