Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at BYU-Idaho vary significantly by field of study, with some majors delivering strong earnings while others emphasize different career pathways. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment to help students understand how different academic paths translate into career outcomes.
Analyzing 47 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that demonstrate exceptional performance across earnings potential, national rankings, and value delivery.
#98 nationally
$80K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, national rank, cohort size, and value scores.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Brigham Young University-Idaho.
These programs deliver BYU-Idaho's strongest earnings outcomes, with Artificial Intelligence leading at $92,898 and Computer Engineering Technologies at $80,336 ranking #3 nationally. Mechanical Engineering produces more moderate earnings at $76,232 but ranks lower nationally, reflecting program variation.
Engineering and technology fields provide the clearest pathways to high-earning careers for students prioritizing immediate financial returns.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | #98 | $103,986 |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation earnings outcomes based on federal College Scorecard data tracking graduates ten years after enrollment. Rankings compare programs nationally and within Idaho, emphasizing labor market results rather than institutional reputation or program prestige. Earnings differences reflect industry compensation patterns, regional economic factors, and career trajectory variations across fields. Value scores incorporate both earnings and debt levels to assess return on educational investment. Cohort sizes indicate enrollment scale and outcome confidence levels, with larger programs providing greater statistical reliability. Students should consider these outcomes alongside personal interests, graduate school plans, and long-term career goals when evaluating academic programs, as earnings represent just one dimension of career satisfaction and life success.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| — |
| 45 |
| Artificial Intelligence. | #57 | $92,898 | — | 158 |
| Chemical Engineering Technology/Technician.Small sample | #6 | $85,411 | — | 17 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #171 | $83,186 | — | 32 |
| Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other. | #3 | $80,336 | — | 128 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #197 | $76,232 | — | 127 |
| Computer Graphics. | #7 | $71,087 | — | 88 |
| Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician. | #28 | $63,005 | — | 58 |
| Computer Engineering, General.Small sample | #146 | $61,516 | — | 19 |
| Civil Engineering, General. | #175 | $57,318 | — | 26 |
Business programs show strong performance with solid enrollment numbers and competitive earnings. Business Administration produces 579 graduates earning $63,813 while ranking #79 nationally.
Banking and Financial Support Services delivers exceptional earnings at $81,283 with smaller cohorts. Accounting Technology provides strong value at $72,296 with #56 national ranking.
These programs suit students seeking broad career flexibility with strong earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #51 | $81,283★ | — | 100 |
| Construction Management, General. | #21 | $75,446 | — | 63 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #55 | $72,296 | — | 156 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #80 | $63,813 | — | 579 |
| Digital Marketing. | #166 | $49,026 | — | 72 |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | #13 | $44,109 | — | 72 |
Health programs display mixed outcomes, with Clinical Research Coordinator achieving exceptional performance at #5 nationally ($56,165 earnings) and outstanding 94.4 value score. Adult Health Nursing produces larger cohorts at $56,925 but ranks lower nationally.
Behavioral Aspects of Health serves substantial enrollment with moderate earnings at $39,001. Programs vary significantly in competitive positioning and career preparation focus.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #269 | $56,925★ | — | 276 |
| Clinical Research Coordinator. | #8 | $56,165 | — | 160 |
| Behavioral Aspects of Health. | #49 | $39,001 | — | 314 |
Biological sciences programs demonstrate solid performance with Biology General producing 230 graduates earning $47,958. Aerospace Physiology shows specialized strength at $42,945 with #21 national ranking despite smaller cohorts.
These programs typically prepare students for graduate study continuation or healthcare-related careers, with earnings reflecting diverse post-graduation pathways including advanced education.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra and Number Theory.Small sample | #132 | $63,618★ | — | 14 |
| Geochemistry and Petrology.Small sample | #26 | $56,607 | — | 12 |
| Biology, General. | #156 | $47,958 | — | 230 |
| Aerospace Physiology and Medicine. | #21 | $42,945 | — | 168 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.Small sample | #94 | $35,779 | — | 18 |
Psychology General represents the primary program in this category, serving 200 graduates with earnings of $43,584 and #137 national ranking. The program demonstrates solid value delivery with manageable debt levels relative to earnings outcomes.
These fields typically emphasize graduate school preparation or human services careers, with earnings reflecting diverse post-graduation pathways beyond immediate workforce entry.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #160 | $55,961★ | — | 41 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #163 | $44,203 | — | 56 |
| Psychology, General. | #141 | $43,584 | — | 200 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #187 | $35,827 | — | 63 |
Communication and Media Studies serves 233 graduates earning $39,994 with moderate national ranking. The program provides broad career preparation across media, marketing, and communication roles.
Earnings reflect the diverse nature of communication careers, from entry-level positions to specialized roles requiring additional experience or specialization.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #174 | $39,994 | — | 233 |
Art History represents this category with 162 graduates earning $27,620, reflecting typical humanities earning patterns focused on cultural engagement and graduate study preparation. These programs emphasize intellectual development and creative expression, with career paths often requiring additional specialization or advanced education for optimal earnings potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies. | #140 | $30,109★ | — | 638 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #247 | $28,594 | — | 105 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #197 | $27,620 | — | 162 |
| American History (United States). | #301 | $24,035 | — | 25 |
| Acting. | #157 | $16,587 | — | 36 |
| Brass Instruments. | #181 | $10,100 | — | 37 |
Education programs serve substantial student populations with Adult and Continuing Education graduating 198 students earning $36,811. Agricultural Teacher Education produces 145 graduates earning $43,390 with stronger national ranking at #69.
These programs typically prepare students for public service careers with earnings reflecting education sector compensation patterns and long-term stability focus.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Teacher Education. | #81 | $43,390★ | — | 145 |
| Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed. | #59 | $43,252 | — | 35 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #178 | $36,811 | — | 198 |
Agricultural Teacher Education bridges this category and education, producing graduates earning $43,390 with solid regional demand. The program serves Idaho's agricultural economy while preparing educators for rural and agricultural communities.
Earnings reflect both education sector patterns and specialized agricultural knowledge applications.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations. | #31 | $60,874★ | — | 30 |
| Soil Chemistry and Physics.Small sample | #4 | $57,318 | — | 12 |
| Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services. | #6 | $39,352 | — | 31 |
| Agricultural Animal Breeding. | #47 | $37,885 | — | 45 |
| Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management. | #25 | $26,353 | — | 22 |
General Studies serves as BYU-Idaho's largest program with 638 graduates, though earnings of $30,109 reflect the broad, foundational nature of interdisciplinary education. Adult Development and Aging produces 440 graduates earning $20,830, emphasizing social services and community support roles.
These programs provide flexible preparation for diverse career paths requiring additional specialization.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International/Globalization Studies. | #32 | $43,094★ | — | 65 |
| Golf Course Operation and Grounds Management. | #26 | $34,095 | — | 91 |
| Adult Development and Aging. | #91 | $20,830 | — | 440 |
| Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) Program. | #24 | $20,140 | — | 143 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
