Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at University of Idaho

University of Idaho's liberal arts program lands squarely in the middle of Idaho options but trails the national median by about $2,700. At $33,620 starting out, graduates earn less than the typical liberal arts grad nationally, though they outperform 60% of Idaho programs in this field. The debt load of $26,209 is reasonable—manageable within a year of earnings—and slightly below both state and national averages for this degree.

The 8% earnings bump over four years is modest but positive, suggesting graduates find their footing in the job market rather than stalling out. For Idaho families, this program offers a middle-ground option: not as strong as Lewis-Clark State's $39,400 outcomes, but more solid than some private alternatives in the state. The broader challenge remains that liberal arts degrees generally produce lower earnings than professional programs, regardless of where you study.

If your student is committed to liberal arts, this represents an acceptable in-state choice with reasonable debt. The outcomes won't wow anyone, but they won't bury your child either. Just understand that at these earnings levels, student loan payments will be noticeable in the monthly budget, and career trajectory will depend heavily on what your student does with the degree after graduation.