Social Work at Idaho State University

Idaho State's social work program carries unusual financial risk: graduates take on $33,250 in debt—nearly $7,000 more than the state median—while earning $34,318 their first year, barely above Idaho's typical starting salary. That 1:1 debt-to-earnings ratio means new graduates face debt equal to their entire first-year salary, a burden made worse by the fact this program ranks in just the 24th percentile nationally. Among Idaho's five social work programs, Boise State graduates earn $7,000 more annually with similar training requirements.

The small sample size here (under 30 graduates tracked) means these numbers could shift significantly, but the pattern is clear enough to warrant concern. Social work typically requires a master's degree for clinical positions and career advancement, so this bachelor's degree may represent only the first phase of education costs. Starting nearly $7,000 deeper in debt than peers at other Idaho schools puts students at a disadvantage before they've even begun graduate studies.

For families considering this path, the math suggests looking first at Boise State, where graduates earn substantially more, or even Brigham Young-Idaho if lower debt is the priority. Unless ISU offers specific program features or location advantages that justify the premium, this investment starts students behind their in-state peers.