Business Administration, Management and Operations at Boise State University

Boise State's business certificate program sits squarely in the middle nationally but carries significantly more debt than its peers. While first-year earnings of $40,283 exceed the national median by roughly $1,200, graduates leave with $27,676 in debt—nearly double the typical $14,699 for similar programs nationwide. That places this program in the 5th percentile for debt, meaning 95% of comparable business certificate programs manage to graduate students with less borrowing.

The 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't alarming by itself—graduates earn enough to manage their loans—but the comparison reveals a clear inefficiency. Among Idaho's six schools offering this credential, Boise State performs at the median for both earnings and debt, so this appears to be a statewide pattern rather than an institutional problem. Still, the question remains: why are Idaho business certificate students borrowing twice as much as their counterparts nationally for similar financial outcomes?

For families considering this program, the path is straightforward but expensive. If your student can minimize borrowing through scholarships, family support, or part-time work, the earnings justify the credential. But if they're financing the full $27,676 through loans, they'd be paying a premium for an otherwise average outcome. Look hard at whether a less expensive route to the same credential exists—either at Boise State through different aid packages or at one of Idaho's other institutions.