Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Boise State University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Boise State's nursing program delivers strong initial earnings that outpace most Idaho competitors, but graduates should prepare for an unusual earnings trajectory. New graduates earn $79,301—well above Idaho's median of $66,863 and ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. Only Lewis-Clark State College produces higher-earning nursing graduates in Idaho.
The concerning element is the 8% earnings decline by year four, dropping to $73,200. This pattern is atypical for nursing, where salaries typically grow with experience. However, even with this dip, four-year earnings still exceed the state median significantly. The $27,220 debt load is reasonable—lower than Idaho's typical $32,500 for nursing programs and creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34.
Despite the earnings decline, this program represents solid value in the Idaho market. The initial salary advantage over most in-state options provides strong early career positioning, and the debt burden remains modest. Parents should view this as a reliable path to above-average nursing income in Idaho, though graduates may need to be strategic about career advancement to reverse the mid-career earnings slide.
Where Boise State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Boise State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Boise State University graduates earn $79k, placing them in the 68th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Idaho
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Idaho (7 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boise State University | $79,301 | $73,200 | $27,220 | 0.34 |
| Lewis-Clark State College | $77,965 | $75,325 | $27,000 | 0.35 |
| Northwest Nazarene University | $75,383 | $72,896 | $37,500 | 0.50 |
| Idaho State University | $66,863 | $63,213 | $32,500 | 0.49 |
| Eagle Gate College-Boise Campus | $66,420 | — | $52,292 | 0.79 |
| Brigham Young University-Idaho | $66,125 | $56,925 | $12,207 | 0.18 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Idaho
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Idaho schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lewis-Clark State College Lewiston | $7,388 | $77,965 | $27,000 |
| Northwest Nazarene University Nampa | $39,370 | $75,383 | $37,500 |
| Idaho State University Pocatello | $8,356 | $66,863 | $32,500 |
| Eagle Gate College-Boise Campus Boise | $18,645 | $66,420 | $52,292 |
| Brigham Young University-Idaho Rexburg | $4,656 | $66,125 | $12,207 |
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 498 graduates with reported earnings and 518 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.