Biology at University of Idaho

University of Idaho's biology program outperforms most competitors despite modest selectivity. Graduates earn $39,368 in their first year—placing them in the 91st percentile nationally and ahead of every other Idaho biology program except Boise State. With debt around $21,250, graduates face a manageable 0.54 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning they owe roughly half their first-year salary.

The Idaho context matters here. While this program sits at the 60th percentile statewide (suggesting some variation among the small number of Idaho schools), it delivers $7,700 more than the state median and maintains steady earnings growth to $42,589 by year four. For families choosing between Idaho schools, this program clearly outpaces alternatives like Idaho State or BYU-Idaho, despite U of I's accessible 79% admission rate.

The caveat: fewer than 30 graduates reported data, so individual circumstances could skew these numbers. Still, for an affordable state flagship option that consistently places biology majors above both state and national earnings benchmarks, University of Idaho offers solid return on investment. Parents should feel confident this isn't just a credential—it's a program that appears to open doors in Idaho's job market.