Accounting at Lewis-Clark State College

Lewis-Clark State College's accounting program produces graduates earning $43,798 in their first year—about $10,000 below the state median and roughly $3,000 less than even Idaho State University. Among Idaho's seven accounting programs, this ranks at the 40th percentile, placing it in the bottom half despite the state's generally lower cost of living. Nationally, it falls into the 14th percentile, meaning 86% of accounting programs deliver better starting salaries.

The numbers get more puzzling over time. Rather than seeing the typical salary growth accountants experience as they gain certification and experience, graduates here earn $2,700 less four years out than they did initially. Combined with $31,000 in debt—higher than both state and national medians—new graduates face a concerning financial position. The debt burden equals 71% of first-year earnings, leaving little room for loan repayment while managing other expenses.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift considerably with more data, but the current picture suggests caution. For Idaho families specifically, Boise State and BYU-Idaho both deliver significantly stronger outcomes at similar or lower debt levels. Unless this program offers specific advantages like geographic proximity or unique scheduling flexibility, most students would likely benefit from exploring other Idaho options that better position them for accounting careers.