Public Health at Boise State University

Boise State's Public Health program reports first-year earnings of $46,117—substantially above both the national median ($37,548) and Idaho's typical outcome ($38,122). That 94th percentile national ranking looks impressive, but the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly with more data. Among Idaho's three public health programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, which suggests the standout national performance may reflect limited competition in a small state market rather than program excellence alone.

The debt load of $22,758 creates a reasonable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49, meaning graduates start with roughly half a year's salary in debt. That's manageable for most borrowers and better than many public health programs nationally. However, Idaho's median debt for this field is just $17,903, so Boise State graduates are carrying about 27% more debt than typical in-state peers—though they're also earning more to offset it.

For Idaho families seeking an in-state public health degree, this program appears solid but not exceptional within the state. The earnings advantage over BYU-Idaho is substantial, though you'll want to verify whether these numbers hold as the program matures. If your student is committed to public health and staying in Idaho, the combination of reasonable debt and above-average starting salary makes this worth serious consideration, with the caveat that you're looking at a limited data snapshot.