Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release).
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 |
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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.