Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at University of Idaho

University of Idaho's electrical engineering program performs solidly above both national and state benchmarks, though the premium isn't dramatic. Graduates earn $80,700 their first year—about $8,000 more than Idaho's median for this field and $3,000 above the national average. That positions U of I in the 60th percentile statewide and 71st nationally, meaning most engineering students in Idaho and across the country earn less. The $27,000 median debt sits at exactly Idaho's average but places this program in the 25th percentile nationally, indicating relatively manageable borrowing.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 is reasonable for engineering: graduates earn three times their debt in their first year, allowing aggressive paydown if they choose. Earnings grow to nearly $90,000 by year four, a respectable 11% increase that suggests strong career trajectory. For context, U of I outearns nearby Boise State by about $8,000 and BYU-Idaho by roughly $10,000 at the median, making it Idaho's strongest option in this field based on available data.

For families considering in-state tuition at Idaho's flagship university, this represents a practical path into a stable technical field. The combination of above-average starting salaries, low relative debt, and steady earnings growth makes this a straightforward positive investment, even if it won't match outcomes at elite engineering programs elsewhere.