Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 puts this program in reasonable territory for an engineering-related bachelor's degree, though both figures here come from peer programs nationally rather than Idaho State's actual outcomes. Similar civil engineering technology programs suggest starting earnings around $59,000 with typical debt loads near $27,500—numbers that would allow a graduate to manage loan payments on a standard repayment plan while building a career in infrastructure and construction support.
The challenge is that Idaho State is the only school in the state offering this specific credential, which limits your ability to comparison shop locally. Nationally, civil engineering technology programs cluster tightly around these same earnings and debt figures, suggesting this is a fairly standardized field where outcomes don't vary dramatically by institution. The profession itself is steady rather than high-growth: technicians support licensed engineers with drafting, testing, and project coordination—essential work that pays modestly but doesn't typically command premium salaries.
For families considering this investment, the estimated numbers suggest manageable debt for the field, but you're operating with incomplete information about Idaho State's specific placement rates and employer connections in the region. If your student is committed to staying in Idaho and this technical career path appeals to them, the financial profile looks workable. Just recognize you're making this decision based on what similar programs produce elsewhere, not proven outcomes from this particular school.
Where Idaho State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all civil engineering technologies/technicians bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Idaho State UniversityPocatello | $8,356 | $59,382* | — | $27,500* | — |
 Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochester | $57,016 | $73,273* | $70,416 | $28,000* | 0.38 |
 University of Maryland Eastern ShorePrincess Anne | $8,898 | $68,809* | — | —* | — |
 University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte | $7,214 | $62,552* | $74,991 | $23,183* | 0.37 |
 Colorado State University PuebloPueblo | $9,401 | $62,138* | $76,106 | $28,000* | 0.45 |
 SUNY Polytechnic InstituteUtica | $8,578 | $62,090* | $72,048 | $22,934* | 0.37 |
| National Median | — | $59,382* | — | $28,000* | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with civil engineering technologies/technicians graduates
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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 12 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.