Business Administration, Management and Operations at The College of Idaho

At $33,611 fresh out of college, graduates here earn about $12,800 less than their counterparts at nearby University of Idaho—and even trail the Idaho state median by roughly $13,000. This places the College of Idaho in the bottom quarter of Idaho business programs (25th percentile statewide) and the 5th percentile nationally. While the debt load of $23,250 is reasonable and matches Idaho's median, the weak starting salary creates an uncomfortable reality: new graduates earn less than many administrative assistants in Boise's job market.

The silver lining is genuine earnings momentum. Income jumps 39% by year four to $46,778, essentially catching up to Idaho's median. This suggests the program may provide skills or networks that take time to translate into compensation—perhaps through relationship-building in Idaho's small business community or gradual career progression. Still, those early years matter tremendously when you're servicing student loans and trying to establish financial independence.

For families comfortable with their student weathering below-average earnings for several years while building a career foundation, this path can work. But if your child needs stronger immediate earning power—whether to quickly pay down debt or support themselves without parental help—look at University of Idaho or Boise State, where business grads start significantly higher on the income ladder.