Compare 5 General Studies. programs in Idaho. Average earnings: $35,041.
The highest-earning General Studies program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $22K earnings gap across 5 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Lewis-Clark State College's General Studies program leads with graduates earning $47,757—36% above the $35,041 average. University of Idaho follows at $36,191, while Idaho State University delivers $35,224. The variation demonstrates that regional programs compete effectively based on their own merit.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Lewis-Clark State College graduates borrow $18,500 and face just a 10.1% payment burden, landing in the 'Good' category. University of Idaho students face a concerning 22.1% burden despite lower net prices, proving the best choice depends on total debt, not sticker price.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $47,757 | 23 | $18,500 | Good | $12,624 | Manageable | |
| #2 | University Of IdahoPublic | $36,191 | 49 | $21,982 | Challenging | $21,162 | High |
| #3 | Idaho State UniversityPublic | $35,224 | 62 | $20,039 | Challenging | $14,334 | High |
| #4 | $30,109 | 638 | $13,969 | High | $7,556 | High | |
| #5 | $25,923 | 19 | $23,750 | High | $18,696 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
