Business/Commerce at Boise State University

Boise State's business certificate carries debt levels nearly double the national median ($27,298 vs. $15,205), placing it in the 95th percentile—meaning 95% of similar programs nationwide burden students with less debt. That's a significant financial hurdle for a credential that generates $36,913 in first-year earnings, just slightly above the national median.

The Idaho context offers limited perspective since only three schools offer this certificate in the state, all showing identical median outcomes. Nationally, this program performs respectably on earnings (75th percentile), but the debt load undermines that advantage. A 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates face debt equivalent to nearly nine months of their first-year salary—manageable but notably higher than many peers who complete similar programs elsewhere with half the borrowing.

For families considering this certificate, the central question is whether Boise State's brand value or specific program features justify taking on double the typical debt. The earnings trajectory suggests graduates can handle the payments, but students should exhaust scholarship opportunities and compare costs carefully. If your child can complete this certificate with substantially less borrowing—or consider whether a full bachelor's degree might offer better long-term returns for similar debt—those alternatives deserve serious consideration before committing to this relatively expensive credential.