Physiology, Pathology at Brigham Young University-Idaho

BYU-Idaho's Physiology and Pathology program shows the hallmark pattern of pre-health preparation: modest initial earnings that improve substantially as graduates move into professional roles. That first-year figure of $25,831 looks concerning at 18th percentile nationally, but the 66% jump to $42,945 by year four suggests many graduates are progressing into roles that require additional training or certification. The unusually low debt load of $13,593—less than half the national median for this program—gives graduates flexibility during those early career years.

Within Idaho's small market (only 3 schools offer this major), this program hits the median for both earnings and debt. Nationally, it lags in year-one outcomes but catches up somewhat by year four. The real advantage here is financial: with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53, graduates owe roughly half their first year's salary, making those lower-earning early years more manageable than they'd be elsewhere.

This program makes sense primarily if your child plans to use it as a stepping stone—perhaps toward physician assistant programs, medical school, or clinical certifications that explain the earnings trajectory. For students planning to enter the workforce directly with just a bachelor's degree, the below-average initial earnings present a challenge. The low debt provides a cushion, but parents should have frank conversations about post-graduation plans before committing.