Criminal Justice and Corrections at Boise State University

Boise State's criminal justice program delivers exactly average outcomes nationally, but lags slightly behind Idaho's state median—earning about $2,000 less annually than the typical Idaho graduate in this field. With first-year earnings of $37,891, graduates start near Lewis-Clark State College's $40,442, though that gap represents meaningful money when you're launching a career in public safety or corrections.

The debt picture is more concerning. At $22,071, Boise State graduates carry less debt than most criminal justice programs nationally, but this still translates to higher relative burden—sitting in the 80th percentile for debt nationally while earnings hover at median. The 9% earnings growth to $41,106 by year four is positive but modest, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 means graduates face roughly seven months of gross salary in student loans.

For Idaho families, this program represents a straightforward path into criminal justice work without exceptional financial stress, but don't expect standout returns. The state offers limited options (just four programs), and Boise State's outcomes fall in the middle of that pack. If your child is certain about a career in corrections or law enforcement and wants to stay in Idaho, the manageable debt load makes this viable—just understand it's an investment in career access rather than high earnings potential.