Economics at Idaho State University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 suggests a manageable financial path, though it's worth noting both figures here come from national benchmarks rather than Idaho State's actual graduate outcomes. At an estimated $51,722 in first-year earnings and $21,650 in debt, this program aligns with the national median for economics bachelor's programs—but sits notably above what Boise State's economics graduates actually report earning ($46,137). Whether Idaho State produces similar outcomes to these national peers or tracks closer to the verified in-state figure remains unclear.

The practical consideration: if your child's actual earnings land near the state median rather than the national estimate, that $5,600 gap matters when making loan payments. Monthly debt service on $21,650 would run roughly $240 over ten years—tight but workable at $46,000, more comfortable at $52,000. The relatively modest debt load provides some cushion either way, which matters given the uncertainty around Idaho State's specific outcomes.

Given that three-quarters of economics programs nationally produce higher earnings than this estimate, you're looking at a middle-of-the-road projection for a field that can vary widely by specialization and geography. The lack of reported data means you'll want direct conversations with Idaho State's career services about actual placement outcomes and employer connections—particularly whether graduates stay in Idaho's smaller markets or access opportunities elsewhere.