Business Administration, Management and Operations at Lewis-Clark State College

Lewis-Clark State College's business program produces graduates earning $41,473 in their first year—about $5,000 below Idaho's median for business degrees and roughly $4,200 below the national benchmark. Among the seven Idaho schools offering this degree, it ranks near the middle (40th percentile), trailing not just the state's research universities but also regional competitors like Boise State and Northwest Nazarene. By year four, earnings grow to $46,557, which represents solid 12% growth but still leaves graduates at the lower end of what Idaho business majors typically earn.

The $26,000 debt load is identical to the national median and only slightly above Idaho's typical $23,250, so the financing isn't particularly burdensome. Still, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63, graduates will spend more than half their first-year salary repaying loans—manageable but requiring careful budgeting. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests these numbers are reasonably reliable, though worth monitoring over time.

For Idaho families, this program offers predictable if unspectacular returns. Your child won't face crushing debt, but they also won't gain much financial advantage compared to peers who attend other Idaho schools. If location in Lewiston or specific program features matter, this could work. Otherwise, the state's stronger programs offer better starting salaries without dramatically higher costs.