Analysis
Landscape architecture programs nationwide typically launch graduates into the low-to-mid $50,000s their first year, and Idaho's sole offering appears to track closely with those patterns. Based on comparable bachelor's programs across the country, you're looking at roughly $52,800 in first-year earnings against an estimated $25,700 in debt—a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 that sits comfortably below the danger zone of 1.0.
The challenge here isn't necessarily the financial fundamentals, but the limited visibility. With such a small graduate cohort that the Department of Education can't publicly report actual outcomes, you're making this investment decision largely on faith that Idaho's program performs like its peers. That might be a reasonable bet—landscape architecture is a licensed profession with fairly standardized training—but you won't have the same hard data to validate the program's track record that you'd find at larger schools.
The takeaway: The estimated numbers suggest a manageable debt load for a design field that requires specific credentials, but recognize you're relying entirely on national patterns rather than this program's proven results. If your student is committed to landscape architecture and prefers Idaho's setting, the projected financials don't raise red flags—just understand you're working with educated guesses about what graduates actually earn and owe.
Where University of Idaho Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all landscape architecture bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Landscape Architecture bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,816 | $52,841* | — | $25,735* | — | |
| $11,954 | $60,668* | $62,645 | —* | — | |
| $10,758 | $59,972* | $64,800 | —* | — | |
| $11,075 | $58,331* | $58,474 | $22,433* | 0.38 | |
| $16,408 | $57,920* | $54,744 | —* | — | |
| $11,180 | $54,777* | $60,412 | $27,000* | 0.49 | |
| National Median | — | $52,841* | — | $25,734* | 0.49 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with landscape architecture graduates
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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 17 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.