Computer Science at Boise State University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Boise State's Computer Science program delivers strong earnings that outpace both national and state averages, though you're paying a premium for those results. At $85,596 in first-year earnings, graduates earn about $12,000 more than the typical Idaho CS graduate and rank in the 80th percentile nationally. Among Idaho's five CS programs, Boise State places second behind BYU-Idaho but with a meaningful edge over University of Idaho.
The debt picture requires attention: at $27,000, it's higher than 82% of CS programs nationwide and about $2,000 above the state median. That said, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 remains manageable for a tech degree, and graduates see healthy income growth to nearly $100,000 by year four. The real question is whether the extra debt buys enough of an earnings advantage over cheaper alternatives like U of I, which graduates students with similar debt but $15,000 less in starting salary.
For families weighing cost versus outcome, this is a solid technical program at a broad-access institution (84% admission rate) that reliably places graduates into well-paying jobs. The premium over other Idaho options appears justified by the earnings data, making it a reasonable choice for students who want strong career outcomes without the selectivity pressure of elite CS programs.
Where Boise State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Boise State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Boise State University graduates earn $86k, placing them in the 80th percentile of all computer science bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Idaho
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Idaho (5 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boise State University | $85,596 | $99,908 | $27,000 | 0.32 |
| Brigham Young University-Idaho | $77,316 | $103,986 | $7,821 | 0.10 |
| University of Idaho | $70,276 | $101,213 | $25,500 | 0.36 |
| Idaho State University | $62,829 | — | $25,250 | 0.40 |
| National Median | $70,950 | — | $23,374 | 0.33 |
Other Computer Science Programs in Idaho
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Idaho schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brigham Young University-Idaho Rexburg | $4,656 | $77,316 | $7,821 |
| University of Idaho Moscow | $8,816 | $70,276 | $25,500 |
| Idaho State University Pocatello | $8,356 | $62,829 | $25,250 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Boise State University, approximately 18% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 136 graduates with reported earnings and 129 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.