BYU-Idaho maintains exceptional affordability compared to similar private nonprofit institutions. The published cost of attendance is $13,357 per year, comprising $4,656 in tuition and fees, $5,068 for room and board, and $550 for books and supplies.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $8,221 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $4,378 |
| $30–48k | $4,579 |
| $48–75k | $5,854 |
| $75–110k | $8,986 |
| $110k+ | $13,764 |
BYU-Idaho maintains exceptional affordability compared to similar private nonprofit institutions. The published cost of attendance is $13,357 per year, comprising $4,656 in tuition and fees, $5,068 for room and board, and $550 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $7,131 after financial aid, representing substantial savings of $6,226 from the sticker price.
This net price falls dramatically below the peer median of $33,531, creating a $26,400 annual cost advantage compared to similar private nonprofit institutions. Net prices vary by family income, ranging from $3,102 for families earning under $30,000 to $12,309 for families earning over $110,000. The $9,207 gap between lowest and highest income tiers demonstrates progressive pricing that makes education accessible across economic backgrounds.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
BYU-Idaho graduates maintain exceptionally manageable debt levels that support long-term financial stability. Median student debt reaches $13,969, ranking in the 87th percentile nationally for low debt and falling $9,199 below the peer median of $23,168.
Debt levels span from $3,627 at the 25th percentile to $13,980 at the 75th percentile, showing controlled borrowing across the student population. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 indicates strong affordability, with typical graduates dedicating roughly 26% of their first year's earnings to total educational debt rather than annual payments.
Parent PLUS borrowing averages $7,000 with monthly payments of $92, representing minimal additional family debt burden. The combination of low tuition, effective financial aid, and controlled borrowing creates sustainable debt loads that support career flexibility and financial security.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
BYU-Idaho delivers strong return on investment through the combination of exceptional affordability and solid earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $7,115 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 80.1st percentile nationally for earnings uplift.
While median earnings of $53,406 rank around the national average, the dramatically lower educational costs create favorable investment mathematics. With median debt $9,199 below peer institutions and comparable earnings performance, BYU-Idaho graduates enter careers with significant financial flexibility.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 compares favorably to national patterns and supports manageable repayment timelines. The university ranks among the top 25 nationally for earnings beyond expectations, indicating effective career preparation despite moderate absolute earnings levels.
BYU-Idaho's financial aid approach emphasizes broad accessibility rather than merit-based competition. With 24.9% of students receiving Pell grants, the university serves a meaningful share of lower-income students, though below levels typical at public institutions.
The $6,226 average financial aid savings per student represents 47% of the total cost of attendance, indicating substantial institutional support for affordability. Aid effectiveness appears strongest for lowest-income families, who receive sufficient support to reduce net costs to $3,102.
The university's aid strategy aligns with its open access mission, prioritizing need-based assistance to remove financial barriers. The gap between sticker price and net prices across all income tiers suggests broad-based aid distribution rather than concentrated support for only the neediest students.
