Psychology at Idaho State University

Idaho State's psychology bachelor's starts rough, with graduates earning just $25,684 in their first year—roughly $6,000 below Idaho's median for psychology programs and landing in the 5th percentile nationally. That first-year figure is particularly concerning given the $26,000 in typical debt, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio just over 1:1. Among Idaho's seven psychology programs, this ranks near the middle (40th percentile), trailing options like The College of Idaho ($34,904) and Boise State ($30,865).

The program's saving grace is strong earnings growth: graduates see incomes jump nearly 50% by year four, reaching $38,356. That's a meaningful recovery that suggests ISU psychology grads find their footing as they gain experience. However, even with this growth, they're playing catch-up to peers who started with higher salaries elsewhere.

For families considering this program, the question becomes whether you're comfortable with several lean years after graduation. The 27% Pell Grant rate indicates ISU serves many cost-conscious students, and the debt burden is manageable—but combining it with below-average starting pay creates real financial pressure. If your student has acceptance letters from Boise State or U of I, those offer better immediate earning potential for similar debt.