Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Idaho State University

Idaho State University's nursing program shows a puzzling earnings pattern that demands scrutiny. First-year graduates earn $73,524—slightly below Idaho's state median but well above the national benchmark. However, by year four, earnings drop to $59,568, a 19% decline that's unusual for nursing. Among Idaho's eight nursing programs, ISU ranks only in the 40th percentile, trailing four competitors including nearby College of Western Idaho and College of Southern Idaho.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $34,897, it's higher than the state median but still manageable with a first-year debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47. More concerning is understanding why earnings fall so sharply. This could reflect graduates moving to part-time work, leaving clinical roles, or geographic factors specific to ISU's location in Pocatello rather than Boise's more robust healthcare market. With a moderate sample size, individual career choices might be skewing the data.

For Idaho families, this program isn't the obvious choice it might appear. If your student plans to stay in Idaho, College of Western Idaho or North Idaho College show stronger four-year outcomes. ISU works if Pocatello fits your family's geography and you're confident your child will pursue clinical advancement aggressively. But given the earnings trajectory and stronger in-state alternatives, this shouldn't be your first option unless location dictates otherwise.