Social Sciences at Boise State University

Boise State's social sciences program sits squarely in the middle of the pack nationally, but within Idaho, it performs better than you might expect—reaching the 60th percentile among the state's limited options. The first-year salary of $36,298 trails the national median slightly, though graduates see respectable 15% earnings growth by year four. With $25,000 in debt, the financial burden is manageable: you're looking at roughly 69 cents of debt for every dollar earned in that first year, which is reasonable for liberal arts fields.

The bigger question is whether social sciences as a field aligns with your family's expectations around return on investment. These are not high-earning credentials—starting salaries in the mid-$30,000s mean your child will likely need to be strategic about living costs and loan repayment in those early years. That said, the trajectory is positive rather than flat, suggesting the degree opens doors that pay off over time.

For Idaho families staying in-state, this is a solid choice among limited alternatives. The debt load won't be crushing, and Boise State delivers outcomes comparable to what social sciences majors see elsewhere. Just make sure your child understands they're choosing a path that values breadth and critical thinking over immediate earning power—and has a plan for how they'll apply this degree in the job market.