Business/Commerce at Lewis-Clark State College

First-year earnings of $40,922 place this program in the bottom fifth nationally for business bachelor's degrees, trailing the national median by over $6,500. Within Idaho, where only three schools offer this major, Lewis-Clark State sits in the middle—closer to the lower end than to Boise State's $45,318. For an accessible program at a school with a 90% admission rate, this outcome suggests graduates face a tougher start than peers at more competitive business programs.

The estimated debt load of $23,624—derived from similar public institutions nationally—produces a manageable 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio. Similar Idaho programs typically carry around $22,000 in debt, so this estimate seems reasonable for the region. At roughly seven months of first-year salary, the debt itself isn't alarming. The concern is whether $40,922 provides enough income to build financial momentum, especially in a business field where higher starting salaries are common elsewhere.

For families banking on business as a reliable pathway to solid earnings, these numbers warrant a hard look at alternatives. If your student is committed to Lewis-Clark State for location or affordability reasons, understand that this program underperforms most business degrees nationally. The debt is workable, but the earnings gap means your graduate will likely need to be strategic about their first job to catch up to what peers earn elsewhere.