Analysis
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.
Where Idaho State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mechanical engineering 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 | $66,385 | $76,646 | +15% |
| Duke University | $89,938 | $101,532 | +13% |
| University of Idaho | $65,409 | $80,171 | +23% |
| Boise State University | $62,835 | $77,285 | +23% |
| Brigham Young University-Idaho | $68,943 | $76,232 | +11% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Idaho
Mechanical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Idaho (4 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Idaho State UniversityPocatello | $8,356 | $66,385 | $76,646 | $31,000 | 0.47 |
 Brigham Young University-IdahoRexburg | $4,656 | $68,943 | $76,232 | $17,613 | 0.26 |
 University of IdahoMoscow | $8,816 | $65,409 | $80,171 | $25,000 | 0.38 |
 Boise State UniversityBoise | $8,782 | $62,835 | $77,285 | $24,833 | 0.40 |
| National Median | — | $70,744 | — | $24,755 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mechanical engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Aerospace Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
Fuel Cell Engineers
Automotive Engineers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Cost Estimators
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 27 graduates with reported earnings and 31 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.