Best Colleges in Idaho

Idaho College Guide – What You Need to Know

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The US Department of Education lists 14 colleges and universities on the Idaho state college scorecard. Some have a special focus and many are large institutions and nationally prominent schools. The leading institutions can be ranked in terms of size, degrees issued, and courses and degrees offered. The mix of private schools includes Brigham Young University-Idaho, Northwest Nazarene College, and the College of Idaho. The major public schools are Boise State College, University of Idaho, and Idaho State University.

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What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in Idaho?

Idaho has a diverse economy with a burst of technological growth in recent years. The more popular degrees are nearly divided between business education and the humanities. Both business and the humanities fields lend themselves to immediate employment and to further education. Business occupations have risen to the top of the early college graduate salary rankings. One should remember that business studies are clearly not the only way to enter a business career. Many employers look for various types of excellence such as critical thinking, social concerns, and community engagement.

The below-listed items describe the most popular Idaho degrees based upon degrees conferred in recent years:

How Much Can You Make by Having a Degree?

NO FORMAL EDUCATION HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA ASSOCIATE DEGREE BACHELOR’S DEGREE MASTER’S DEGREE DOCTORAL DEGREE
$30,784* $38,792* $46,124* $64,896* $77,844* $96,772*

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) surveyed the national employment data and determined that there were sharp differences in median income based on education. In a upward trending line, median annual income rises with the level of education. Employees with high school diplomas lag behind those with college degrees. The associate degree increases annual income by about $6,000 per year. The bachelor’s degree adds about $17,500 per year. Over the course of a lifetime of earnings, the bachelor’s degree adds up to $1 million in income. The income increases are not tied only to employment. The knowledge and expertise gained by higher education can position people to enter entrepreneurship, including providing professional services.

*National Average Earnings by Degree Level
arizona-National-Average-earning-by-educational-attainment

Most Popular Degrees and Careers in Idaho

Idaho is a large state in the northwest United States. It is known for open spaces and vast tracts of unspoiled and protected land. It has a few large cities and a mostly rural population. The magnificent scenery includes the Rocky Mountains, lakes, and wide rivers. The Idaho economy is a reflection of the national economy with slow, steady growth and low unemployment.

Idaho unemployment was measured in the range of 3% in mid-year 2018. The Idaho state economy ranks in the lowest quartile for GDP, and the median annual household income is significantly lower than the national average. However, the state’s employment projections are positive. The Idaho government projected a 110,000 job increase over the decade ending in 2022.

The areas of greatest potential growth are in healthcare and social services, retail trade, leisure and hospitality, and professional services. Construction, manufacturing, and education also rank in the list of growth areas along with financial services.

Top Business Management Careers and Salaries

Human Resources Specialists have expertise in recruitment of needed talent. They carry out programs that establish rewards and incentives for worker performance and retention of key employees. These specialists must work with all other parts of the organization to meet staffing and personnel needs.

Labor Relations Specialists operate the framework of labor organizations and union contracts. They have the responsibility for working to resolve issues and provide information to support management decision-making on labor issues.

Management Analysts assess organization functions and processes for effectiveness and efficiency.

Training and Development Specialists support employee knowledge and professional development for their organizations. They expand the capacity of the workforce by increasing the levels of skills and knowledge.

Accountants and Auditors make official reports and oversee the business and financial records.

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Human Resources Specialists 2,290 $51,500
Labor Relations Specialists 160 $71,100
Management Analysts 2,850 $67,400
Training and Development Specialists 1,550 $58,500
Accountants and Auditors 3,940 $57,400

Best Idaho Schools for Business and Management

  • University of Idaho
  • Boise State University
  • Northwest Nazarene University
  • Brigham Young University-Idaho
  • College of Idaho

Top Education Careers and Salaries

Preschool Teachers provide a foundation to learning in all respects, creating a love of learning in young children that they can build on.

High School Teachers build on learning foundations to create interest in specific subjects and prepare students for college.

Economics Teachers at the postsecondary level must research, write, and publish in peer-reviewed journals. They equip graduates with skills and knowledge to take on leadership roles in business, management, and social research.

Graduate Teaching Assistants are the next generation of college-level faculty and researchers. These master’s degree and doctoral students provide basic education for undergraduates, particularly in general education courses.

Education Teachers at the postsecondary level help prepare a new generation of grade school, high school, and college level teachers.

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Preschool Teachers 1,370 $32,700
High School Teachers 6,210 $50,300
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary 13,270 $60,200
Graduate Teaching Assistants 440 $20,400
Edu. Teachers, Postsecondary 220 $53,800

Best Idaho Schools for Education

  • Boise State University
  • Idaho State University
  • Lewis-Clark State College
  • Northwest Nazarene University
  • University of Idaho

Top Humanities Careers and Salaries

Conservation Scientists use principles of many other disciplines to develop tools, methods, and research to promote nature conservation. The areas of concern include soil, water, air quality, and sustainable practices.

Foresters apply research and investigating to resolve issues related to loss of forest coverage, wildfires, and forest management. While also a valuable commercial resource, forests play key roles in conserving soil, providing oxygen, and removing carbon from the air.

Chemists work with human-made and natural compounds in research, commercial applications, and medical settings.

Hydrologists study water on and under the surface of the earth. They pay particular attention to water supplies, climate change, and water security.

Urban and Regional Planners assess land use patterns against the needs and preferences of developers, governments, and other types of land users. They help organize the size and growth of built-up areas and population centers.

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Conservation Scientists 290 $54,300
Foresters 280 $51,900
Chemists 230 $56,700
Hydrologists 130 $59,600
Urban and Regional Planners 230 $56,400

Best Idaho Schools for Humanities Fields of Study

  • College of Idaho
  • University of Idaho
  • Boise State University
  • Lewis-Clark State College
  • Idaho State University

Top Health Professions Careers and Salaries

Dietitians and Nutritionists study the needs of humans for nutrition and wellness. They make recommendations to correct deficiencies and to protect wellness through a healthy balance of activity and nutrition.

Registered Nurses are highly skilled professionals that provide direct patient care in many medical settings. They primarily work in inpatient settings such as hospitals and skilled nursing facilities.

Nurse Anesthetists are nurse specialists that work in surgical settings to apply and monitor anesthesia.

Dental Hygienists are dental technicians that work with patients to provide preliminary examinations, cleanings, and education. They help dentists identify and diagnose diseases and defects.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists are technical experts in the use of advanced imaging techniques. Typically, these skilled technicians work in medical care facilities to support diagnosis and treatments.

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Dietitians and Nutritionists 450 $50,600
Registered Nurses 14,110 $65,400
Nurse Anesthetists 43,570 $157,200
Dental Hygienists 1,880 $60,100
M R I Technologists 100 $71,700

Best Idaho Schools for Health Professions

  • Boise State University
  • Northwest Nazarene University
  • Lewis-Clark State College
  • Idaho State University
  • Brigham Young University-Idaho

Top Natural Sciences Careers and Salaries

Computer Systems Analysts provide expertise in solving issues in computer systems and hardware.

Information Security Analysts work to protect the integrity of data and the systems that contain and work with it.

Software Developers are skilled programmers and designers that use their expertise to interpret goals and purposes into functioning software.

Network and Computer Systems Administrators coordinate large and small systems and work with integrating them into networks or large systems made up of numerous smaller systems.

Statisticians use mathematics and mathematical models to solve problems and use predictive probabilities to assess risks.

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Computer Systems Analysts 1,560 $69,500
Information Security Analysts 470 $72,700
Software Developers, Apps 4,690 $69,900
Network and Systems Admins 1,380 $61,300
Statisticians 90 $74,500

Best Idaho Schools for Natural Science studies

  • Northwest Nazarene University
  • College of Idaho
  • University of Idaho
  • Boise State University
  • Lewis-Clark State College
  • Idaho State University
Want to See All the Idaho Occupational Wage Averages

The top occupations with the highest forecasted growth rate in Idaho

Job Title Growth Percentage Average Wage Jobs in 2024
Web Developer 53% $48,900 1,470
Home Health Aide 41.4% $22,120 3,930
Property Manager 40.8% $35,500 3,380
Software Developer 40.6% $83,870 3,220
Real Estate Agent 34.1% $57,800 1,810
Program Manager 31.7% $50,690 1,330
Forestry Technician 30.7% $36,550 2,770
Physical Therapist 29.8% $75,370 1,350

Best Associate Degrees in Idaho

Best Associate Degrees in Idaho
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The best colleges in Idaho that offer quality associate degrees are typically community colleges and private higher learning institutions. You should definitely look for schools that are willing to work with other higher learning institutions to provide transfer degree pathways. The most common and best associate degrees in Idaho vary from one school to the next but they include nursing, business, engineering, and criminal justice.

Carrington College-Boise
College Type
2-year, Private for-profit		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
454		 Graduation Rate
63%		 Net Price
$32,009
College of Eastern Idaho
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
1,595		 Graduation Rate
58%		 Net Price
$9,434
Stevens-Henager College
College Type
4-year, Primarily associate's, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
180		 Graduation Rate
34%		 Net Price
$23,205
North Idaho College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
5,068		 Graduation Rate
25%		 Net Price
$6,909
Stevens-Henager College
College Type
4-year, Primarily associate's, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
64		 Graduation Rate
25%		 Net Price
$26,077
College of Western Idaho
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
10,580		 Graduation Rate
22%		 Net Price
$5,961
College of Southern Idaho
College Type
4-year, Primarily associate's, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
7,288		 Graduation Rate
21%		 Net Price
$6,060

Best Bachelor's Degrees in Idaho

Best Bachelor's Degrees in Idaho
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To find the best bachelor’s programs in Idaho, look no further. These acclaimed higher learning institutions offer a wide range of popular majors and degree programs including health professions, business, management, marketing, communication, journalism, engineering, multi and interdisciplinary studies, liberal arts and humanities, and public health education.

The College of Idaho
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,091		 Graduation Rate
66%		 Net Price
$21,043
Northwest Nazarene University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,111		 Graduation Rate
61%		 Net Price
$20,559
Brigham Young University-Idaho
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
39,145		 Graduation Rate
60%		 Net Price
$7,038
University of Idaho
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
11,926		 Graduation Rate
56%		 Net Price
$15,017
Boise State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
26,217		 Graduation Rate
51%		 Net Price
$13,237
Boise Bible College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
95		 Graduation Rate
49%		 Net Price
$21,315
Lewis-Clark State College
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,748		 Graduation Rate
38%		 Net Price
$10,978
Idaho State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
12,402		 Graduation Rate
36%		 Net Price
$13,135
Stevens-Henager College
College Type
4-year, Primarily associate's, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
180		 Graduation Rate
34%		 Net Price
$23,205
Stevens-Henager College
College Type
4-year, primarily associate's, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
64		 Graduation Rate
25%		 Net Price
$26,077
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Best Master's Degrees in Idaho

Best Master's Degrees in Idaho
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In terms of master’s degrees and doctorate degrees in Idaho, students will be able to select from a variety of degree programs and colleges and universities throughout the state. The best areas of educational pursuit are different at each school but include MBAs with a variety of specializations, education, engineering, nursing and medical, earth sciences, social work, public affairs, and fine art. Find the degree that will help you meet your career goals at the school that can make it all happen.

The College of Idaho
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
14		 Graduation Rate
66%		 Net Price
$21,043
Northwest Nazarene University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
688		 Graduation Rate
61%		 Net Price
$20,559
University of Idaho
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,534		 Graduation Rate
56%		 Net Price
$15,017
Boise State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,321		 Graduation Rate
51%		 Net Price
$13,237
Idaho State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,049		 Graduation Rate
36%		 Net Price
$13,135
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
College Type
4-year, Private for-profit		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
324		 Graduation Rate
NA		 Net Price
NA
New Saint Andrews College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
31		 Graduation Rate
NA		 Net Price
NA

Best Online Degree Colleges in Idaho (Distance Learning Only)

Online programs in Idaho increase in availability with each passing year. At the moment, the best distance learning in Idaho can be found at four-year universities and graduate schools. Many Idaho online programs offer pre-recorded lectures and a flexible course schedule. A few programs excel well beyond the others including education, management, and healthcare degrees.

Colorado Technical University
College Type
4-year, Private for-profit		 Student Population
27,232		 Graduation Rate
26%		 Net Price
$16,260
Purdue
College Type
4-year, Public		 Student Population
38,138		 Graduation Rate
27%		 Net Price
NA
Southern New Hampshire University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Student Population
113,514		 Graduation Rate
44%		 Net Price
$39,743
Western Governors University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Student Population
136,139		 Graduation Rate
21%		 Net Price
$7,785
Capella University
College Type
4-year, Private for-profit		 Student Population
37,859		 Graduation Rate
NA		 Net Price
$17,368
Walden University
College Type
4-year, Private for-profit		 Student Population
48,420		 Graduation Rate
33%		 Net Price
NA

Cost of idaho College Education & Salaries

In-state tuition rates make education reachable for millions of American families. Students should always consider the public schools in their state when selecting a program for an associate, bachelor’s, or advanced degrees. In-state tuition is a product of legislative arrangements that reward state taxpayers for supporting the state’s public education system. Out-of-state students do not participate in the support system and therefore pay rates based on the full value of the educational services. The result is that there is a two-tiered system that helps in-state families.

However, out-of-state students may be able to attend Idaho schools for in-state rates or a price within 150% of the in-state rate. Idaho belongs to an agreement among western states to grant in-state or near in-state rates to the other’s students. The effect is to permit Idaho students to pursue majors and learning environments not available in Idaho.

College Cost Analysis - Idaho vs. National

The Idaho in-state tuition average is slightly higher than the national average for public four-year schools. The Idaho rate for out-of-state students is significantly lower than the national average. When comparing tuition and charges, students must always look at the details to get the complete picture. Many schools add fees that are not classified as tuition and other required fees. The test must always be the total of charges when comparing costs of education.

Average Idaho Tuition & Fees at 4 Year Public Schools

In-State Tuition – $12,000

National – $10,000

Out-of-State – $15,653

National – $27,500

Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid

Idaho ranked at number three for the highest percentage of applicants receiving grants. The 45% figure was significantly higher than the national average at 38%. Idaho ranks at number 49 for the total funding received per student. The Idaho figure of $9,053 is less than the national average ($10,977) and the top state, which is the District of Columbia at $16,900.

Financial Aid Idaho Nationally
Received Federal Grants 45% 37.7%
Average $ per Recipient $9,053 $10,927

* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a postsecondary institution.
* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Best Scholarships for Idaho

The nation seems to recognize the need for the best educated and most highly trained workforce that we can have. Part of that recognition comes in the form of the federal and state grants and scholarships that make college education reachable for millions of Americans.

In the State of Idaho, the government provides some useful scholarship and grant opportunities that can go along with private and federal aid to help nearly every student find an affordable solution to college education. The state encourages residents to support needy students by offering a checkbox on the state income tax filing to donate part of the tax refund to the general college scholarship funds. Online education also qualifies for many types of financial aid when offered by an accredited institution.

IOS

Idaho Opportunity Scholarship

Amount: Up to $3,500 per year
Deadline: March 1
https://boardofed.idaho.gov/scholarships/idaho-opportunity-scholarship/
The Idaho government seeks to promote educational opportunity that can assist residents in becoming part of a well-educated and productive workforce. The state established the Opportunity Scholarship to help remove financial barriers to higher education for Idaho residents. The Idaho Opportunity Scholarship is a need-based award that requires a 2.7 GPA or higher on a four-point scale. The award has an annual limit of $3,500, but students can renew up to a total of four years. The basic requirements are that applicants must be a graduating senior or a graduate from an Idaho high school, or they must have an equivalent such as a GED/HSE from the State of Idaho. Students must meet or exceed the minimum academic achievement level of an unweighted, cumulative GPA of 2.7.

Eligible students must be Idaho residents. They must fill out the State Board of Education scholarship application by March 1 and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the same date. Both before and after the award, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress under the financial aid standards.

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IOSAL

Idaho Opportunity Scholarship for Adult Learners

Amount: $3,500 per year
Deadline: Three-weeks before entry
https://boardofed.idaho.gov/scholarships/idaho-opportunity-scholarship-for-adult-learners/
This program focuses on older students that have had an interruption in their college attendance. The student must not have achieved a bachelor’s degree and be in the process of pursuing their first bachelor’s degree or certificate. This is a need-based scholarship.

The State of Idaho supports adults that seek to return to an education path or start a journey towards educational enrichment. Eligible applicants must have previously earned at least 24 credit hours before a cease or interruption in enrollment. The applicant must have a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher and must not have attended school for the 24 months prior to the application.

All applicants must be Idaho residents, and they must complete the FAFSA. After the award, students must maintain an acceptable academic performance of 2.7 GPA or higher. The award of $3,500 is for one year. Students may renew the award each year for a maximum of four years.

PFS

Pride Foundation Scholarships

Amount: The awards range from $2,000 to $12,000
Deadline: January 11
https://pridefoundation.org/find-funding/scholarships/
The Pride Foundation supports students that identify as LGBTQ or as an Ally of the LGBTQ community. The LGBTQ Pride Foundation offers financial support to students attending accredited colleges in many locations in the US. There is a range of scholarships for which students can apply with a single application. The Pride Foundation supports students in the Northwest Region, including Idaho

Students can review the specific funds that may be available as an aid to filling out their applications at this link ( https://pridefoundation.org/find-funding/scholarships/scholarship-opportunities/) or by following the links on the application page. The awards overall place priority on those that have faced difficulties such as a lack of family support or gender, social, and racial barriers. The opportunities are specific to certain fields like law or public policy advocacy. Some support focuses on learners with disabilities or physical and emotional barriers.

TFS

Tschudy Family Scholarship

Amount: $2,500
Deadline: February 15
https://boardofed.idaho.gov/scholarships/tschudy-family-scholarship/
The Tschudy Family Scholarship is a need and merit-based scholarship. The eligible applicants must be residents of Idaho but also recent graduates or graduating seniors from the Emmett High School. Applicants must complete the FAFSA before February 15 and comply with the requirements of the Tschudy Family Scholarship. Awards may run for up to five years of undergraduate study and for an additional two years of graduate study.

Eligible applicants must be Emmett High School graduating seniors or students that have graduated within the past seven years. Eligible students must enroll or plan to enroll as a full-time student carrying at least 14 semester hours. The scholarship supports Emmett High School graduates that pursue a degree at a four-year accredited institution in the State of Idaho. The eligible institutions are at Boise State University, Idaho State University, Lewis-Clark State College, or the University of Idaho.

SPS_logo

GIS

Gear UP Idaho Scholarship

Amount: The award amounts vary by the number of applicants and awards.
Deadline: March 1
https://boardofed.idaho.gov/scholarships/gear-up-idaho-scholarship-2/
Students must have completed a high school diploma or GED program or possess the high school equivalent. They must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applicants must be accepted or enrolled in an eligible participating institution within the territory of the State of Idaho. Awards can be renewed for up to four years or eight semesters.

Eligible institutions include any Idaho-based, public, and regionally-accredited institution under the general supervision and governance of the Idaho State Board of Education. Students may also participate through a private, non-profit, regionally-accredited institution. Participating Idaho institutions are North Idaho College, Idaho State University, Lewis-Clark State College, BYU Idaho, College of Southern Idaho, Northwest Nazarene University, Eastern Idaho Technical College, College of Idaho, University of Idaho, the College of Western Idaho, and Boise State University.

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