Analysis
For an aspiring teacher in Idaho, typical education bachelor's programs across the country suggest first-year earnings around $38,660—modest but expected for the profession. The estimated $24,333 in debt is actually below the national median for education programs ($26,522), which positions this investment more favorably than many teaching programs elsewhere. A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63 means the typical graduate would owe roughly eight months of their first-year salary, a manageable starting point for a career with steady income and loan forgiveness opportunities through public service programs.
The challenge, of course, is that these figures come from peer institutions rather than Lewis-Clark State's actual outcomes, since the school's graduate cohort is too small for the Department of Education to publish. Education salaries in Idaho tend to vary significantly by district and location, with rural areas sometimes offering different compensation packages than urban centers. The real test will be whether local school districts in the Lewiston area or wherever graduates land offer competitive starting salaries that align with—or exceed—the national pattern.
Given the below-average debt load and teaching's clear career path, this represents a reasonable financial foundation for someone committed to education. Just confirm that Idaho teaching salaries in your target districts match these national earnings expectations, since state-to-state variations in teacher compensation can be substantial.
Where Lewis-Clark State College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all education bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Education bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,388 | $38,660* | — | $24,333* | — | |
| $8,886 | $68,730* | — | $26,556* | 0.39 | |
| $12,186 | $60,288* | — | —* | — | |
| $11,728 | $57,410* | — | $13,250* | 0.23 | |
| $19,568 | $56,397* | $40,429 | —* | — | |
| $44,850 | $55,579* | $54,660 | $27,000* | 0.49 | |
| National Median | — | $38,660* | — | $26,522* | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with education graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Lewis-Clark State College, approximately 24% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 66 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.