Head-to-head comparison
Idaho State University vs Provo College-Idaho Falls Campus: which has better ROI?
Option A Pocatello, ID
Idaho State University
- Net price / year
- $12,193
- Earnings, 10 years
- $45,608
- Payback
- No payback
Option B Idaho Falls, ID
Provo College-Idaho Falls Campus
- Net price / year
- $33,576
- Earnings, 10 years
- $39,645
- Payback
- No payback
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Idaho State University comes closer — median earnings $45,608 against a $48,772 total, vs $39,645 at Provo College-Idaho Falls Campus. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Idaho State University | Provo College-Idaho Falls Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,193 | $33,576 |
| Total net cost | $48,772 | $134,304 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $45,608 | $39,645 |
| Median debt | $20,039 | $41,733 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$103,812 | -$308,604 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
The short answer
Which is cheaper, Idaho State University or Provo College-Idaho Falls Campus?
Idaho State University, at $12,193 a year after aid versus $33,576 — a gap of $21,383 a year, or $85,532 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
The short answer
Do Idaho State University or Provo College-Idaho Falls Campus graduates earn more?
Idaho State University graduates report a median $45,608 ten years after entry, $5,963 more than the $39,645 at Provo College-Idaho Falls Campus. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
The short answer
Which leaves students with less debt, Idaho State University or Provo College-Idaho Falls Campus?
Idaho State University: its completers carry a median $20,039 in federal loans versus $41,733 at Provo College-Idaho Falls Campus, a difference of $21,694. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.