Analysis
Boise State's social work program produces graduates who earn $5,800 more than the typical Idaho social work graduate—a meaningful premium in a field not known for high salaries. Starting at $40,126 and climbing to $45,803 by year four, these numbers place graduates in the 78th percentile nationally and 60th percentile statewide, solidly outperforming the national median of $37,296.
The debt picture strengthens the case: at $28,350, graduates carry just slightly more than the national median, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71. This means a Boise State social work grad would need roughly eight and a half months of gross income to cover their debt—manageable for a helping profession. The program costs about $1,100 more than other Idaho options but delivers substantially better outcomes than Idaho State ($33,181) or BYU-Idaho ($29,355).
For parents concerned about their child's career in social services, this represents a realistic pathway. Your graduate won't get rich, but they'll earn a living wage that grows steadily and won't be crushed by debt. The 14% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests career progression rather than stagnation, which matters in a field where burnout is common.
Where Boise State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social work 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 | $40,126 | $45,803 | +14% |
| New York University | $26,837 | $64,289 | +140% |
| Lewis-Clark State College | $35,456 | $45,877 | +29% |
| Idaho State University | $33,181 | $39,316 | +18% |
| Brigham Young University-Idaho | $29,355 | $35,827 | +22% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Idaho
Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Idaho (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Boise State UniversityBoise | $8,782 | $40,126 | $45,803 | $28,350 | 0.71 |
 Lewis-Clark State CollegeLewiston | $7,388 | $35,456 | $45,877 | $26,126 | 0.74 |
 Idaho State UniversityPocatello | $8,356 | $33,181 | $39,316 | $33,250 | 1.00 |
 Brigham Young University-IdahoRexburg | $4,656 | $29,355 | $35,827 | $14,460 | 0.49 |
| National Median | — | $37,296 | — | $26,362 | 0.71 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with social work graduates
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary
Social and Community Service Managers
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Marriage and Family Therapists
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Healthcare Social Workers
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Social Workers, All Other
Counselors, All Other
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 57 graduates with reported earnings and 90 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.