Analysis
Idaho State's accounting program starts graduates nearly $9,000 below the national median for accounting degrees, landing in just the 17th percentile nationally. Within Idaho, it ranks in the 40th percentile—solidly middle-of-the-pack among the state's seven accounting programs but trailing significantly behind BYU-Idaho ($56,800) and Boise State ($53,118). The $44,855 first-year salary combined with $24,560 in debt creates a manageable but unspectacular debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55.
The promising news is steady earnings growth: graduates see a 24% increase from year one to year four, reaching $55,786. This brings them closer to competitive levels, though they're still playing catch-up. For Idaho families choosing between in-state options, this program costs about the same as competitors but delivers lower starting returns.
The major caveat here is the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates in the data—which means these numbers could swing considerably with just a few outliers. For a family banking on accounting as a reliable career path, this program delivers stability without standout results. If choosing between Idaho State and Boise State or BYU-Idaho, the data suggests those alternatives offer better earning potential from day one without meaningfully higher debt.
Where Idaho State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Idaho State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho State University | $44,855 | $55,786 | +24% |
| Brigham Young University-Idaho | $56,800 | $72,296 | +27% |
| University of Idaho | $40,001 | $56,714 | +42% |
| Boise State University | $53,118 | $54,711 | +3% |
| Lewis-Clark State College | $43,798 | $41,041 | -6% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Idaho
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Idaho (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Idaho State UniversityPocatello | $8,356 | $44,855 | $55,786 | $24,560 | 0.55 |
 Brigham Young University-IdahoRexburg | $4,656 | $56,800 | $72,296 | $14,285 | 0.25 |
 Boise State UniversityBoise | $8,782 | $53,118 | $54,711 | $22,124 | 0.42 |
 Northwest Nazarene UniversityNampa | $39,370 | $48,648 | — | $26,750 | 0.55 |
 Lewis-Clark State CollegeLewiston | $7,388 | $43,798 | $41,041 | $31,000 | 0.71 |
 University of IdahoMoscow | $8,816 | $40,001 | $56,714 | $15,000 | 0.37 |
| National Median | — | $53,694 | — | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
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 Idaho State University, approximately 27% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 26 graduates with reported earnings and 31 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.