Economics at Brigham Young University-Idaho

An economics degree from BYU-Idaho carries an estimated $24,102 in debt—slightly above the national median for economics programs—while similar bachelor's programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $51,700. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 means graduates would owe roughly half their first-year salary, a manageable starting point that should allow for reasonable repayment within standard timelines.

What's worth noting is how this compares within Idaho. The state's only other economics program with reported outcomes—Boise State—shows median earnings of $46,137, about $5,600 less than what peer programs nationally produce. If BYU-Idaho's actual outcomes track closer to Idaho norms than national ones, the value proposition weakens somewhat, though the debt load remains modest enough to absorb that variation.

The wildcard here is BYU-Idaho's unique student population and mission. With a 97% admission rate and average SAT scores around 1123, this is an accessible program serving students who might not attend flagship universities. For families concerned about affordability, the estimated debt burden sits in a reasonable range. The real question is whether the school's employment network and curriculum can deliver earnings closer to the national benchmark or whether graduates will face the lower salary reality that appears more common in Idaho's market.