Analysis
Boise State's interdisciplinary studies program delivers earnings that outpace both national and Idaho medians, while keeping debt remarkably manageable. With first-year earnings of $38,831 rising to $42,954 by year four, graduates earn about $3,300 more than the typical Idaho graduate in this field—ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. More impressive is the debt story: the $31,613 median is higher than Idaho's typical $22,672, but lands in the 10th percentile nationally, meaning 90% of similar programs nationwide saddle students with more debt.
The 0.81 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly 10 months of their first-year salary—a reasonable burden that improves as earnings grow 11% by year four. This program significantly outperforms BYU-Idaho's similar offering by over $6,500 in first-year earnings, a substantial gap for students staying in-state. The steady earnings trajectory and robust sample size (100+ graduates) suggest these outcomes are reliable.
For parents weighing this option, Boise State represents solid middle-ground value: not a fast track to high earnings, but a financially responsible path that beats state and national averages without excessive debt. It's particularly worth considering if in-state tuition keeps total borrowing close to or below that $31,613 median.
Where Boise State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi-/interdisciplinary studies 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 | $38,831 | $42,954 | +11% |
| Lehigh University | $74,734 | $78,295 | +5% |
| Marist University | $57,906 | $58,631 | +1% |
| CUNY York College | $38,718 | $56,159 | +45% |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus | $37,183 | $52,604 | +41% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Idaho
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Idaho (3 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Boise State UniversityBoise | $8,782 | $38,831 | $42,954 | $31,613 | 0.81 |
 Brigham Young University-IdahoRexburg | $4,656 | $32,247 | — | $13,730 | 0.43 |
| National Median | — | $35,282 | — | $26,000 | 0.74 |
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 187 graduates with reported earnings and 226 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.