Business/Commerce at College of Western Idaho

College of Western Idaho's Business program starts rough but finishes surprisingly strong. That $31,455 first-year salary falls 14% below the national median for associate business programs, but by year four, graduates reach $43,903—essentially matching what top-tier programs nationally produce. This 40% earnings jump is notable for a two-year degree, suggesting graduates either develop valuable skills employers reward over time or successfully leverage the credential to advance quickly.

The $11,000 debt load keeps this program accessible, though it's worth noting this sits at the 70th percentile nationally—meaning 30% of similar programs manage lower debt levels. Still, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 remains manageable, and within Idaho, this program ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings despite having only three business associate programs statewide to compare against.

The real question is whether your student can weather that challenging first year financially. If they can—perhaps by living at home or working part-time—the trajectory becomes much more attractive. The moderate sample size suggests consistent outcomes across several graduating cohorts. For families prioritizing low debt and in-state tuition, this represents a viable path to middle-income employment, provided you plan for that initial earning period carefully.