Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at University of Idaho vary significantly by field of study, with engineering programs delivering the strongest earnings while education and liberal arts programs emphasize different career pathways. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment—not prestige or reputation.
Use this page to compare how different majors perform in the labor market ten years after graduation.
Analyzing 52 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size at University of Idaho.
recent graduates
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, rank, debt, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at University Of Idaho.
Engineering programs at University of Idaho deliver the highest earnings outcomes across the institution. Electrical and Electronics Engineering leads with $89,605 median earnings and ranks #76 nationally, while Mechanical Engineering produces $80,171 with strong enrollment of 82 graduates.
Chemical Engineering rounds out the portfolio with $82,397 earnings. These programs consistently place graduates in technical roles with excellent affordability ratings and standard debt payoff timelines.
This group is best suited for students prioritizing high earnings potential and technical career paths.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | — | $103,530 |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation labor market outcomes using Department of Education earnings and debt data for students who completed degrees and entered the workforce. Rankings vary within institutions because different programs prepare students for different career trajectories—engineering typically leads to higher-paying technical roles while education and social sciences often involve public service or require graduate study. Azimuth's methodology compares programs nationally within their specific fields, explaining why University of Idaho can rank #25 nationally in Agricultural Animal Breeding while ranking #228 in Psychology. These rankings reflect actual economic outcomes rather than institutional prestige, helping students understand the financial implications of program choice alongside academic interests and career goals.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
| — |
| 29 |
| Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering. | — | $94,484 | — | 31 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | — | $86,415 | — | 62 |
| Civil Engineering. | — | $86,310 | — | 37 |
| Chemical Engineering.Small sample | — | $80,558 | — | 10 |
Business programs show strong variation in outcomes, from Business Administration's $73,004 median earnings to Digital Marketing's $52,158. Banking and Financial Support Services delivers solid $64,881 earnings with 56 graduates, while Executive/Career Coaching provides specialized training with $54,065 outcomes.
Some programs like Accounting Technology show more modest returns relative to debt levels. This group works well for students seeking professional versatility with generally good affordability ratings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | — | $81,967★ | — | 49 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | — | $78,254 | — | 22 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | — | $71,929 | — | 42 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | — | $67,887 | — | 21 |
| Management Information Systems and Services.Small sample | — | $63,639 | — | 14 |
| Marketing. | — | $59,776 | $20,000 | 90 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | — | $52,438 | — | 42 |
Biology, General. leads sciences & mathematics with 55K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General.Small sample | — | $55,147★ | — | 19 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences.Small sample | — | $50,021 | — | 11 |
| Applied Mathematics.Small sample | — | $44,933 | — | 10 |
| Chemistry.Small sample | — | $38,664 | — | 7 |
| Microbiological Sciences and Immunology.Small sample | — | $36,118 | — | 15 |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology.Small sample | — | $28,055 | — | 18 |
| Mathematics.Small sample | — | $26,739 | — | 17 |
Social science programs typically produce more modest earnings but serve important pathways to graduate study and public service careers. Applied/Public Sociology generates $38,613 median earnings with challenging debt affordability, requiring careful financial planning.
These programs often prepare students for advanced degrees or careers emphasizing social impact over immediate earnings. Best suited for students prioritizing mission-driven work and willing to manage longer debt payoff timelines.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sociology. | — | $51,873★ | $25,353 | 53 |
| Political Science and Government. | — | $50,593 | — | 26 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies.Small sample | — | $48,662 | — | 19 |
| Psychology, General. | — | $42,825 | $16,780 | 134 |
| Anthropology.Small sample | — | $24,035 | — | 12 |
Advertising serves as University of Idaho's primary communications program, graduating 65 students with $43,706 median earnings. While earnings are moderate, the program ranks #52 nationally in its field and holds #1 position in Idaho.
Debt affordability requires careful management with longer payoff timelines expected. This program works for students passionate about creative and marketing careers who understand the financial tradeoffs involved.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | — | $56,032★ | $24,710 | 52 |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication.Small sample | — | $49,929 | — | 8 |
| Graphic Communications. | — | $49,188 | — | 24 |
| Journalism.Small sample | — | $45,288 | — | 13 |
General Studies represents the primary liberal arts pathway with more modest $36,191 earnings but serving as foundation for graduate study or career flexibility. Psychology, the university's largest program with 108 graduates, produces $39,718 median earnings and ranks #228 nationally.
These programs often emphasize broad skills development and preparation for advanced degrees. Suitable for students prioritizing intellectual development with understanding of financial considerations.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| History. | — | $50,628★ | — | 23 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.Small sample | — | $47,825 | — | 8 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | — | $47,654 | — | 27 |
| Fine and Studio Arts.Small sample | — | $45,624 | — | 18 |
| English Language and Literature, General.Small sample | — | $38,409 | — | 10 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft.Small sample | — | $35,407 | — | 11 |
| Music.Small sample | — | $29,227 | — | 12 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies.Small sample | — | $25,574 | — | 14 |
Adult and Continuing Education stands out with strong national ranking (#69) and solid $44,009 earnings for education field standards. With 86 graduates, this represents University of Idaho's primary education pathway with manageable debt affordability.
The program demonstrates the university's commitment to training educators for Idaho and regional needs. Well-suited for students seeking education careers with more sustainable economics than typical teacher preparation programs.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | — | $54,732★ | — | 32 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | — | $50,237 | $21,510 | 76 |
Agricultural Animal Breeding demonstrates University of Idaho's strength in agriculture and natural resources, ranking #25 nationally with solid $43,918 earnings. Forest Management ranks #15 nationally with $46,747 earnings, reflecting the university's expertise in natural resource fields relevant to Idaho's economy.
These programs offer strong national recognition with manageable debt affordability. Best for students interested in agricultural innovation and natural resource management careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Business and Management.Small sample | — | $80,690★ | — | 17 |
| Forestry. | — | $64,392 | — | 38 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research.Small sample | — | $62,791 | — | 19 |
| Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management.Small sample | — | $56,857 | — | 12 |
| Plant Sciences. | — | $47,392 | — | 26 |
| Agricultural Public Services.Small sample | — | $45,263 | — | 12 |
| Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management. | — | $43,171 | — | 24 |
| Animal Sciences. | — | $40,935 | — | 49 |
| Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy.Small sample | — | $34,542 | — | 6 |
Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services. leads other & interdisciplinary with 60K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services. | — | $60,241★ | — | 21 |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness. | — | $49,651 | — | 21 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services.Small sample | — | $46,758 | — | 13 |
| Apparel and Textiles.Small sample | — | $33,993 | — | 5 |
| Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management.Small sample | — | $26,715 | — | 9 |
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.
