Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at Boise State University
Post-baccalaureate Certificate
Analysis
Boise State's post-baccalaureate teaching certificate punches well above its weight nationally, placing graduates in the 95th percentile for earnings at $62,085—nearly $10,000 above the national median for this credential. The $21,000 debt load is also notably lower than typical for this field, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.34. That's an attractive financial profile for a career-switcher looking to enter teaching.
The state-level comparison is less dramatic because Boise State is Idaho's only post-bac teaching certificate program tracked in this data, making it both the median and the top performer by default. Still, the national rankings tell the real story: graduates here earn more than 75% of their peers nationwide while taking on less debt than most. For context, the typical post-bac teaching certificate comes with $24,000 in debt and leads to starting salaries around $52,000.
This program makes financial sense for someone already holding a bachelor's degree who wants a relatively quick path into teaching. The modest debt burden and strong first-year earnings suggest graduates enter the workforce ready to manage their loans comfortably. Just keep in mind that teaching salaries in Idaho may differ significantly from other states if your child plans to relocate after certification.
Where Boise State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all teacher education and professional development, specific subject areas postbacc-cert'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 $62k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all teacher education and professional development, specific subject areas postbacc-cert programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Idaho
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas postbacc-cert's programs at peer institutions in Idaho
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boise State University | $62,085 | — | $21,000 | 0.34 |
| National Median | $52,188 | — | $24,484 | 0.47 |
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.