Business/Managerial Economics at University of Idaho

University of Idaho's Business/Managerial Economics program shows a remarkable earnings trajectory that overcomes a sluggish start. While graduates earn just $44,655 in their first year—well below the $53,219 national median—they see earnings surge 67% to reach $74,419 by year four. That kind of growth is uncommon and suggests graduates are either entering training-intensive roles or industries where Idaho workers start modestly but advance quickly. The $26,000 median debt sits above the state median but remains manageable, particularly given those year-four earnings.

The challenge is that these numbers come from a very small sample of graduates (under 30), making them less reliable predictors than data from larger programs. The program also ranks in just the 40th percentile among Idaho's three business economics programs, trailing Boise State's graduates who earn $46,511 even in year one. Whether the strong mid-career gains materialize consistently across graduates is an open question.

For a family comfortable with a slower-earning start, this program offers low debt and promising growth potential. But the small sample size means you're placing significant faith in limited data—and competing in-state options provide more immediate earning power with similar debt loads.