Computer Science at University of Idaho
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
University of Idaho's computer science graduates see impressive earnings momentum, jumping from $70,276 in year one to over $101,000 by year four—a 44% increase that significantly outpaces typical tech career trajectories. This acceleration suggests the program's curriculum and industry connections position graduates well for rapid advancement, even if starting salaries land slightly below Idaho's median at $73,796. At roughly $25,500 in debt, students are borrowing at the national average, translating to a manageable 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio in that crucial first year.
The caveat here is relative performance within Idaho's small but competitive tech education market. U of I sits squarely in the middle of the state's five programs, trailing both Boise State and BYU-Idaho considerably. For parents weighing in-state options, Boise State's $85,596 starting median represents a $15,000 premium that compounds significantly over a career. However, if Moscow's lower cost of living or U of I's established engineering reputation align with your family's priorities, the strong earnings growth trajectory shows graduates aren't being left behind—they're just starting from a more modest baseline before catching up quickly.
The bottom line: This program delivers solid ROI through accelerated career growth rather than premium starting salaries, making it a reasonable choice for families prioritizing the flagship university experience with manageable debt.
Where University of Idaho Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Idaho graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Idaho graduates earn $70k, placing them in the 48th percentile of all computer science bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Idaho
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Idaho (5 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Idaho | $70,276 | $101,213 | $25,500 | 0.36 |
| Boise State University | $85,596 | $99,908 | $27,000 | 0.32 |
| Brigham Young University-Idaho | $77,316 | $103,986 | $7,821 | 0.10 |
| Idaho State University | $62,829 | — | $25,250 | 0.40 |
| National Median | $70,950 | — | $23,374 | 0.33 |
Other Computer Science Programs in Idaho
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Idaho schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boise State University Boise | $8,782 | $85,596 | $27,000 |
| Brigham Young University-Idaho Rexburg | $4,656 | $77,316 | $7,821 |
| Idaho State University Pocatello | $8,356 | $62,829 | $25,250 |
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 University of Idaho, approximately 23% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 31 graduates with reported earnings and 39 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.