Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at The College of Idaho

The College of Idaho's health sciences program shows concerning initial earnings—just $25,897 in the first year, placing it in the 5th percentile nationally and below Idaho's median of $29,510. That first-year figure is particularly troubling given that Idaho State University, the state's largest health sciences program, produces graduates earning $33,122 right away, nearly 30% more.

The silver lining is dramatic earnings growth: graduates see their income nearly double to $49,069 by year four, eventually surpassing both state and national medians. This pattern suggests many graduates may be starting in entry-level healthcare positions or pursuing additional training before moving into better-paying roles. The debt load of $21,905 is manageable relative to fourth-year earnings, but that first year could be financially tight, especially for students who can't rely on family support during the transition period.

Before dismissing this program, know that the sample size is very small—fewer than 30 graduates reported data. That means these numbers could shift significantly year to year and may not represent the typical experience. For parents, this calls for extra due diligence: ask the program directly about career placement rates, whether graduates typically pursue additional certifications, and what explains the low starting salaries. If your child is considering this path, make sure they have a financial cushion for that challenging first year.