Computer and Information Sciences at Brigham Young University-Idaho

BYU-Idaho's computer science program demonstrates one of the best cost-to-outcome ratios you'll find in Idaho tech education. With just $18,033 in median debt—well below both state and national averages—graduates start at a respectable $63,444 and see their earnings jump 46% to nearly $93,000 within four years. That exceptional earnings trajectory, combined with the low debt load, creates a 0.28 debt-to-earnings ratio that most programs can't match. Among Idaho's handful of computer science programs, this outperforms even Boise State's outcomes while maintaining significantly lower debt.

The real story here is value engineering: BYU-Idaho's 97% admission rate means accessibility isn't an issue, yet their computer science graduates achieve outcomes that beat the state median and land solidly in the middle of the national pack. The strong four-year earnings suggest graduates are successfully transitioning into mid-level software engineering and technical roles, not just entry-level positions. The robust sample size confirms these aren't flukes—this is a consistent pattern.

For parents worried about student debt and job prospects, this program offers a clear path: manageable borrowing that could be paid off in a year or two with focused effort, paired with solid entry into a growing field. The earnings growth pattern indicates graduates are building careers, not just landing first jobs.