Mechanical Engineering at Idaho State University

Idaho State's mechanical engineering graduates start at $66,385—slightly below the national median but actually above Idaho's typical $65,897, placing this program at the 60th percentile statewide. More importantly, the debt picture looks unusually favorable: at $31,000, graduates carry more than the Idaho median but still land in the national 5th percentile for debt, meaning 95% of mechanical engineering programs nationwide saddle students with more borrowing. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47, graduates earn roughly double what they owe.

The 16% earnings growth to $76,646 by year four suggests solid career trajectory, and among Idaho's four mechanical engineering programs, ISU holds its own against larger competitors like U of I and Boise State. However, the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates—means these numbers could shift significantly with different cohorts.

For families prioritizing manageable debt alongside respectable earnings, this program delivers. The starting salary won't lead the pack nationally, but combined with below-average borrowing and steady income growth, ISU's mechanical engineering program represents a practical path into the field without excessive financial risk.