Analysis
Boise State's Health Professions graduates start below the national median at $34,244, but they're actually performing right at Idaho's median—and that's the entire story, since this is the only program of its kind in the state. The modest starting salary jumps 42% to nearly $49,000 by year four, suggesting graduates are moving into better-paying positions or obtaining additional certifications as they gain experience.
The debt picture looks reasonable at $25,000, translating to a manageable 0.73 ratio against first-year earnings. While this program ranks in just the 29th percentile nationally, that comparison may be misleading—health professions is a broad category that includes everything from health administration to pre-clinical specialties, and programs in higher-cost-of-living areas naturally show inflated salaries. What matters more is that Idaho graduates are keeping debt in check while building toward solid mid-career earnings in their local market.
For Idaho families, this program offers a practical path into health careers without overwhelming debt. The strong earnings trajectory suggests that initial patience pays off, though parents should understand their graduate won't match salaries of peers in coastal markets or more specialized health programs. If staying in Idaho is the plan, these outcomes align well with in-state opportunities.
Where Boise State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health professions bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Boise State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boise State University | $34,244 | $48,573 | +42% |
| Excelsior University | $52,631 | $83,502 | +59% |
| Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia | $36,819 | $70,368 | +91% |
| Purdue University-Main Campus | $47,570 | $69,530 | +46% |
| Thomas Edison State University | $72,628 | $68,341 | -6% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Health Professions bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,782 | $34,244 | $48,573 | $25,000 | 0.73 | |
| $6,638 | $72,628 | $68,341 | $19,018 | 0.26 | |
| $15,672 | $70,890 | $58,053 | $37,613 | 0.53 | |
| $31,866 | $70,566 | — | $27,801 | 0.39 | |
| $7,317 | $56,924 | $64,596 | $24,990 | 0.44 | |
| $10,791 | $56,793 | $57,659 | $29,750 | 0.52 | |
| National Median | — | $38,492 | — | $26,000 | 0.68 |
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 176 graduates with reported earnings and 247 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.